How to pray the Rosary: a simple guide
The Rosary accompanies reflection on the life of Jesus with Mary. You can pray alone, as a family, or with a community. This guide explains its structure; the Vatican references below provide traditional prayer texts.
The opening prayers
Make the Sign of the Cross and pray the Apostles’ Creed. Pray the Our Father on the first large bead, three Hail Marys on the small beads, and the Glory Be. You may offer a particular intention before beginning.
Praying one decade
Announce a mystery and pause to contemplate that event from the Gospel. Pray one Our Father, ten Hail Marys, and one Glory Be. Then move to the next mystery. A chaplet usually has five decades; communities may add invocations according to their custom.
Joyful mysteries — Monday and Saturday
The Annunciation; the Visitation; the Nativity; the Presentation in the Temple; the Finding of Jesus in the Temple. These mysteries invite reflection on welcoming Christ and the events of his childhood.
Luminous mysteries — Thursday
The Baptism of Jesus; the Wedding at Cana; the Proclamation of the Kingdom and call to conversion; the Transfiguration; the Institution of the Eucharist. They turn our attention to Christ’s public ministry.
Sorrowful mysteries — Tuesday and Friday
The Agony in the Garden; the Scourging at the Pillar; the Crowning with Thorns; the Carrying of the Cross; the Crucifixion. You may remember people who are suffering and those supporting them.
Glorious mysteries — Wednesday and Sunday
The Resurrection; the Ascension; Pentecost; the Assumption of Mary; the Coronation of Mary. This customary weekly pattern can be adapted to the liturgical season and the needs of communal prayer.
Finishing and continuing
After five decades, you may conclude with the Hail Holy Queen and the Sign of the Cross. Beginners can take time to understand one decade before continuing. If you become distracted, return gently to the meditation without starting over. Some audio tools elsewhere on this site remain in English.