Prayer Ropes

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

What exactly is a prayer rope? Is this similar to the bag with 150 pebbles for 150 psalms, but on a rope?

[Oblio]

A prayer rope, Chotki (Rus), or Komboskini (Gk.) has numerous knots for saying the Jesus Prayer (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Have Mercy on me, a sinner). The smallest number is usually 33, signifying the age of our Lord when He was crucified.

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

A prayer rope, Chotki (Rus), or Komboskini (Gk.) has numerous knots for saying the Jesus Prayer (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Have Mercy on me, a sinner). The smallest number is usually 33, signifying the age of our Lord when He was crucified.
Is this the only prayer on the rope? Are there other types of ropes?

[Oblio]

The Jesus Prayer (http://www.monachos.net/monasticism/jesus_prayer.shtml)

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

Oh, and also, how exactly does one use the rope?

[d0c markus]

What exactly is a prayer rope? Is this similar to the bag with 150 pebbles for 150 psalms, but on a rope?I was just about to ask this.

Where can i get one?

Edit:

Is this similar to a catholic roasary?

[Oblio]

Is this the only prayer on the rope? Are there other types of ropes?

We do not generally (those some have) use other prayers such as the RCs rosary. We also do not dwell on or contemplate the Mysteries of Christ such as is done in the RC rosary. The Fathers instruct that we should pray with our eyes closed (so as not to be deceived by a deceptive 'angel' of light) and simply recite the prayer.

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

I was just about to ask this.

Where can i get one?

Edit:

Is this similar to a catholic roasary?
According to the Catholic FAQ, the rosary is far different from the pebble bag. It has a lot of hail Mary beads and whatnot.

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

The Fathers instruct that we should pray with our eyes closed (so as not to be deceived by a deceptive 'angel' of light) and simply recite the prayer.
Could you explain this one more/provide a scripture? This is interesting stuff :)

[Oblio]

Hmmm , simulposts :)

It is not similar to the rosary and is generally used as an aid simply to keep focused on the prayer. Most Orthodox bookstores, monasteries sell them. I have bought them in Jersusalem, Mt. Athos, and received the one I use as a gift in a wedding basket. Hopefully others will provide links of a good sources if you are interested.

[d0c markus]

Hmmm , simulposts :)

It is not similar to the rosary and is generally used as an aid simply to keep focused on the prayer. Most Orthodox bookstores, monasteries sell them. I have bought them in Jersusalem, Mt. Athos, and received the one I use as a gift in a wedding basket. Hopefully others will provide links of a good sources if you are interested.
Thank you. Perhaps could you link me to the text of the 'Jesus Prayer'? Id like to study it to see if it contradicts my principals of faith. (No offense but if not I wouldnt see a problem with adding it to my prayer life :D )

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

Thank you. Perhaps could you link me to the text of the 'Jesus Prayer'? Id like to study it to see if it contradicts my principals of faith. (No offense but if not I wouldnt see a problem with adding it to my prayer life :D )
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Have Mercy on me, a sinner

[d0c markus]

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Have Mercy on me, a sinner
thats it?

I pray that already!:thumbsup:

Do you say it over and over again?

[Oblio]

Could you explain this one more/provide a scripture? This is interesting stuff :)

Many saints have been approached by demons while reciting the prayer and seduced by their visions. I am unsure if there is Scripture that attests to this, but we do know that satan appears as a angel of light to deceive the faithful.

The Jesus Prayer holds the entire Gospel, even the revelation of the Holy Trinity within it's words. It is a way to hold to the ehortation to pray without ceasing

[Grand_Duchess-Elizaveta]

I don't have a prayer rope yet, but this is what I know about them. For each knot on the rope, you say the Jesus prayer. So, you would run your index finger and thumb over each knot, pausing to say the Jesus prayer each time. There is usually a cross on the rope, and I think you are suppose to say the Lord's prayer for that.

Here are some prayer ropes to look at or order:

www.easternchristian.com/100-knot-prayer-rope.html (http://www.easternchristian.com/100-knot-prayer-rope.html)

Obviously, these are pictures of 100 knot ropes, but you can navigate around the site and find 33 knot and 50 knot ones too.

