If you’ve ever seen Eastern nuns, you’ll notice an object dangling from their belts that looks like a Rosary. It’s actually a chotki, an Eastern Catholic prayer rope.
Connected to the rope is a beautiful prayer and a devotion you should consider adopting!
The chotki accompanies the recitation of the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” (There are other variations of this prayer with more or less words, but this is one of the most popular and ancient forms.)
Some Church Fathers talk about reciting the Jesus Prayer in rhythm with breathing to help us be in constant communication with our Lord. If you get in the habit of connecting the prayer with your breathing, you’ll start praying it throughout the day.
To tie the two together, recite the first half of the prayer like this: (Inhale) Lord Jesus Christ, (exhale) Son of God.” For the second half: (Inhale) have mercy on me, (exhale) a sinner.”
It’s like you’re breathing in His mercy and breathing out your sinfulness! Too often we think we have to be perfect before approaching God. But we need His grace to help us overcome our sins. This pattern of breathing/prayer reinforces this truth.
This technique also slows down the prayer, allowing you time to meditate on it.
You don’t have to be an Eastern Catholic to use the chotki or pray the Jesus Prayer, but please note: Praying it to the rhythm of your breath can be spiritually intense. We recommend talking to a spiritual director before you start.
As with the Rosary, you can add other prayers or meditations as you use your chotki to pray. Consider passages from the Psalms or the Gospels.
Why not give this powerful devotion a try?
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