Prayer Rope

"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."

This is an ancient prayer form from the orthodox church. You say it slowly repeating it in time with your breathing.

On an inhale, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God...”

On an exhale, “...have mercy on me, a sinner.”

In orthodox monasteries the monks would have a cord with 100 knots. Beginning at the tassel as they prayed once through the Jesus prayer they would go along the cord one knot.

Try it. Start at one end, and repeat the Jesus prayer as you move your hands from know to knot.

The tassel at the start is a reminder to pray for the Holy Spirit to come to you.

Then after 25 knots there is a bead - on reaching it gently focus on distractions and put them to one side.

After another 25 knots there is another bead. At that point focus on areas in your spiritual life that you can move to meet the Spirit as He works.

After another 25 knots another bead at which point silently pray for God to help you accelerate by slowing down.

Do not let your mind wander. As you repeat the prayer, focus on the goal of the time – Asking the Spirit to come to you, removing distractions, areas of your life to work on, then peace and stillness.

When you're done, take a moment and reflect in your notes. What did you learn? Did you connect with God?