How to Pray the Rosary

How to Pray the Rosary

The Rosary is a great tool to meditate on the life of Christ as found in the Gospels. It's composed of four sets of mysteries, 1) Joyful - which tell the story of Christ's conception and early life, 2) Luminous - which walk the person praying through events in Our Lord's life which show his revelation of Himself as divine, 3) Sorrowful - which guides the person through Christ's passion and death and 4) Glorious - which focus on the events from the Resurrection to the Coronation of Mary.

The sets of mysteries:

The Joyful Mysteries

  1. The Annunciation - Mary learns that she has been chosen to be the mother of Jesus.
  2. The Visitation - Mary visits Elizabeth, who tells her that she will always be remembered.
  3. The Nativity - Jesus is born in a stable in Bethlehem.
  4. The Presentation - Mary and Joseph take the infant Jesus to the Temple to present him to God.
  5. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple - Jesus is found in the Temple discussing his faith with the teachers.

The Luminous Mysteries

  1. The Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan - God proclaims that Jesus is his beloved Son.
  2. The Wedding Feast at Cana - At Mary’s request, Jesus performs his first miracle.
  3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God - Jesus calls all to conversion and service to the Kingdom.
  4. The Transfiguration of Jesus - Jesus is revealed in glory to Peter, James, and John.
  5. The Institution of the Eucharist - Jesus offers his Body and Blood at the Last Supper.

The Sorrowful Mysteries

  1. The Agony in the Garden - Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane on the night before he dies.
  2. The Scourging at the Pillar - Jesus is lashed with whips.
  3. The Crowning With Thorns - Jesus is mocked and crowned with thorns.
  4. The Carrying of the Cross - Jesus carries the cross that will be used to crucify him.
  5. The Crucifixion - Jesus is nailed to the cross and dies.

The Glorious Mysteries

  1. The Resurrection - God the Father raises Jesus from the dead.
  2. The Ascension - Jesus returns to his Father in heaven.
  3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit - The Holy Spirit comes to bring new life to the disciples.
  4. The Assumption of Mary - At the end of her life on earth, Mary is taken body and soul into heaven.
  5. The Coronation of Mary - Mary is crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth.

Mechanics of Praying the Rosary

On the Crucifix begin by praying the Sign of the Cross

In the name of the Father [forehead], and of the Son [chest], and of the Holy [left shoulder] Spirit [right shoulder]. Amen.

Still while holding the crucifix, pray the Apostles' Creed.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. From thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

On the first bead, pray the Our Father, normally offered for the intentions of our Holy Father, the Pope.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.

On the next three beads, pray three Hail Marys, offering them for increases in the virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity.

Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Pray the Glory Be

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, it is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

If you like, you can say the following lines at the end of each Glory Be:

O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy (your) mercy. Amen.

Introduce the first mystery of the set you are going to pray and pray an Our Father, followed by ten Hail Marys(decades). Do this for each subsequent mystery.

Once complete with all five decades, pray the Hail Holy Queen.

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To thee (you) do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; (the children of Eve;) to thee (you) do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale (valley) of tears. (in this land of exile.) Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine (your) eyes of mercy toward us; and after this our exile, (lead us home at last and) show unto us the blessed fruit of thy (your) womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

If you wish, you may also add this final verse-and-response prayer:

V: Pray for us, O holy mother of God,
R: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.