[Oblio]

thats it?

I pray that already!:thumbsup:

Do you say it over and over again?

That's it :)

Did you see the link on page 1 ?

There is also a wonderful book, The Way of a Pilgrim / The Pilgrim Continues His Way that chronicles a Russian Pilgrim in his journey that is centered on the Prayer.

[d0c markus]

Many saints have been approached by demons while reciting the prayer and seduced by their visions. I am unsure if there is Scripture that attests to this, but we do know that satan appears as a angel of light to deceive the faithful.

The Jesus Prayer holds the entire Gospel, even the revelation of the Holy Trinity within it's words. It is a way to hold to the ehortation to pray without ceasing
I don't have a prayer rope yet, but this is what I know about them. For each knot on the rope, you say the Jesus prayer. So, you would run your index finger and thumb over each knot, pausing to say the Jesus prayer each time. There is usually a cross on the rope, and I think you are suppose to say the Lord's prayer for that.

Here are some prayer ropes to look at or order:

www.easternchristian.com/100-knot-prayer-rope.html (http://www.easternchristian.com/100-knot-prayer-rope.html)

Obviously, these are pictures of 100 knot ropes, but you can navigate around the site and find 33 knot and 50 knot ones too.
Thank you guys. I'd probably go with the 33, but I wouldnt repeat one thing over and over. Maybe i can recite the beattitudes and a few other scriptures, as i go through it.

[d0c markus]

That's it :)

Did you see the link on page 1 ?

There is also a wonderful book, The Way of a Pilgrim / The Pilgrim Continues His Way that chronicles a Russian Pilgrim in his journey that is centered on the Prayer.
Got. 2 more questions that are off topic.

Why is the orthodox faith icon on CF like it is? What does it symbolize.
Second Oblio your sig has a different type cross in it. What does that symbolize?

[Oblio]

Got. 2 more questions that are off topic.

Why is the orthodox faith icon on CF like it is? What does it symbolize.
Second Oblio your sig has a different type cross in it. What does that symbolize?

Hmmm they should be the same. The small CF icon might have some gif artifacts on the end of the bars.

Explanation of the 3 Bar Russian Orthodox Cross (http://www.churchofthenativity.net/explain/crsmain.html)

[d0c markus]

Hmmm they should be the same. The small CF icon might have some gif artifacts on the end of the bars.

Explanation of the 3 Bar Russian Orthodox Cross (http://www.churchofthenativity.net/explain/crsmain.html)
Thank you, and yea they are the same, the other was kinda small though :)

[jkotinek]

doc-

If you are truly interested in including the Jesus Prayer in your devotions, it is well worth your effort to read The Jesus Prayer by A Monk of the Eastern Church (with a foreword by Bp. KALLISTOS Ware). This book goes into the history and theology of this prayer (sometimes called the "Gospel in a nutshell") and gives you an idea of how and why it is used in Eastern asceticism.

*One important issue that has not been mentioned here* (and I think that this is in line with mod. Suzannah's intentions on the "Latest Shenanigans" thread...if I'm wrogn I apologize and welcome correction)....

It is spiritually dangerous to undertake any type of ascetism without the guidance of a trusted spiritual father/counselor. No offense to any here (and I include myself in that number) but we are not suffient in this forum/mode of conversation for you to undertake the kind of hesychast meditation that for which this prayer was developed. That is not to say that simple incorporation of the Jesus Prayer in your devotions is a wrong or dangerous thing to do (it is, I think...along with "Lord have mercy" part of the prayer that begins to undergird everything that we do)...just some words of caution, and hopefully, support.

Peace!

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

Well, Jesus is the word, and the Bible is part of that word, so does that count? :P Don't get me wrong, I think guidance is great, but in some cases, I have seen rules like these get legalistic (I have no idea how it is in Orthodoxy though)

Anyways, if I made my own prayer rope, is there anything I need to take into consideration?

And, do you wear them, or just put them in a pocket?

[d0c markus]

doc-

If you are truly interested in including the Jesus Prayer in your devotions, it is well worth your effort to read The Jesus Prayer by A Monk of the Eastern Church (with a foreword by Bp. KALLISTOS Ware). This book goes into the history and theology of this prayer (sometimes called the "Gospel in a nutshell") and gives you an idea of how and why it is used in Eastern asceticism.

