How to pray the rosary

What You’ll Need

• Rosary Beads (optional): A Rosary has a crucifix, five decades (sets of ten beads), and a few extra beads to guide you through the prayers.
• If you don’t have beads, you can use your fingers or any method to keep track of the prayers.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Sign of the Cross

• Hold the crucifix (if using beads) or simply make the gesture with your hand.
• Say:
  “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

2. Recite the Apostles’ Creed

• Still on the crucifix, pray the full 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; on the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there He will 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.”

3. Pray the Our Father

• Move to the first bead after the crucifix (or mark it with your fingers).
• Pray the full Our Father:
  “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.”

4. Pray Three Hail Marys

• On the next three beads (or count three prayers), say the full Hail Mary for each one. These are often offered for faith, hope, and charity.
• Each Hail Mary:
  “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.”
  (Repeat this prayer three times, one for each bead or count.)

5. Pray the Glory Be

• After the three Hail Marys, pray the full Glory Be:
  “Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.”

6. Pray the Five Decades

• The Rosary includes five decades, and each decade consists of one Our Father, ten Hail Marys, and one Glory Be. Here’s how to do each one:For Each Decade:
• Repeat this process for all five decades.

7. Pray the Hail Holy Queen

• After the five decades, pray the full Hail Holy Queen:
  “Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us; and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
  Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.”

8. (Optional) Pray the Rosary Prayer

• You can conclude with this traditional prayer:
  “O God, whose only-begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life; grant, we beseech Thee, that, meditating upon these mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.”

9. Make the Sign of the Cross

• Finish the Rosary by making the Sign of the Cross:
  “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

The Rosary, a cherished devotion in the Catholic tradition, guides believers through pivotal moments in Jesus Christ’s life, inviting them to immerse themselves in the profound mysteries of their faith. One unique aspect is its ability to transcend time and space, allowing believers to walk alongside Christ and His blessed mother, Mary, as they contemplate each mystery, deepening their connection to the divine. Additionally, the Rosary serves as a powerful tool for contemplation, encouraging introspection and spiritual growth as believers reflect on Christ’s life, teachings, and sacrifices, fostering a deeper understanding of their faith. In essence, the Rosary is a timeless practice that connects Catholics to their spiritual heritage and offers a transformative journey of faith, inspiring them to live out Christ’s teachings in their daily lives.

The Mysteries of Joy, devoutly prayed on Mondays and Saturdays, transport the faithful to the sacred and cherished moments in the life of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, through the eyes of the Blessed Virgin Mary. These mysteries are steeped in profound reverence and traditional devotion:

1. The Annunciation

As we contemplate the Annunciation, our hearts are filled with awe as we witness the angel Gabriel’s visit to the Virgin Mary. In this sacred encounter, we are humbled by Mary’s unwavering faith and her profound “yes” to God’s divine plan. With deep reverence, we echo her words, “Let it be done unto me according to your word,” recognizing the profound grace of this moment.

2. The Visitation

In the mystery of the Visitation, we share in the joy of Mary’s journey to visit her cousin Elizabeth. Our hearts swell with reverence as we witness the recognition of the unborn John the Baptist, leaping in his mother’s womb at the presence of the Savior. We marvel at the profound bond between these holy women and the divine joy that radiates from this encounter.

3. The Nativity

The Nativity is a sacred moment that fills us with deep reverence and awe. We kneel in adoration before the newborn King, born in the humblest of circumstances. The Holy Family’s humility and the adoration of the shepherds and wise men remind us of the profound joy that the birth of Christ brings to the world.

4. The Presentation

With reverence, we accompany Mary and Joseph to the Temple in Jerusalem for the Presentation of the infant Jesus. Our hearts are touched by the righteous Simeon and the prophetess Anna, who recognize Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. In this mystery, we reflect on the significance of Jesus as the Light of the World and the joy He brings to those who encounter Him.

5. The Finding in the Temple

The Finding in the Temple allows us to join Mary and Joseph in their search for the twelve-year-old Jesus. With deep reverence, we enter the sacred space of the Temple and witness Jesus, our Savior, discussing profound matters with the teachers. This mystery reveals His unique wisdom and His deep connection to the Father’s house.

In prayer and contemplation of these Mysteries of Joy, we approach the sacred with the utmost reverence, recognizing the profound love of God as revealed through the life of Jesus Christ and His most holy mother, Mary. These moments are cherished and timeless, inviting us to deepen our faith and draw closer to the divine.

The Mysteries of Sorrow, observed with profound reverence on Tuesdays and Fridays, beckon devout Catholics to delve deeper into the sacred and poignant moments of Jesus Christ’s suffering and sacrifice, experienced through the empathetic eyes of the Blessed Virgin Mary. These mysteries call for a more profound and extended meditation on their significance:

1. The Agony in the Garden

As we accompany Jesus to the Garden of Gethsemane, we find ourselves at the precipice of His profound inner struggle. Here, on bended knee, we witness the weight of His anguish, a profound agony that drove Him to sweat drops of blood. In this deeply introspective moment, we contemplate the boundless love that compelled Him to utter, “Not my will, but Yours be done.” This mystery challenges us to consider the depths of our own surrender to God’s will.

2. The Scourging at the Pillar

With heads bowed in reverent silence, we stand as witnesses to the brutal scourging of our Lord. Each lash that tears into His flesh serves as a painful reminder of the price He paid for our redemption. We meditate on His unwavering commitment to endure this excruciating torment, stemming from a profound love for humanity, that we might find healing and forgiveness.

3. The Crowning of Thorns

In this mystery, we reflect upon the moment when the King of Kings is mockingly crowned with thorns. The profound juxtaposition of His majesty and the cruel mockery He endures deepens our understanding of His willingness to embrace humiliation for our salvation. We are challenged to contemplate how we honor Christ, our true King, in our lives.

