Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner!

This evening, after the Stations of the cross, I will participate in penance service. I am thankful for opportunity to confess my sins and experience spiritual healing.

I have decided to use the simple prayer of, " Jesus, son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner" for my act of contrition and I have ordered a chotki rope to begin praying daily.

What is the Chotki? "Often called a komboskini or prayer rope, it typically features 33, 50, or 100 knots/beads, symbolizing the years of Jesus’ life or other spiritual meanings. It is traditionally made of wool to represent the flock of Christ."

Symbolism: Often black to symbolize mourning for sins and the "flock of Christ".

Knots typically represent the 33 years of Jesus' life (33-knot) or other symbolic counts.

Traditionally made of wool, which represents the flock of Christ, and at the end of the rope there is a tassel representing the tears of repentance.

Below is an image of a chotki: