A Brief Selection of Orthodox Prayers
In Eastern Orthodoxy, the prayer rope is primarily used for the continual practice of the Jesus Prayer, though there are also other prayers used with it depending on the tradition, monastic rule, and personal spiritual guidance.
The Jesus Prayer (Primary and Universal Use)
The standard and most widespread prayer used with the prayer rope is:
“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
(Κύριε Ἰησοῦ Χριστέ, Υἱὲ τοῦ Θεοῦ, ἐλέησόν με τὸν ἁμαρτωλόν.)
(Господи Иисусе Христе, Сыне Божий, помилуй мя грешного.)
Each knot corresponds to one recitation. It may be shortened to “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me” or even “Lord, have mercy” for beginners or during times of great fatigue.
Monastics often make prostrations or bows with each prayer.
Biblical Basis:
Confession of Jesus as Lord and Son of God:
“Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’” (Matthew 16:16)
“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10–11)
Crying out for mercy:
“And as He entered Jericho … a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging … he cried out, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’” (Luke 18:35–38)
Confession of sinfulness:
“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
Prayers for Others
The prayer rope can be used to intercede for specific people:
“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on [Name].”
This is often done for the sick, departed, or those in spiritual need.
Some monks dedicate entire prayer ropes to a list of names.
This is seen as an act of both prayer and love.
Biblical Basis:
Intercession for others:
“I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.” (1 Timothy 2:1)
Carrying one another in prayer:
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
Example of Jesus interceding:
“…but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.” (Luke 22:32)
The Prayer of the Publican
This is a very ancient form, drawn from Luke 18:13:
“God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”
(Ὁ Θεός, ἱλάσθητί μοι τῷ ἁμαρτωλῷ.)
This may be used especially in times of deep repentance, or when one cannot maintain the longer form of the Jesus Prayer.
Biblical Basis:
“But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other.” (Luke 18:13–14)
The Prayer of the Thief on the Cross
From Luke 23:42:
“Remember me, O Lord, in Your Kingdom.”
(Μνήσθητί μου, Κύριε, ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ Σου.)
Often used during Great Lent or as a brief prayer in moments of suffering.
Biblical Basis:
“And he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ And He said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’” (Luke 23:42–43)
Psalm Verses and Other Short Prayers
Some Orthodox prayer books assign specific verses to the prayer rope, such as:
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy” (Psalm 50 LXX).
“Most Holy Theotokos, save us.” (used in Marian devotion alongside the Jesus Prayer).
“Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us.”
Biblical Basis:
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your great mercy” — Psalm 50:1 LXX (Psalm 51:1 MT)
“Most Holy Theotokos, save us” — This is not a direct Scripture quote but a prayer rooted in Luke 1:28 and Luke 1:48, where the Archangel Gabriel greets Mary as “full of grace” and she says, “all generations will call me blessed.”
“Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us” — From the Trisagion prayer, which reflects Revelation 4:8 (“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty”) and Isaiah 6:3.
Monastic Rule of Prayer Rope in Place of Services
When a monk or nun cannot attend the Divine Services (due to illness, travel, or obedience), a rule is given:
For example, 500 Jesus Prayers in place of Matins, 300 for Vespers, and so on. The numbers are adjusted according to the spiritual father’s guidance.
Biblical Basis:
While this is a rule rather than a specific prayer, it is based on:
“Seven times a day I praise You for Your righteous rules.” (Psalm 118:164 LXX / Psalm 119:164 MT)
“Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
The Lord’s Prayer (Our Father) is prayed at least three times per day. According to the Orthodox Church’s Didache, we read: “…pray … as the Lord commanded in His Gospel, like this: ‘Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, as in heaven, so on the earth. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.’ Pray this three times each day.”