How to Pray the Rosary

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  • Learn How to Pray the Rosary, from the type of rosary to use to the words of the prayers. Learn what each bead on the rosary means and the origins of the rosary. You can even learn how to make your own rosary.

  • Introduction

    • For many non-Catholics, a rosary is a necklace made of pretty beads and is used as a fashion statement. There is growing interest from non-Catholics to learn about the history and tradition of the rosary as well as how to pray the rosary. For Catholics, praying the rosary is an act of faith that brings them closer to God.
    • Each bead on the rosary represents a specific prayer, with the thumb and forefinger resting on the bead as the prayer is said. When the prayer is finished, move on to the next bead and prayer. Because each bead represents a particular prayer, it's easier to return to your prayers if interrupted.
    • Catholics have been multi-tasking for hundreds of years when praying the rosary. Not only are specific prayers said during the rosary, but specific events in the life of Christ are contemplated while praying.
    • "Blessed Rosary of Mary, sweet chain linking us to God" In his Apostolic letter Rosarium Virginis Mariae, Pope John Paul II describes the meaning of the rosary.
      • "The Rosary, though clearly Marian in character, is at heart a Christocentric prayer. In the sobriety of its elements, it has all the depth of the Gospel message in its entirety..."Vatican.va:Rosarium Virginis Mariae

  • Step 1: Choose a Rosary

    • Choose a Rosary that holds personal meaning to you. When you pray the rosary, make it more meaningful by choosing one that holds religious, sentimental or spiritual value to you. A special rosary helps you to be more spiritually involved while saying the prayers of the rosary. Of those who have a special rosary, most say it brings them even closer to God.
      1. Use an heirloom rosary. A rosary received as a gift from parents, grandparents or Godparents will hold special meaning for you as you say the rosary. Every time you use the rosary will cause you to think of them and say a special prayer of thanksgiving for their presence in your life.
      2. Use a rosary that's been blessed. A rosary that has been blessed by a priest, monsignor or cardinal will hold special meaning for those who desire a closer connection to the Church and the Holy Father. You can also ask your parish priest to bless your new rosary.
      3. Buy a specialty rosary. Rosaries are available at special holy sites, such as at the Vatican or Our Lady of Lourdes site. Some of these rosaries are available from the Church itself and have already been blessed. Many people who travel to these sites feel the rosary holds the special meaning of the site. This type of rosary is especially helpful for those who have traveled to the site for healing, because the healing will continue when they've returned home and use the blessed rosary.
      4. Make your own rosary. A rosary that you've made yourself will hold special meaning to you when praying the rosary. There are free instructions and discount supplies available online or at a local rosary guild. Many rosary guilds also make rosaries to donate to churches and missions worldwide.
    Note: The rosary itself is not necessary to pray the rosary. Many people who do not have a rosary continue to pray the rosary by keeping count on their fingers.

  • Step 2: The Origin of the Rosary

    • The meaning of the word rosary is "crown of roses". In the Catholic tradition, roses are a spiritual bouquet given to Mary, the Blessed Mother of Christ. The scent of roses during meditation or prayer symbolizes the presence of the Virgin Mary. During the rosary, Mary is asked to intercede on the behalf of the person praying the rosary, or the person they are praying for.
      1. The rosary began in the early first or second century, when the laity (lay people) wanted to imitate the monastic Liturgy of the Hours. The monks would recite all 150 psalms, but most of the laity could not read the words of the psalms.They instead substituted the Our Father (also known as the Lord's Prayer) and Ave Maria, which is also known as the Hail Mary.EWTN:Devotionals
      2. Graffiti dating back to the second century show prayers being said in a rosary-like fashion. To keep track of the number of prayers being said, the laity tied knots in ropes.The Rosary Foundation: A Brief History of the Rosary
      3. St. Dominic founded the Dominican Order and promoted reciting the rosary in France during the early 1200's. During this time, the faith was being devastated by Albigensian heresy.
      1. The Albigensian heresy was a leading factor in the resurrection of the rosary. It was during this time when Catholics experienced a crisis of faith and were tempted to leave the church. The rosary was reinstated as an act of faith.St. Dominic felt that by saying the rosary, the faith of those tempted by the Albigensian heresy would be strengthened. Praying the rosary has strengthened the faithful from the time of St. Dominc and the Domenican Order to the present.Wikipedia: Albigensian Crusade
      • 4. The rosary is based in the Holy Scriptures, from Psalms to Luke and Revelations. Praying the Hail Mary and dedicating the rosary to the Virgin Mary is based on sacred scriptures.
        1. Luke 1:28 "Hail Mary, full of grace" originates from "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you"
        2. Luke 1:41-42 "Blessed are thou amongst women" originates from "Most blessed are you among women"
        3. Luke 1:42 "Blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus" originates from "and blessed is the fruit of your womb"
        4. Revelation 5:8 "Pray for us sinners" originates from "The twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and with golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints"
        5. Revelation 12:1 "There appeared a great sign in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars."
      • NOTE: Psalm 136 is a litany, which is a repeated or recurring refrain. In Psalm 136, the litany that recurs is "His mercy endures forever". The litany is repeated several times. In the rosary, the Hail Mary is repeated as a litany to be said with heartfelt contemplation.

