Why Do We Pray The Rosary
Dear brothers and sisters, friends and all, praying the rosary can take you on a fascinating spiritual journey in which mother Mary takes you by the hand, bringing you closer to Jesus.
Why Should I Pray The Rosary
When I have been asked to explain this question, my humble answer is, “Because by praying the rosary, we become one with mother Mary in prayer.“
Then I continue, “Each time we pray the rosary, we are continuously reciting verses of the bible.”
By Praying the rosary, we become advocates, believers, and followers of Mary, who is present with us every time we pray. Thus, she can intercede in our petitions to God the Father, in just the same way she did to Jesus for the groom and bride at the Wedding of Cana.
The Many Apparitions of Mary
It is Mary herself who has personally asked us to pray the rosary. She has presented herself holding or wearing a rosary in many apparitions.
In the Apparition of Fatima in Portugal in 1917, her message to God’s children was to pray the rosary constantly. In Mary’s apparition in Lourdes, France, in 1857, she is holding a rosary in her right hand as she appears to Bernadette.
Her messages tell us to pray the rosary for a better world in her many apparitions.
What Are The Main Prayers Of The Rosary
The prayers of the rosary consist of three main prayers, apart from the Apostles Creed, recited by the Apostles continuously. These prayers are found in the bible, and they are the Lord’s Prayer, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.
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 Ghost, 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, 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 Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.”
The Lord’s Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer is found in the Gospel of Mathew 6:9-13, and in Luke 11:2-4.
“Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom comes; 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.”
Hail Mary
Hail Mary is found in the Gospel of Luke 1:28
“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.”
Glory Be
The Glory Be is a hymn of praise. it has been recited at the end of each Psalm in the divine office.
“Glory be to the Father, to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.”
Steps For Praying The Rosary Using Rosary Beads
The following steps will guide you through praying the rosary using rosary beads.
On the crucifix, say the Apostles’ Creed.
On the next large bead, pray the Our Father.
On the next three tiny beads, pray three Hail Marys.
On the chain, pray the Glory Be.
On the large bead, announce the first mystery (Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, or Glorious), then say the Our Father.
On the next ten beads, pray ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery.
On the chain, pray the Glory Be.
Repeat steps 5 through 8 for the next four decades.
The Catechism Of The Catholic Church
The Catechism of the Catholic Church mentions The Rosary On CCC 2708 As Follows:
“Meditation engages thought, imagination, emotion, and desire. This mobilization of faculties is necessary in order to deepen our convictions of faith, prompt the conversion of our hearts, and strengthen our will to follow Christ. Christian prayer tries above all to meditate on the mysteries of Christ, as in Lectio Divina or the rosary. This form of prayerful reflection is of great value, but Christian prayer should go further to the knowledge of the love of the Lord Jesus, to union with him.”
Finally
Pray the rosary out of obedience to Mary, to be closer to Christ, and to live the Living Word of God as written in the bible.
I am with you as you embark on your spiritual journey. Check out another article called 5 Step Guide: How To Choose A Rosary where I recommend five things you should consider before choosing a rosary.
Or, you can look through my selection of rosaries if you are all ready to make your choice.
God Bless.