Prayer with the prayer rope is especially nurtured by Orthodox monks. It is one of the oldest forms of prayer. There are large and small Prayer ropes. Small prayer ropes usually consist of 33 nodes, and larger rosaries of 50, 100 or 300 nodes.
The Prayer Rope is held in the left hand slightly between the thumb and index finger. We cross ourselves with our right hand and quietly begin saying each individual prayer with one node.
The most frequent and common prayer we pray with is the Jesus’ prayer, which reads:
“Lord Jesus Christ have mercy upon me a sinner.”
In addition to Jesus’ prayers, it is customary for Christians to pray to the Most Holy Theotokos and saints.