4. The Carrying of the Cross

As we walk alongside Jesus along the agonizing path to Calvary, we are called to meditate on the heavy cross He bears. The weight of humanity’s sins presses down upon Him, and His unwavering determination and love shine through the darkness. This profound journey prompts us to examine our own willingness to take up our crosses and follow Him

5. The Crucifixion and Death

Standing at the foot of the cross with the Blessed Virgin Mary, we are enveloped in profound sorrow and awe. The crucifixion of Jesus, the Lamb of God, and His words of forgiveness speak to the depth of His love. This mystery is a profound invitation to contemplate the extraordinary price paid for our redemption and to reflect on the unfathomable mercy that flows from His Sacred Heart.

In prayerful reflection on these Mysteries of Sorrow, we approach the sacred with the deepest reverence and an earnest desire to comprehend the immeasurable love of Christ. These mysteries challenge us to explore the depths of His sacrifice and the boundless mercy that flows from His Sacred Heart, drawing us ever closer to our Savior and His most holy mother, Mary.

The Mysteries of Light, also known as the Luminous Mysteries, are a cherished addition to the traditional Rosary, introduced by Pope St. John Paul II. These mysteries are prayed on Thursdays and offer a deeper understanding of Jesus’ public ministry and His divine mission. With reverence and appreciation for this addition to the Rosary, let us delve into these profound moments:

1. The Baptism in the Jordan

In this luminous mystery, we contemplate the humility of Jesus as He presents Himself for baptism by John the Baptist. As we reflect on the heavens opening and the voice of the Father proclaiming, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” we acknowledge the revelation of Jesus as the Beloved Son of God. This mystery reminds us of the importance of humility and surrender in our own lives.

2. The Wedding at Cana

As we meditate on the Wedding at Cana, we witness Jesus’ first public miracle at the request of His mother, Mary. With deep reverence, we recognize Mary’s unique role as a maternal advocate, and we hear her counsel to the servants: “Do whatever He tells you.” This mystery invites us to ponder the transformative power of faith and the intercession of Mary in our lives.

3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom

In this luminous mystery, we join Jesus as He proclaims the Kingdom of God and calls us to repentance and faith. With profound reverence, we consider His teachings on love, forgiveness, and service to others. This mystery challenges us to embrace His message and to be agents of God’s kingdom in our world.

4. The Transfiguration

As we contemplate the Transfiguration, we witness the radiant glory of Jesus on the mountain, accompanied by Moses and Elijah. In reverent awe, we hear the voice of God declaring, “This is my beloved Son; listen to Him.” This mystery encourages us to seek moments of spiritual clarity and to listen attentively to the teachings of Christ.

5. The Institution of the Eucharist

In this final luminous mystery, we are present at the Last Supper, where Jesus institutes the Holy Eucharist, saying, “This is my body; this is my blood.” With profound reverence, we recognize the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist and the profound gift of the Mass. This mystery calls us to approach the Eucharist with deep devotion and gratitude.

The Mysteries of Light enrich the Rosary by offering a deeper understanding of Jesus’ public ministry and His divine mission. As we pray these mysteries, we grow in appreciation for the teachings and miracles of Christ, allowing His light to illuminate our faith and guide us in our journey towards God.

The Mysteries of Glory, traditionally observed on Wednesdays and Sundays, bestow upon us the profound privilege of contemplating the glorious events that unfolded following the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. These mysteries are imbued with an unmistakable sense of reverence and awe, as they unveil the resplendent triumph of Christ over sin and death, offering us a glimpse of the radiant glory that awaits the faithful:

1. The Resurrection

On this luminous day, we stand in reverent awe at the entrance to the empty tomb, bearing witness to the miraculous resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Our hearts brim with profound gratitude and joy as we contemplate the victory of life over death. The Resurrection mystery infuses our souls with the profound assurance of the risen Christ’s abiding presence, and it kindles within us the enduring hope of our own resurrection.

2. The Ascension

With hearts filled with reverence, we behold the majesty of Jesus as He ascends into the heavenly realms, taking His rightful place at the right hand of the Father. The Ascension mystery serves as a potent reminder of Christ’s divine authority and His sacred promise to prepare a place for us in the eternal abode of His Father.

3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost)

In this luminous mystery, we eagerly await, just as the apostles did, the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Our souls are stirred with profound awe as we witness the transformation of timid and uncertain disciples into bold and ardent witnesses of the Gospel. The Descent of the Holy Spirit inspires us to open our hearts to the gentle yet powerful guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

4. The Assumption of Mary

With hearts brimming with reverence, we contemplate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a moment of unparalleled beauty where she is assumed, body and soul, into the glorious realms of heaven. This mystery underscores Mary’s singular and exalted role in the divine plan and her continued intercession on our behalf. It encourages us to strive for holiness and a profound union with God.

5. The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth

In this final and glorious mystery, we pause to honor Mary as she is crowned as the Queen of Heaven and Earth. Our hearts swell with profound veneration as we recognize her as our heavenly mother and seek her powerful intercession. This mystery serves as a vivid reminder of the heavenly reward that awaits those who follow Christ faithfully and entrust themselves to the loving care of Mary, our Queen.

The Mysteries of Glory brilliantly illuminate the Rosary with the radiant and triumphant aspects of Christ’s journey, underscoring the honored and cherished role of Mary in God’s magnificent plan of salvation. As we meditate on these mysteries, we are enveloped in a profound sense of reverence and awe, drawn ever closer to the divine glory manifested in the resurrection, ascension, and the heavenly coronation of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and the beloved Virgin Mary.