  • Step 3: Understanding the Decades

    • When praying the rosary, it is divided into decades and each decade is devoted to a mystery.
    1. The mysteries represent significant moments in the life of Jesus Christ and His Mother, Mary. Vatican.va: Mysteries
    2. The mysteries include the Joyful Mysteries, the Sorrowful Mysteries and the Glorious Mysteries.
      • In 2002, Pope John Paul II added the Mysteries of Light, also known as the Luminous Mysteries.
    • Each of these decades contain a group of five mysteries for a total of twenty when saying the full rosary.
    1. Praying the full rosary takes about an hour.
    2. Praying a decade takes about fifteen minutes.
    3. Praying the rosary can be either a full rosary with all the decades or just one decade.Marians of the Immaculate Conception: Joyful Mysteries
    • Although the rosary can be prayed at any time, certain days of the week are set aside for each mystery.
    1. The Joyful Mysteries are recited on Monday and Saturday.
    2. The The Luminous Mysteries are recited on Thursday.
    3. The Sorrowful Mysteries are recited on Tuesday and Friday.
    4. The Glorious Mysteries are recited on Wednesday and Sunday.

  • Step 4: The Prayers of the Rosary

    • The prayers of the rosary remain constant. Regardless of what mystery you decide to contemplate upon, the prayers remain the same. The Prayers of the Rosary consist of:
      1. The Sign of the Cross
      2. The Apostle's Creed
      3. The Our Father
      4. The Hail Mary
      5. Glory Be
      6. The Hail Holy QueenMarians of the Immaculate Conception: How to Pray the Rosary
    • The Our Father is known by non-Catholics as the Lord's Prayer. The Fatima prayer is optional and can be added at the end of the decades..EWTN:How to Pray the Rosary
    • Note: An online diagram is available for those just learning the rosary.
    • Prepare the mind and soul for praying the rosary.
      1. It is best to find a quiet place without distractions or interruptions.
      2. Pay full attention to each mystery and each prayer so the rosary is prayed with heartfelt meaning.
    • Saint Louis Marie Grignion De Montfort said "It is not so much the length of a prayer as the fervour with which it is said which pleases God and touches his heart. A single Hail Mary said properly is worth more than a hundred and fifty said badly."The Holy Rosary: The Secret

  • Step 5: Praying the Rosary

    • The Sign of the Cross
    • Each rosary begins with the Sign of the Cross. The Sign of the Cross is more than a symbol to Catholics; it is a reminder of not only to whom the prayer is being said, but the Oneness of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (the Holy Trinity)
      "In the name of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen."
      1. Begin the Sign of the Cross while holding the crucifix in your hand.
      2. Move the crucifix to your forehead and say "In the name of God the Father"
      3. Move the crucifix to your heart and say "and in the Son"
      4. Move to your left shoulder and say "and in the Holy"
      5. Move to the right shoulder and say "Spirit"
      6. Finish back at your heart and say "Amen"
    • Note: An easy way to think of the Sign of the Cross is that God is the Head, the Son is the heart and the Holy Spirit can move our arms, allowing us to do His will.
    • The Apostle's Creed
    • The Apostle's Creed recites the beliefs of the Disciples of Christ (the Apostles) and is the foundation of the Christian faith.
    • The Apostle's Creed is said right after making the Sign of the Cross, at the very beginning of the rosary, on the first bead.
      The 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 rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth 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 Sprit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen."
    • The Our Father
    • The Our Father is also known by many as the Lord's Prayer and is the most widely known prayer among Christians.
      1. Pray the Our Father at the beginning of the rosary, just after the Apostle's Creed, on the larger bead.
      2. Pray a second Our Father at the beginning of the rosary, just after the Glory Be and announcing the first Mystery. This Our Father is prayed just before beginning the decades.
      • The 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."
    • Note: At this point, many non-Catholics feel the Catholics have left out a major part of the prayer. Contrary to that way of thought, the ending of that prayer is considered a most important part of the prayer and is recited by the priest: "For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen."


    • The Hail Mary
    • The Hail Mary is based on scripture and is a prayer asking Mary, the Mother of God, to pray for us.
      1. Pray three Hail Mary's at the beginning of the rosary, following the Our Father.
      2. Pray ten Hail Mary's in a row when you are praying a decade
      • The Hail Mary: "Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou amongst 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."
    • The Glory Be
    • The Glory Be is a prayer of rejoicing and praise.
      1. Pray the Glory Be at the beginning of the rosary, after the first three Hail Mary's
      2. Pray the Glory Be after the ten consecutive Hail Mary's in each decade
      • "Glory Be to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen."
    • The Fatima Prayer
    • The Fatima prayer can be added at the end of each decade. The Fatima prayer is optional but is recommended.
    • Pray the Fatima prayer just after the Glory Be in each decade, if that is the local custom.
      • "O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those who are in most need of Thy mercy."
    • The Hail Holy Queen Prayer
    • The Hail Holy Queen prayer is the last prayer in the rosary, before making the Sign of the Cross.
      1. Pray the Hail Holy Queen at the end of the last mystery, when the decades are finished. The Hail Holy Queen is only prayed once in the rosary.
      • "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."
    • Sign of the Cross
      1. End the Rosary with the Sign of the Cross again.
      2. Hold the crucifix in the thumb and fingers to say the Sign of the Cross
      3. Touch the crucifix to the head, heart, left shoulder, right shoulder and heart again
      "In the name of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen"

  • Step 6: The Joyful Mysteries

    • The Joyful Mysteries are typically prayed on Monday and Saturday.
    • "The Joyful Mysteries are marked by the joy radiating from the event of the Incarnation. To meditate upon the joyful mysteries is to enter into the ultimate causes and the deepest meaning of Christian joy..."' Pope John Paul II
      1. The Annunciation is the first in the Joyful Mysteries. The Annunciation occurs when the Angel Gabriel visits Mary and announces that God has chosen her to be the mother of our Lord and Savior, according to Luke 1:26-38
      2. The Visitation is the second in the Joyful Mysteries. The Visitation occurs when Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth. The Holy Spirit speaks through Elizabeth and declares "Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb! And blessed art thou that hast believed, because those things shall be accomplished that were spoke to thee by the Lord."
      3. The Nativity is the third in the Joyful Mysteries, as the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem is revealed in Luke 2: 1-20. Catholics believe "In the heart of Mary are joined in perfect harmony a creature's adoration of her God and a Mother's love for her only Son."
      4. The Presentation is the forth Joyful Mystery, it occurs when Mary and Joseph take the baby Jesus to the temple and present Him to God, Luke 2:22-39.
      5. Finding Jesus in the Temple is the fifth Joyful Mystery. According to Luke 2:42-52, "After searching for three days, Mary and Joseph find the twelve-year-old Jesus sitting in the Temple discussing the law with the learned doctors." When Mary and Joseph were filled with joy at finding Him, Jesus said "How is it that you sought Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?" According to Catholic belief "In these words Jesus sums up His whole person, His whole life, His whole mission".

