How many knots does a chotki have?

Common lengths are 33, 50, or 100 knots. Beginners often start with a 33- or 50-knot rope and pray one or more full loops as their daily rule.

What prayer do you say on a chotki?

The Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner" — one repetition per knot. Shorter forms are also used.

Do I need a physical prayer rope?

No. A physical chotki is traditional, but apps like Bosko provide a digital chotki that counts the knots and guides the prayer.

How to Pray with a Chotki, Step by Step

A chotki — also called a prayer rope or komboskini — is the Eastern Orthodox tool for praying the Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." You pray one repetition per knot, letting the rope free your attention from counting. Here is how to begin.

Step 1: Learn the Jesus Prayer

The full form is: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." Shorter forms — "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me" or simply "Lord, have mercy" — are also traditional. Choose one form and keep it for the whole session.

Step 2: Hold the rope and settle

Hold the chotki in your left hand, thumb and forefinger on the first knot. Stand or sit with a straight back. Begin with the sign of the cross and a moment of stillness.

Step 3: Pray one repetition per knot

Say the prayer once, slowly, then move to the next knot. Many people breathe with the words — "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God" on the in-breath, "have mercy on me, a sinner" on the out-breath. Don't rush. The rope is there so you can stop counting and give the words your attention.

Step 4: Keep a daily rule

Start small — one loop of the rope (often 33, 50, or 100 knots), once a day, at the same time. Consistency matters far more than length. Many Orthodox Christians pray a set number of knots morning and evening as their prayer rule.

Bosko includes a digital chotki that counts the knots for you and guides the rhythm, so you can build the habit even without a physical rope.

Frequently asked questions

How many knots does a chotki have?: Common lengths are 33, 50, or 100 knots. Beginners often start with a 33- or 50-knot rope and pray one or more full loops as their daily rule.
What prayer do you say on a chotki?: The Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner" — one repetition per knot. Shorter forms are also used.
Do I need a physical prayer rope?: No. A physical chotki is traditional, but apps like Bosko provide a digital chotki that counts the knots and guides the prayer.