Catholic Prayers
How to Pray the Rosary
A guide to praying the Rosary, a cherished Catholic devotion.
This prayer can be written out by hand and carried into St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City. Send it in.
You carry a desire to pray the Rosary, a devotion that brings comfort and focus through repetition and meditation on the mysteries of faith.
A Prayer for Beginning the Rosary
The Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Apostles' Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again 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 the 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.
Short Prayers for the Rosary
- Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
- Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
- O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell.
- Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope.
- Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
- That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Prayers for the Rosary in Meditation
The 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.
The 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.
When Distracted
Lord, my mind wanders as I try to pray. Help me to focus on these mysteries and to offer this Rosary for your intentions. Let each Hail Mary draw me closer to you, even when my thoughts are scattered. I trust that you receive this prayer as it is. Amen.
What Scripture Says
Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you. — Luke 1:28
The angel’s greeting to Mary reminds us of her unique role in salvation.
Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. — Luke 1:42
Elizabeth’s words echo the honor given to Mary and Jesus.
Pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. — traditional
This petition reflects our need for intercession in life’s critical moments.
The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. — James 5:16
Mary’s faithfulness makes her prayers especially potent.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. — Philippians 4:6
The Rosary helps us bring our cares to God through Mary.
Be still, and know that I am God. — Psalm 46:10
The repetitive prayers can quiet the soul and open it to God’s presence.
Questions People Ask
How do I pray the Rosary step by step? Begin with the Sign of the Cross, recite the Creed, the Our Father, three Hail Marys, and the Glory Be. Then announce the first mystery, say the Our Father, ten Hail Marys, the Glory Be, and the Fatima Prayer. Repeat for each mystery, ending with the Hail Holy Queen.
What are the mysteries of the Rosary? The Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous Mysteries reflect key events in the lives of Jesus and Mary, meditated on different days of the week.
Why do Catholics pray the Rosary? It is a meditative prayer that helps focus on Christ’s life and seeks Mary’s intercession, following a tradition encouraged by the Church.
How long does it take to pray the Rosary? A full Rosary of five decades typically takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on pace and reflection.
Can I pray the Rosary for someone else? Yes, you can offer the Rosary for the intentions of another person, asking God’s grace and mercy for them through this devotion.
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You may have your Rosary prayer carried into St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.