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How to Pray the Rosary: A Step-by-Step Catholic Guide

MyPrayerTower Team
March 20, 2024
10 min read

The [Holy Rosary](/rosary) is one of the most powerful and cherished prayers in the Catholic tradition. It is a meditative prayer that guides us through the life of Jesus Christ, seen through the eyes of His Blessed Mother, Mary.

Whether you are new to the faith or returning to this beautiful devotion, this guide will help you pray the Rosary with confidence and devotion.

Why Pray the Rosary?

The Rosary is not just a repetition of prayers; it is a "school of prayer" where we learn to contemplate the face of Christ. St. John Paul II called the Rosary his "favorite prayer," describing it as a "marvelous simplicity and profound depth."

"The Rosary is the weapon for these times." — St. Padre Pio

What You Need

  1. A Rosary beads (though you can count on your fingers in a pinch!)
  2. About 15-20 minutes of quiet time.
  3. An open heart ready to meditate on the Gospels.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Make the Sign of the Cross

Holding the Crucifix, bless yourself: In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

2. Recite the Apostles' Creed

Still holding the Crucifix, profess your faith with the Apostles' Creed. This summarizes the core beliefs of our Christian faith.

3. Pray the Our Father

Move to the first large bead and pray the Our Father (Pater Noster). This prayer was taught to us by Jesus Himself.

4. Pray Three Hail Marys

Move to the three small beads. Pray one Hail Mary on each bead for the virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity.

5. Pray the Glory Be

After the three Hail Marys, pray the Glory Be (Gloria Patri).

The Decades

The main part of the Rosary consists of five "decades." Each decade focuses on a specific "Mystery" from the life of Christ.

How to Pray a Decade:

  1. Announce the Mystery: (e.g., "The First Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation").
  2. Pray the Our Father on the large bead.
  3. Pray ten Hail Marys on the ten small beads, meditating on the mystery.
  4. Pray the Glory Be after the ten Hail Marys.
  5. Pray the 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."

Repeat this pattern for all five decades.

The Mysteries of the Rosary

Depending on the day of the week, we meditate on different sets of mysteries:

🌟 The Joyful Mysteries

(Mondays and Saturdays)

  1. The Annunciation: The Angel Gabriel appears to Mary.
  2. The Visitation: Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth.
  3. The Nativity: Jesus is born in Bethlehem.
  4. The Presentation: Jesus is presented in the Temple.
  5. The Finding in the Temple: Jesus is found teaching the elders.

🕯️ The Luminous Mysteries

(Thursdays)

  1. The Baptism in the Jordan: The Spirit descends on Jesus.
  2. The Wedding at Cana: Jesus turns water into wine.
  3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom: Jesus calls to conversion.
  4. The Transfiguration: Jesus is transfigured in glory.
  5. The Institution of the Eucharist: Jesus gives us His Body and Blood.

💔 The Sorrowful Mysteries

(Tuesdays and Fridays)

  1. The Agony in the Garden: Jesus sweats blood in Gethsemane.
  2. The Scourging at the Pillar: Jesus is brutally whipped.
  3. The Crowning with Thorns: Jesus is mocked as king.
  4. The Carrying of the Cross: Jesus carries the cross to Calvary.
  5. The Crucifixion: Jesus dies for our sins.

👑 The Glorious Mysteries

(Wednesdays and Sundays)

  1. The Resurrection: Jesus rises from the dead.
  2. The Ascension: Jesus returns to the Father.
  3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit: Pentecost.
  4. The Assumption: Mary is taken body and soul into heaven.
  5. The Coronation: Mary is crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth.

Closing Prayers

After completing the five decades:

  1. Pray the Hail Holy Queen (Salve Regina).
  2. Final 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."
  3. Sign of the Cross: End as you began.

Ready to pray? Light a candle on our prayer wall or join the community prayer.

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