THE PRAYER ROPE: tool for the Jesus Prayer. How WORK UNDER OBEDIENCE can save an empty, fallen soul

Summary

In this heartfelt message, the speaker discusses the significance and history of prayer ropes in monastic tradition. They share personal experiences of making prayer ropes, the challenges faced, and the spiritual journey involved. The speaker explains the evolution of prayer tools from stones to knotted ropes and highlights the importance of obedience in spiritual life. They emphasize how simple manual work can empty the mind of worldly thoughts and fill it with prayer or reveal personal spiritual battles. The message concludes with blessings and encouragement to remain faithful and grow together in grace.

Takeaways

• 🙏 The speaker discusses the importance of prayer ropes in Orthodox monastic tradition.
• 🧵 Prayer ropes are traditionally made from black wool, symbolizing mourning and repentance.
• 📜 Early monastics used small stones to count prayers before switching to knots.
• 👼 The method of making prayer ropes with nine crosses in each knot was taught by an angel to protect against demonic interference.
• 📿 Prayer ropes help monks keep track of their prayers, emphasizing obedience over self-guidance.
• 💡 The speaker suggests that counting prayers helps avoid self-will and ensures obedience to spiritual guides.
• 🌊 Personal anecdotes about using shells for prayer during travel to maintain a connection to home and nature.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Emphasizes the communal aspect of monastic life, where individual work supports the entire community.
• 🎨 Warns against making personal talents and hobbies into idols that distract from spiritual growth.
• 🕊 The ultimate goal of monastic life is not skill perfection but spiritual salvation and becoming a Saint.

Q & A

What are prayer ropes and why are they used?

Prayer ropes are tools used in prayer, particularly in the Orthodox Christian tradition, to keep count of the number of prayers said. They serve as a physical aid to maintain focus and discipline in prayer.

How were prayers counted before the use of prayer ropes?

Initially, early monastics used small stones to keep track of their prayers. They would move the stones from one pile to another as they prayed. Later, they began using simple ropes with knots to count their prayers.

Why are traditional prayer ropes made out of wool?

Traditional prayer ropes are made out of wool to symbolize that believers are the flock of Christ, who is their shepherd. Wool also represents the purity and simplicity of monastic life.

What is the significance of the color black in prayer ropes?

The color black symbolizes mourning and repentance, fitting the nature of the Jesus Prayer, which is a prayer of repentance. It reflects the sorrow for one's sins and the desire for forgiveness.

What is the story behind the current method of making prayer ropes?

The method of making prayer ropes, as it is known today, involves weaving nine crosses into each knot. This technique was revealed by an angel to early monastics to prevent the devil from untying the knots, a problem they faced with simpler knots.

Why is it important to count prayers in the Orthodox tradition?

Counting prayers in the Orthodox tradition emphasizes obedience over personal will. It helps maintain discipline and ensures that prayer is consistent and guided by spiritual authority rather than personal preference.

What is the Jesus Prayer and how is it used with prayer ropes?

The Jesus Prayer is 'Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon me, a sinner.' It is often repeated on each knot of the prayer rope as a form of continuous, meditative prayer.

Why might a spiritual elder deny a novice the work they enjoy in a monastery?

A spiritual elder may deny a novice the work they enjoy to prevent the work from becoming an idol and to help the novice focus on spiritual growth rather than personal skills or interests.

How can simple manual work aid in spiritual growth according to the script?

Simple manual work helps empty the mind of worldly thoughts, allowing it to either be filled with the grace of prayer or to reveal personal spiritual enemies that can then be addressed in confession and spiritual guidance.

What are the benefits of praying while doing obedience or handiwork?

Praying while doing obedience or handiwork can lead to two outcomes: the Holy Spirit filling the heart and mind with prayer, or the revelation of personal spiritual enemies. Both outcomes aid in spiritual growth and salvation.