Comboschini (The Prayer Rope)

Comboschini (The Prayer Rope)

Comboschini (The Prayer Rope)

Meditations of a Monk of the Holy Mountain Athos
(Published in "Agioritiki Martiria," Xiropotamos Monastery, Holy Mountain Athos, 1991)

Key Prayers:
"Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner!"
or
"Most Holy Theotokos, save us!"

Preface

With the blessings of the Very Reverend Father Joseph, Abbot of the Xiropotamos Monastery, we reprinted in booklet form a highly instructive article on the prayer rope originally published in Agioritiki Martiria. The booklet proved helpful, and due to the pastoral needs of English-speaking Orthodox faithful worldwide, it was suggested to make it available in English.

We thank Father Joseph for his guidance and love.

The prayer rope is not reserved for monks; it is meant for all Orthodox Christians who wish to pray. It is not an amuletor a magical object, but a holy tool used solely for prayer, particularly for praying in secret.

Important Note: Before adopting any prayer rule or using the prayer rope, seek the guidance and blessing of your spiritual father or confessor, as the Holy Fathers have advised, to avoid delusion and maintain the Orthodox path.

How to Use the Prayer Rope

There are two main ways to pray with the rope:

  1. Private, Daily Prayer:

    • At any time, when alone, hold the rope in your left or right hand.

    • Move from knot to knot while silently or mentally repeating the prayer:
      "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me" or "Most Holy Theotokos, save us."

  2. During a Structured Prayer Rule:

    • Hold the rope in the left hand, between thumb and index finger.

    • At each knot, simultaneously:

      1. Make the sign of the cross with your right hand.

      2. Recite the Jesus Prayer.

    • Repeat the cycle according to the instruction of your spiritual father.

The Symbolism of the Prayer Rope

  • Material: Often made of black wool, symbolizing mourning, sobriety, and repentance.

  • Knots: Represent interlocked crosses, resistant to being undone (symbolic of spiritual perseverance).

  • Cross: Marks the “end” of the rope, reminding us of Christ’s sacrifice and victory.

  • Tassel: Can be used to wipe tears or remind us to remain repentant; historically, tassels are also linked to sacred vestments.

  • Sheep Wool: Reminds us that we are Christ’s flock and points to the Lamb of God.

Prayer ropes may also be made of silk, beads, or dried flowers, such as Tears of the Mother of God.

Practical Benefits of the Prayer Rope

  • Focus: Keeps the mind from wandering during prayer.

  • Consistency: Helps maintain a daily rule of prayer, even when distracted.

  • Physical Participation: Can be combined with bows, prostrations, and the sign of the cross, integrating body and soul in worship.

  • Portable Reminder: Can be carried discreetly, placed near the bed, or kept in a vehicle as a symbol of prayer and blessing.

The rope also assists in offering prayers for oneself and others, including intercessions for the living and the departed.

The Science of Prayer

The Holy Fathers called prayer the “art of the arts.” Regular reading of Scripture, the lives of the Saints, and devotional literature—such as the Philokalia—can guide one in prayer. Most importantly, prayer requires the grace of God and participation in the Church, particularly through the Holy Mysteries.

The prayer rope is a tool, not an automatic source of prayer. Its purpose is to guide the heart and mind toward sincere, focused prayer, especially as part of a daily rule.

Practical Guidance for Use

  • Set aside regular times for prayer (morning and evening are ideal).

  • Combine prayer rope use with bows, prostrations, and the sign of the cross.

  • Adapt posture to your health: standing, sitting, or kneeling.

  • Avoid rushing; concentrate on each prayer.

  • Use the rope during idle moments or in church to enhance focus.

Through regular use, prayer becomes habitual, allowing the practitioner to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Quotes from the Holy Fathers

  • Apostle Paul: “Pray without ceasing.”

  • St. John Chrysostom: “Never ask for anything but God’s infinite mercy. Cry aloud from morning to night, and if possible, during the whole night, saying unceasingly: ‘Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us.’”

  • St. John Climacus: “Win the enemies in your mind with the name of God. You will not find any weapon more effective than this!”

  • St. Seraphim of Sarov: “When mind and heart are united in prayer… the light of Christ shines and fills the inward man with peace and joy.”

  • St. Isichios: “Through constant remembrance of Jesus Christ, habit becomes second nature.”

  • Saint Hieromartyr Cosmas Aetolos (+1779): “I advise all to make a Comboschini, hold it in your left hand, cross yourselves with your right, and say: ‘Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.’”

Epilogue

Always seek the guidance of your spiritual father regarding any prayer rule or spiritual practice. The prayer rope is a gift, a tool, and a reminder of our obligation to pray, focusing the heart on God and drawing us closer to the Kingdom of Heaven: “The Kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21).

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