The Prayer Rope (Komboskini)
33, 50, 100 or 300 wool knots with a tassel
The prayer rope is not a rosary of meditated mysteries but an aid to unceasing prayer. Each knot is traditionally tied with a prayer, and the wool recalls the flock of Christ.
The Eastern tradition of the prayer rope belongs to the hesychast life: few words, deep attention, and the name of Jesus repeated until it rests in the heart.
Praying it, step by step
- 1.
Stand in Stillness
Begin with the Trisagion prayers and 'O Heavenly King', then let the body be still.
- 2.
Take the Rope
Hold the rope in the left hand, thumb and finger on the first knot, the cross of the tassel in your palm.
- 3.
Pray with the Breath
Breathing in: 'Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God.' Breathing out: 'have mercy on me, a sinner.' One knot for each prayer.
- 4.
Return Gently
When the mind wanders, return without anxiety to the words. Attention, not feeling, is the work.
- 5.
Close in Thanksgiving
End with 'Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit' and a prayer to the Theotokos.
Source: Ecumenical Patriarchate