*One important issue that has not been mentioned here* (and I think that this is in line with mod. Suzannah's intentions on the "Latest Shenanigans" thread...if I'm wrogn I apologize and welcome correction)....

It is spiritually dangerous to undertake any type of ascetism without the guidance of a trusted spiritual father/counselor. No offense to any here (and I include myself in that number) but we are not suffient in this forum/mode of conversation for you to undertake the kind of hesychast meditation that for which this prayer was developed. That is not to say that simple incorporation of the Jesus Prayer in your devotions is a wrong or dangerous thing to do (it is, I think...along with "Lord have mercy" part of the prayer that begins to undergird everything that we do)...just some words of caution, and hopefully, support.

Peace!
No ascetism for me thanks...I will take some persecution though.

Are you an ascetic? Could you please describe some of what you undertake?

[jkotinek]

Well, Jesus is the word, and the Bible is part of that word, so does that count?I'm not sure what you're asking?
Don't get me wrong, I think guidance is great, but in some cases, I have seen rules like these get legalistic (I have no idea how it is in Orthodoxy though)*grin*
Nothing legalistic about it, just a spiritual saftey-net, if you will. Like Matrona's explication of the Orthodox defininion of who is "in communion" with the Orthodox Church on the "Question about Orthodox Churches" thread, my original reply was simply intended to bring to your attention that *if you intended to really immerse yourself in the Jesus Prayer* there are some spiritual considerations you want to make (such as the demonic attacks described on page one) with the guidance of a priest.

Anyways, if I made my own prayer rope, is there anything I need to take into consideration?My mother and sister undertook this task during Lent this past year...their priest just instructed them to do their work prayerfully...

And, do you wear them, or just put them in a pocket?Depends on how often you plan to use it. If you do wear it, keep in mind that they stretch out with regular use... =^)

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

*grin*
Nothing legalistic about it, just a spiritual saftey-net, if you will. Like Matrona's explication of the Orthodox defininion of who is "in communion" with the Orthodox Church on the "Question about Orthodox Churches" thread, my original reply was simply intended to bring to your attention that *if you intended to really immerse yourself in the Jesus Prayer* there are some spiritual considerations you want to make (such as the demonic attacks described on page one) with the guidance of a priest.
No, I understand. Spiritual safety is always a good thing :) Could you expand on the demonic attack idea?

[jkotinek]

Oops...I thought Bizzlebin's response above was you, doc...I need to read more carefully.
No ascetism for me thanks...I will take some persecution though.

Are you an ascetic? Could you please describe some of what you undertake?
I'm not a monk, if that is what you mean. I also don't have leave from my spiritual father to undertake a hesychast meditation, either (haven't asked for leave...). I *am* ans ascetic in that I am married; my priest explained to my wife and I when we converted that, like e and women have different spiritual roles, monastics and married persons both lead ascetic lifestyles, though of a different sort.

=^)

[Grand_Duchess-Elizaveta]

I've been wondering about this, too. Is is okay for me to buy a prayer rope and use it, or do I have to talk to a priest about it first? Can you define hesychism?

[d0c markus]

I'm not a monk, if that is what you mean. I also don't have leave from my spiritual father to undertake a hesychast meditation, either (haven't asked for leave...). I *am* ans ascetic in that I am married; my priest explained to my wife and I when we converted that, like e and women have different spiritual roles, monastics and married persons both lead ascetic lifestyles, though of a different sort.

=^)
I dont understand sorry.

1. what is hesychast meditation?
2. How are you an ascetic in that your married?

What is ascetism to you?

[katherine2001]

GDE, you probably should talk to your priest before you start doing it. He'll be able to give you advice and monitor you that way.

[Orthosdoxa]

I dont understand sorry.

1. what is hesychast meditation?
2. How are you an ascetic in that your married?

What is ascetism to you?1. Meditating on the words of the Jesus prayer, essentially. Overly simply definition, but covers the gist of it.

2. In marriage, we are called to die to ourselves daily for the good of the other. It is mutual martyrdom. It is asceticism.

