Prayer ropes (aka “chotki” or “komboskini”) are used among Christians of the Byzantine tradition - both the Catholics and the Orthodox - as well as some Coptics to pray the Jesus Prayer. It is a tradition that goes back at least to the 8th Century, and possibly before. Some folks refer to it as the Byzantine rosary, and this is perfectly acceptable. Head over to my blog (link found in my signature) to find out more.