  • Step 7: The Sorrowful Mysteries

    • The Sorrowful Mysteries is a profoundly moving part of praying the rosary. The Sorrowful Mysteries remind Catholics of the trials that Jesus Christ went through for all humanity. Catholics meditate on the sorrows that Christ endured that led to His crucifixion on the cross. The Sorrowful Mysteries include The Agony in the Garden, The Scourging at the Pillar, the Crowning with Thorns, Carrying the Cross and the Crucifixion.


    • In his Apostolic letter,"" Pope John Paul II describes the meaning of the Sorrowful Mysteries. 'The sequence of meditations begins with Gethsemane, where Christ experiences a moment of great anguish before the will of the Father, against which the weakness of the flesh would be tempted to rebel. There Jesus encounters all the temptations and confronts all the sins of humanity, in order to say to the Father: "Not my will but yours be done" (Lk 22:42)'


      1. The Agony in the Garden is the first Sorrowful Mystery. While in the garden, Jesus Christ prayed to God to lift the cup from Him if possible. The cup represented the trials and crucifixion to come. The agony of Christ is that although He felt human emotions, He also knew what had to happen to save mankind. ""Nevertheless, Father, not My will but Thine be done."
      2. The Scourging is the second Sorrowful Mystery. "Jesus is stripped and unmercifully scourged until His body is one mass of bloody wounds. (Matt. 27:26)" Jesus Christ was stripped of his garments and humiliated, then beaten until his body was a bloody mass. According toEternal Word Television Network (EWTN)"God has placed upon Him"-- a man like unto ourselves, of the race of Adam, but entirely just and innocent and without sin-- "the iniquity of us all."
      3. The Crowning With Thorns is the third Sorrowful Mystery. "Jesus is ridiculed by putting a crown of thorns on His head and a reed in His hand." (Matt. 27:28- 31) He is mocked as King of the Jews and as the Son of God.
      4. Carrying the Cross is the fourth Sorrowful Mystery. "Jesus shoulders His own cross and carries it to the place of crucifixion while Mary follows Him sorrowing." (Luke 23:26- 32) According to EWTN "But while Jesus carried His cross, He merited for us the strength to bear our trials with generosity. He has placed in His cross a sweetness, which makes ours bearable, for when we carry our cross it is really His that we receive."
      5. The Crucifixion is the fifth Sorrowful Mystery. "Jesus is nailed to the cross and dies after three hours of agony, witnessed by His Mother." (Matt. 27:33-50) "Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends" Christ told his disciples. St. Paul stated "It is for us all that He is delivered up."

  • Step 8: The Glorious Mysteries

    • The Glorious Mysteries follow the sorrow of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross. Centering prayers around the events of the Glorious Mysteries will help you remember and relive the joy of a risen Christ.Vatican.va: Apostolic Letters
      1. The Resurrection is the first Glorious Mystery. According to EWTN, "The life of the risen Christ became an infinite source of glory for His Father. Not a single effect of His sufferings was left in Him, for now everything in Him shone with brilliance and beauty and possessed strength and life; every atom of His being sang an unceasing canticle of praise."
      2. The Ascension is the second Glorious Mystery. At His Ascension, Christ is raised to the right hand of the Father. "Jesus ascends into Heaven forty days after His resurrection to sit at the right hand of God the Father." (Luke 24:50-51)
      3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit is the third Glorious Mystery. The Descent of the Holy Spirit is celebrated at Pentecost in the Catholic Church. Jesus sends the Holy Spirit in the form of fiery tongues on His Apostles and disciples." (Acts 2:2-4) The Descent of the Holy Spirit began the spread of Christianity throughout the world. Vatican.va: Apostle Letters
      4. The Assumption of the Virgin Mary is the fourth Glorious Mystery. Among all women in the world, the Virgin Mary was chosen by God to give the Savior to the world. According to Pope John Paul II, "Mary herself would be raised to that same glory in the Assumption, enjoying beforehand, by a unique privilege, the destiny reserved for all the just at the resurrection of the dead"Vatican.va:John Paul II Letters
      5. The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the fifth Glorious Mystery. According to Catholic belief, the Blessed Virgin Mary is crowned the "Queen of Heaven and earth, of Angels and Saints" when she ascends to heaven.EWTN:The Glorious Mysteries - #5: The Coronation
      • NOTE: Many non-Catholics are under the mistaken impression that Catholics worship the Virgin Mary. Mary is asked in prayer to intercede (on behalf of the one praying) with her Son, Jesus Christ. The Virgin Mary is not worshiped, she is honored and venerated.Rosary Army: http://www.rosaryarmy.com/?page_id=595