Asceticism is the denial of self, self which is the root of pride, pride which is the root of all sin. We should all strive for asceticism in all we do. Again, overly simple definition, but it covers it.

LK

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

1. Meditating on the words of the Jesus prayer, essentially. Overly simply definition, but covers the gist of it.

2. In marriage, we are called to die to ourselves daily for the good of the other. It is mutual martyrdom. It is asceticism.

Asceticism is the denial of self, self which is the root of pride, pride which is the root of all sin. We should all strive for asceticism in all we do. Again, overly simple definition, but it covers it.

LK
Thanks for the info! That helped a lot :thumbsup:

[d0c markus]

1. Meditating on the words of the Jesus prayer, essentially. Overly simply definition, but covers the gist of it.

2. In marriage, we are called to die to ourselves daily for the good of the other. It is mutual martyrdom. It is asceticism.

Asceticism is the denial of self, self which is the root of pride, pride which is the root of all sin. We should all strive for asceticism in all we do. Again, overly simple definition, but it covers it.

LK
Gotcha, i was thinking of a bit more violent ascetism.

[Oblio]

Gotcha, i was thinking of a bit more violent ascetism.

You mean a la Monty Python, self mutilation and flagellation ? This was a Western phenomenon, Eastern ascetics focus on prayer and fasting.

[d0c markus]

You mean a la Monty Python, self mutilation and flagellation ? This was a Western phenomenon, Eastern ascetics focus on prayer and fasting.
well thats more biblical then.... I change my mind then bring on the ascetism. :thumbsup:

[Niko]

gonna go get my koumboloi and komboskini today :D

Just hope i fugure out how to use them ;)

[d0c markus]

gonna go get my koumboloi and komboskini today :D

Just hope i fugure out how to use them ;)
whats that?

[Oblio]

Komboskini is Greek for prayer rope
Chotki is Russian for prayer rope

Not sure what koumboloi is :scratch:

[d0c markus]

Komboskini is Greek for prayer rope
Chotki is Russian for prayer rope

Not sure what koumboloi is :scratch:
Gotcha.

I think, I shall buy a 100 knot prayer rope. There are 99 verses in Jesus' the sermon on the mount. For the final knot i shall appeal to God in prayer.

[Oblio]

Gotcha.

I think, I shall buy a 100 knot prayer rope. There are 99 verses in Jesus' the sermon on the mount. For the final knot i shall appeal to God in prayer.

:)

You might be the first Baptist with a Chotki, may it bring you closer to Christ our true God :crosself:

[Oblio]

You can also buy a video on how to make them from www.light-n-life.com

How to Make an Orthodox Prayer Rope
(http://www.light-n-life.com/shopping/order_product.asp?ProductNum=HOWT179)



Format: Video Cassette

Description:
This video very carefully and thoroughly teaches everything necessary to make prayer ropes for yourself and others - with patience and perseverance, almost anyone, even children, can learn. In addition to demonstrating how to make the knots, two different ways of making the cross are shown, plus, what materials to use, how many knots to make, using beads, etc. 120 minutes. This is not a Hollywood production, but it does get the message across. VHS. Color.

$19.95

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

Could someone explain how we can be deceived if we pray with our eyes open?

[katherine2001]

It's nice if you can buy a prayer rope from a monastery, as it helps support them. I bought mine through Light and Life, but if I was buying another one, I'd buy it directly from one of the monasteries.

Personally, I have a 50-knot prayer rope, and that is enough for me. I'm not ready for the 100-knot yet.

[Oblio]

Could someone explain how we can be deceived if we pray with our eyes open?


The admonition was WRT to the Jesus Prayer. Satan and his demons appear as an angel of light to those who progess in theosis in the Hesycast way. Blocking visual inputs robs satan of this channel of deception.

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

The admonition was WRT to the Jesus Prayer. Satan and his demons appear as an angel of light to those who progess in theosis in the Hesycast way. Blocking visual inputs robs satan of this channel of deception.
Oh, I see! Good idea. It does help me focus a lot more when I pray (I almost always pray this way.) But I am thinking about other things as well, such as noise. Seclusion would probably be the best answer, and further remove me from temptation.