Large 50-Knot Orthodox Prayer Rope | Jesus Prayer

Large 50-Bead Orthodox Prayer Rope—20 mm Beads—The Jesus Prayer Although used especially by monastics, the prayer rope can also be a valuable aid to prayer for laypeople. A prayer rope consists of a series of knots or beads, traditionally made from wool, wood, glass or another suitable material. It helps gather the mind in prayer and guard it from distraction. The prayer rope is held in the left hand between the thumb and forefinger. The right hand makes the sign of the Cross as the Jesus Prayer is spoken. Traditionally, one prayer is said for every bead: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” “The prayer rope,” he said, “is a tool for prayer.” It should therefore be used neither superficially nor for display, but with humility and with understanding. On one occasion, a spiritual son asked him: “Geronda, should I make a prayer rope of 50 or 100 knots?” “Fifty, a hundred—as many as it may be! Let our whole life become a prayer rope. Say the prayer, keep saying the prayer. And let us place everything under the Lord's watch...” Father Eusebius Giannakakis