  • Step 9: The Luminous Mysteries

    • The Luminous Mysteries (also known as the Mysteries of Light) were added to the rosary by Pope John Paul II in 2002, at the start of his 25th year as Pope.
    • Christ said "While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."
    • Pope John Paul II wanted to include the mysteries of Christ's public ministry between his Baptism and his Passion. "Declared the beloved Son of the Father at the Baptism in the Jordan, Christ is the one who announces the coming of the Kingdom, bears witness to it in his works and proclaims its demands. It is during the years of his public ministry that the mystery of Christ is most evidently a mystery of light."
    • In his Apostolic Letter entitled "Rosarium Virginis Mariae" Pope John Paul II wrote that the addition of the Luminous Mysteries "is meant to give it fresh life and to enkindle renewed interest in the Rosary's place within Christian spirituality as a true doorway to the depths of the Heart of Christ, ocean of joy and of light, of suffering and of glory."The Holy Rosary: Letter
      1. The Baptism of Christ is the first of the Luminous Mysteries. After John baptized Jesus, the heavens opened and the Spirit of God descended to Jesus in the form of a dove. The voice from heaven declared "this is My Son, with whom I am well pleased."
      2. The Wedding at Cana is the second Luminious Mystery. During the wedding, the waiters ran out of wine. When Jesus was told, he instructed the waiters to fill the wine jugs with water and take them to the head waiter. In His first miracle, Jesus turned water into wine and opened the hearts of His disciples to faith and greater miracles to come.
      3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom is the third Luminous Mystery. In Mark 1:14-15, the bible states "After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: "This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." Not only did Jesus proclaim that the kingdom of God was at hand, he called for repentance, conversion and all to follow the gospels.
      4. The Transfiguration of Christ is the fourth Luminous Mystery. Jesus was accompanied by Peter, James and John on a mountain. Luke 9:28-31 reads "while Jesus was praying His face changed in appearance and His clothing became dazzling white. And behold two men were conversing with Him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of His exodus that He was going to accomplish in Jerusalem."Wikipedia:Transfiguration Transfiguration of Jesus
      5. The Institution of the Eucharist is the fifth Luminous Mystery. During the Last Supper, Christ offers the sacrifice of his body and blood as food under the signs of bread and wine. In Mark 14:22, Jesus "took bread, blessed and broke it and gave it to them: "Take this, this is my Body" The word blessed in Greek is eucharistesas, from which the Eucharist derives its name.

  • Conclusion

    • The Rosary can be prayed daily as a form of daily devotion or it can be said for special reasons or special intentions. Rosaries can be prayed to help people in physical distress or emotional distress. The rosary can also be prayed as a chaplet or novena, which is a prayer repeated for several days for a particular person or reason. Chaplets and Novenas are varied forms of praying the rosary with special intentions.
    • The Divine Mercy novena, chaplet and rosary are special intention rosaries, with the special intention of asking for the Divine Mercy of Christ. The Divine Mercy: Acts of Mercy
    • For more in-depth information, make sure to read through Mahalo's complete guide on the Divine Mercy Novena. And for a full 52 week course online-- free of charge-- visit Divine Mercy 101!
    • A Virtual Rosary is offered free online for anyone who wants to pray the rosary at any time. Children can learn to pray the rosary online as well. A Perpetual Web Rosary has followers around the world, with someone new taking the place of the last person or prayer, so the rosary continues and is perpetual. There are also free audios of rosaries that can be downloaded and listened to anywhere.
    • When the Rosary is prayed with full intention and meaning, it is a beautiful and all-inclusive prayer. For the person praying the rosary, it helps them remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the promise of His love; which brings Christ into their everyday lives.

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