Step-By-Step Instructions for Praying the Rosary
i. Begin by holding the crucifix, saying “In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” (making the sign of the Cross while doing that), then say the Apostles Creed.
ii. On the single bead just above the cross, pray the “Our Father.”
iii. The next cluster has 3 beads. The “Hail Mary” prayer is said on these three beads. You pray the 3 Hail Mary while meditating on the three divine virtues of faith, hope, and love/charity.
iv. On the chain or cord after the three beads, say the “Glory be…”
v. On the next bead, which is a single bead, you announce the first divine mystery of contemplation. For example, if it were a Monday, you would say the first Joyful Mystery is “The Annunciation”, at this point you pray the “Our Father” prayer.
vi. Now this will bring you to the first decade, or set of 10 beads of the Rosary. You will then pray 10 Hail Mary while contemplating the first mystery, example: The Annunciation.
vii. After the 10th Hail Mary, you will have completed the first of 5 decades which make up a Chaplet of the Rosary. You now come to another single bead, at this point, you pray the… Glory be to the Father… then (on the same bead) pray the O My Jesus… then (on the same bead) announce the next or second mystery. For example: if it is Monday and you’re praying the Joyful Mysteries, the second Joyful Mystery is The Visitation. At this point you pray the Our Father….
viii. You will now come to the second decade or group of 10 beads, you will now pray the 10 Hail Mary while contemplating the appropriate mystery.
ix. You continue to pray the rosary the same way throughout. If your intention is to pray a Chaplet (a single set of mysteries) at the end of the fifth mystery you will come back to the joiner, this is where the decades all join with the lower part of the rosary which contains the cross. When you come to the joiner, you decide whether or not you wish to say another Chaplet or end. If you decide to say another Chaplet you simply announce the next mystery and continue. If you wish to end, you simply say the Glory Be to The Father, the O My Jesus, The Our Father and end the rosary with the Hail Holy Queen and the sign of the Cross.
Various Rosary Prayers in approximate order as prayed in the Rosary
INTRODUCTORY PRAYER (OPTIONAL)
O Queen of the most Holy Rosary, You graciously revealed the treasures of grace, hidden in the Rosary, to the three shepherd children of Fatima. Instill in our hearts, a sincere and profound love for this powerful prayer. By meditating on the mysteries of our redemption recalled in the Rosary, may we be enriched with its fruits and obtain the conversion of sinners and peace in the world. If it is in accordance with the will of your Divine Son, grant us the favors we ask of you in this Rosary. Holy Mother of God, intercede for us that each of us praying the Rosary may live in accordance with the will of your Son and thus obtain the joys of eternal life. Amen.
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 arose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, sits 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 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.
THE DOXOLOGY
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 HAIL MARY
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art 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.
DECADE PRAYER
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy. Amen.
THE SALVE REGINA
(Hail Holy Queen): 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!
V: Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God
R: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
LET US PRAY
O God, whose only begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal salvation. Grant, we beseech Thee, that while meditating on these mysteries of the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, that we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.
MEMORARE
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary that never was it known that anyone who fled to Your protection, implored Your help, or sought Your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, we fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, our Mother. To You we come; before You we stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not our petitions, but in Your mercy, hear and answer us. Amen.