The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary: Meditations & Prayers
The Joyful Mysteries are traditionally prayed on Mondays and Saturdays, as well as Sundays during Advent and Christmas. They focus on the Incarnation of Jesus Christ and His early life.
"The Joyful Mysteries are marked by the joy radiating from the event of the Incarnation." — St. John Paul II
1. The Annunciation
Fruit of the Mystery: Humility
The Archangel Gabriel appears to Mary and announces that she will be the Mother of God. Mary bows to God's will with profound humility.
"Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done unto me according to thy word." (Luke 1:38)
Prayer Intention: We pray for the grace of humility and openness to God's will in our lives.
2. The Visitation
Fruit of the Mystery: Love of Neighbor
Mary, pregnant with Jesus, travels in haste to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist.
"And it came to pass, that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her womb." (Luke 1:41)
Prayer Intention: We pray for a spirit of service and charity towards our neighbors.
3. The Nativity
Fruit of the Mystery: Poverty
Jesus is born in a stable in Bethlehem because there was no room at the inn. The King of Kings enters the world in poverty.
"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger." (Luke 2:7)
Prayer Intention: We pray for detachment from material things and a love for the poor.
4. The Presentation
Fruit of the Mystery: Obedience
Mary and Joseph present the baby Jesus in the Temple in accordance with the Law of Moses. Simeon recognizes Him as the Messiah.
"My eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples." (Luke 2:30-31)
Prayer Intention: We pray for the virtue of obedience to God's laws and our lawful superiors.
5. The Finding in the Temple
Fruit of the Mystery: Joy in Finding Jesus
After three days of searching, Mary and Joseph find the twelve-year-old Jesus teaching the teachers in the Temple.
"Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" (Luke 2:49)
Prayer Intention: We pray for the grace to find Jesus in our daily lives and never to lose Him through sin.
Ready to pray? Use our interactive Rosary tool or read our Step-by-Step Guide.