The Holy Rosary: how to pray it step by step
The Holy Rosary is the most widely prayed Marian prayer in the world: twenty scenes from the life of Jesus and Mary, the mysteries, contemplated while the Hail Marys are repeated. It can be prayed in full or, as most people do, one set of five mysteries a day, the one that belongs to that day of the week. Here you have everything you need: the step-by-step order, the full text of each prayer, and the twenty mysteries with a short meditation for each, ready to pray alone or as a family.
When it is prayed: Any day, at any time; many families pray it at night. Each day of the week has its mysteries: Joyful on Monday and Saturday, Sorrowful on Tuesday and Friday, Glorious on Wednesday and Sunday, Luminous on Thursday. One full set takes 15 to 20 minutes.
How to pray it
- Sign of the Cross and the Apostles' Creed.
- One Our Father, three Hail Marys (for faith, hope and charity) and one Glory Be.
- Announce the first mystery and read its meditation.
- One Our Father, ten Hail Marys and one Glory Be, followed by the Fatima Prayer.
- Repeat the same for the remaining four mysteries.
- To finish, the Hail Holy Queen and, if you wish, the family's intentions.
The prayers of the Rosary
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Apostles' 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;
on the third day he rose again from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
and is seated 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 Ghost,
the holy Catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting. Amen.
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.
Hail Mary
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
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Fatima Prayer
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.
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. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.
The mysteries
- The Joyful Mysteries (Monday and Saturday)
- The Luminous Mysteries (Thursday)
- The Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesday and Friday)
- The Glorious Mysteries (Wednesday and Sunday)
The Joyful Mysteries
Prayed on Monday and Saturday
First mystery: The Annunciation
The angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will be the mother of the Savior, and she answers: let it be done to me according to your word. Through this mystery, let us ask for a willing heart that knows how to say yes to God.
Second mystery: The Visitation
Mary sets out to serve her cousin Elizabeth, and at her greeting the child leaps for joy in the womb. Let us ask for the joy of serving others before being asked.
Third mystery: The Nativity of Jesus
In the poverty of a manger the King of heaven is born, and the shepherds find hope in him. Let us ask to recognize God in what is small and humble.
Fourth mystery: The Presentation in the Temple
Mary and Joseph present the child, and old Simeon recognizes him as the light of the nations. Let us ask for the patience of those who wait on God all their lives.
Fifth mystery: The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
After three days of anguish, Mary and Joseph find Jesus among the teachers of the law. Let us ask to seek Jesus without rest whenever we lose sight of him.
The Luminous Mysteries
Prayed on Thursday
First mystery: The Baptism of Jesus
As he comes out of the water heaven opens and the Father proclaims: this is my beloved Son. Let us ask to live as beloved children of God.
Second mystery: The Wedding at Cana
At Mary's intercession Jesus turns water into wine and saves the feast. Let us ask to always do whatever he tells us.
Third mystery: The Proclamation of the Kingdom
Jesus goes through the towns announcing the good news and calling to conversion. Let us ask for a heart willing to be converted every day.
Fourth mystery: The Transfiguration
On Mount Tabor the face of Jesus shines like the sun before Peter, James and John. Let us ask for moments of prayer that transform us.
Fifth mystery: The Institution of the Eucharist
At the Last Supper Jesus remains with us in the bread and the wine. Let us ask to love and treasure the Eucharist.
The Sorrowful Mysteries
Prayed on Tuesday and Friday
First mystery: The Agony in the Garden
In Gethsemane Jesus sweats blood and accepts the Father's will: not my will, but yours be done. Let us ask for strength to trust God in the hardest hour.
Second mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar
Jesus is unjustly scourged and keeps silence, carrying our pain in his body. Let us ask for patience in the sufferings we did not choose.
Third mystery: The Crowning with Thorns
The true King is mocked with a crown of thorns and a purple cloak. Let us ask for humility when we are humiliated or misunderstood.
Fourth mystery: The Carrying of the Cross
On the way to Calvary Jesus falls and rises again, helped by Simon of Cyrene. Let us ask to carry our daily cross without letting go of his hand.
Fifth mystery: The Crucifixion
From the cross Jesus forgives and gives his spirit to the Father, giving us Mary as our mother. Let us ask for the grace to forgive as he forgives.
The Glorious Mysteries
Prayed on Wednesday and Sunday
First mystery: The Resurrection
On the third day the tomb is empty: Jesus lives, and death does not have the last word. Let us ask for a joyful faith that spreads hope.
Second mystery: The Ascension
Jesus ascends into heaven and promises to be with us every day until the end of the world. Let us ask to live with our eyes set on heaven.
Third mystery: The Descent of the Holy Spirit
The Spirit descends upon Mary and the apostles, and fear turns into courage. Let us ask for the gifts of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Fourth mystery: The Assumption of Mary
Mary is taken up to heaven body and soul, the first fruits of what God desires for us. Let us ask for her motherly help on our journey.
Fifth mystery: The Coronation of Mary
Mary is crowned Queen of heaven and earth, and never ceases to intercede for her children. Let us entrust our needs to her heart of Queen and Mother.
Frequently asked questions
Which mysteries are prayed each day?
Joyful on Monday and Saturday, Sorrowful on Tuesday and Friday, Glorious on Wednesday and Sunday, and Luminous on Thursday. In Advent and Christmas many pray the Joyful on Sundays, and in Lent the Sorrowful.
How long does a Rosary take?
One set of five mysteries, which is what is normally prayed each day, takes 15 to 20 minutes. The full Rosary, with all twenty mysteries, about an hour.
Can it be prayed with children?
Yes, and it is one of the best ways to teach them to pray. With the youngest you can pray a single mystery, or one decade, and let them announce the mystery or hold the beads. In the Cordeo app the Rosary is voice-guided so you can follow it together without reading.
Do I need rosary beads?
No. The beads only help keep count of the ten Hail Marys. You can count on your fingers or follow the narrated guide in the app.