Many people find the rosary long, boring, or even too simple. They believe it is all about Our Blessed Mother and thus not really a necessary prayer. But it is through Mary that we reach Her Son. The rosary is a humble prayer we pray to help us meditate upon the Life of Christ. It is a way to bring Our Savior to the forefront of our heart, mind, and soul.
So how does one pray the rosary?
1. While holding the crucifix make the Sign of the Cross and then recite the Apostle's Creed.
Apostle's 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 arose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; 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.
2. Recite the Our Father on the 1st large bead.
Our Father
Our father, who art in heaven; hallowed by 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.
3. On each of the three small beads recite the Hail Mary for an increase of faith, hope, and charity.
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.
4. Recite the Glory Be on the next large bead.
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.
5. Announce the First Mystery (listed after these instructions) and recite the Our Father.
6. On each of the next ten small beads (a decade) recite a Hail Mary while reflecting on the mystery.
7. After the decade recite the Glory Be and the Fatima Prayer.
Fatima Prayer
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy.
8. Continue, starting on the next large bead, with announcing the next mystery and reciting the Our Father, ten Hail Marys, the Glory Be and Fatima Prayer while reflecting on the mystery.
9. After the 5th mystery is completed, conclude with the Hail, Holy Queen.
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!
V. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray. 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.
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The Mysteries of the Rosary
The Five Joyful Mysteries (usually said on Monday & Saturday)
The Annunciation: Humility
The Visitation: Charity
The Birth of Our Lord: Poverty, or detachment from the world
The Presentation of Our Lord: Purity of heart, obedience
The Finding of Our Lord in the Temple: Piety
The Five Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesday & Friday)
The Agony in the Garden: Contrition for our sins
The Scourging at the Pillar: Mortification of our senses
The Crowning with Thorns: Interior mortification
The Carrying of the Cross: Patience under crosses
The Crucifixion and Death of Our Lord: That we may die to ourselves
The Five Glorious Mysteries (Wednesday & Sunday)
The Resurrection: Conversion of heart
The Ascension: A desire for heaven
The Coming of the Holy Ghost: The Gifts of the Holy Ghost
The Assumption of our Blessed Mother into Heaven: Devotion to Mary
The Coronation of our Blessed Mother: Eternal happiness
The Five Luminous Mysteries (Thursday)
The Baptism in the Jordan
The Wedding at Cana
The Proclamation of the Kingdom
The Transfiguration
The Institution of the Eucharist
