The prayer cord symbolises the Shard of Christ, but in modern times other materials are also used. The traditional color of the rope is black (symbolizing grief for ones own sins) with either black or coloured beads. The beads (if color) and at least part of the tassel are traditionally red, symbolizing the blood of Christ and the blood of the martyrs. Recently, however, prayer cords have been made in a variety of colors. When praying, the user usually holds the prayer cord in their left hand, leaving the right hand free to make the cross sign. When not in use, the prayer cord is traditionally wrapped around the left wrist, so it continues to remind you to pray without ceasing. If this is inconvenient, it can be placed in the (left) pocket, but should not be hung around the neck or hung on the belt. The reason for this is modesty: one should not be intrusive or flashy to see the prayer cord for others. During their tonsure (religious profession), Orthodox monks and nuns receive a prayer string with the words: accept Oh brother (sister) (name), the sword of the Spirit that is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17) in the eternal Jesus prayer, with which you can use the name of the Lord in your soul, your thoughts and your thoughts, and Your thoughts should hav. Heart, saying Allein Weg: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner."