Elastic Woven Prayer Rope – Saint Raphael – Mount Athos

Description

The Elastic Woven Prayer Rope from Mount Athos is crafted from high-quality thread with elasticity, making it both durable and comfortable to use during prayer. The prayer rope serves as a constant reminder of the power of prayer when worn on the hand.

Prayer ropes are woven according to an ancient tradition that dates back to the early centuries. One of the earliest forms of prayer aids involved collecting small stones or seeds and moving them from one point or container to another during the “rule” of prayer or during the “rule” of small or great prostrations. There is also the story of a monk who thought of tying simple knots in a rope and using it during his daily “rule” of prayer. However, the devil would undo the knots, hindering the monk’s efforts. Then, an angel appeared and taught the monk a special knot, which is now used in prayer ropes, consisting of repeated crosses. The devil was unable to undo these knots due to the presence of the crosses.

With the help of the prayer rope, one can recite short prayers, such as the tax collector’s prayer: “O God, be merciful to me a sinner,” the prayer to the Theotokos: “Most Holy Theotokos, save us,” or other short prayers to the guardian angel, individual saints, or all the saints. The usual form of such a prayer is: “Holy Angel – or Holy [name], pray for me.” By turning these short prayers into “have mercy on us” or “pray for us,” or by including the names of people for whom we wish to pray, the prayer rope can also be used for intercessions on behalf of others. This also applies to prayers for the departed: “Grant rest, O Lord, to the soul of Your servant.”

Origin: Mount Athos
Material: High-quality elastic thread
Purpose: Prayer aid