HOW TO PRAY THE HOLY ROSARY

* If you do not know the prayers of the Rosary, you will find them in the Rosary Diagram.

1. Holding the crucifix of the Rosary with your right hand, make the Sign of the Cross and then kiss the crucifix.
2. It is good to begin your Rosary by offering it for some intention.
   Example: “I offer this Rosary for all my spiritual needs and those of my family, for the conversion of sinners, in reparation for my sins and those of all sinners, for world peace and the triumph of Mary's Immaculate Heart.”
3. On the crucifix, pray the Apostles’ Creed.
4. On the first single bead after the crucifix, pray an Our Father.
5. On each of the next three beads, which are grouped together, pray a Hail Mary.
6. After the three Hail Marys, pray the Glory be. Now this is where the “decades” begin.
7. On the next single bead, announce the decade and then pray an Our Father. (Example: “The First Joyful Mystery, the Annunciation. Our Father, Who art...”)
8. On each of the ten beads that follow, pray a Hail Mary while reflecting upon the mystery assigned to this decade (see list of mysteries below). Some people find that looking at a picture depicting each mystery helps them meditate on the mystery.
9. After the ten Hail Marys, pray the “Glory be” and “O my Jesus...”
10. Repeat steps 6 and 7 until you have prayed all 5 decades.
11. Many Catholics also pray the “Hail Holy Queen,” the Prayer to St. Michael, and the Litany of the Blessed Virgin at the end of the Rosary.
    

More About the Holy Rosary

The diagram above at the right shows a five-decade Rosary such as those most commonly used by Catholics. The purpose of the beads is to keep track of the prayers, especially the sets of 10 Hail Marys. As seen in the chart, the single beads are the Our Fathers, while the group of three beads and the five groups of ten beads are the Hail Marys. As we pass each bead through our fingers, we pray the appropriate prayer, and then move to the next one. By doing this, we simply work our way around the Rosary, beginning at the Crucifix and ending at the centerpiece.

It is best to use a Rosary that has been blessed by a priest, but this is not absolutely necessary, although there are extra indulgences attached to praying on a blessed Rosary. In times of persecution, for example, Catholics have been known to use stones or pebbles, or even their fingers or toes to count the Hail Marys.

The Rosary should be prayed in a reverent position of the body. For example, we are encouraged to kneel before an image of our Blessed Mother or the Crucifix, or in a church or chapel before the Blessed Sacrament while praying the Rosary, but this is not mandatory. Kneeling is a sign of reverence and it also helps the mind stay alert and free from distraction during prayer. Some people, however, are not physically able to kneel, at least for the entire Rosary, and it is certainly acceptable to sit in a reverent, alert position. The Rosary may also be prayed while walking, whether in procession or on a simple walk alone or with others. The sick may pray it while lying in bed, and many Catholics pray extra decades until they fall asleep in bed at night.

A very important point is that the heart of the Rosary is not the repetition of these prayers, but our meditation upon the mysteries of the lives of Jesus and Mary during each decade. As we pray each set of Hail Marys, we should meditate upon the event in the lives of Jesus and Mary assigned to that decade, and on the grace or virtue manifested in that mystery, praying humbly for the grace to imitate Their example in our lives.

The mysteries are divided into three groups:

The Joyful Mysteries: (Mondays, Thursdays)*
1st Mystery: The Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38)
2nd Mystery: The Visitation (Luke 1:39-56)
3rd Mystery: The Birth of Our Lord (Luke 2:1-21)
4th Mystery: The Presentation (Luke 2:22-38)
5th Mystery: The Finding in the Temple (Luke 2:41-52)

The Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesdays, Fridays, Sundays in Lent)*
1st Mystery: The Agony in the Garden (Matt. 26:36-56)
2nd Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar (Matt. 27:26)
3rd Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns (Matt. 27:27-31)
4th Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross (Matt. 27:32)
5th Mystery: The Crucifixion (Matt. 27:33-56)

The Glorious Mysteries (Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays)*
1st Mystery: The Resurrection (John 20:1-29)
2nd Mystery: The Ascension (Luke 24:36-53)
3rd Mystery: The Descent of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:1-41)
4th Mystery: The Assumption of Our Lady
5th Mystery: The Coronation of Our Lady

* These days are suggested for praying these sets of mysteries, but they can be prayed any day. Those who are able are encouraged to pray all 15 decades every day.

THE PRAYERS OF THE ROSARY

The Sign of the Cross
IN THE NAME of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. (When you say “of the Father, ” touch your forehead; when you say “of the Son,” touch your breastbone; when you say “of the Holy Ghost,” touch your left shoulder and then your right shoulder.

The 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. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into Heaven, and 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 Ghost, 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 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 Ghost. As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

O My Jesus
(Requested by Our Lady at Fatima in 1917; pray after each decade)
O MY JESUS, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to Heaven, especially those who have most need of Thy mercy.

Concluding Rosary Prayer
O GOD, Whose only begotten Son, by His life, death and resurrection has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we beseech Thee, by meditating upon 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 the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

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!

Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense against the malice and wickedness of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and the other evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

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.

Saint Dominic Feast Day

Today, August 8th, is the Feast Day of St. Dominic, who founded the Order of Preachers, the Dominicans, and spread devotion to the Rosary. St. Dominic, pray for us.

Miraculous Novena Prayer to St. Jude Thaddeus

Miraculous Novena Prayer to St. Jude Thaddeus:

O Holy St. Jude! Apostle and Martyr,

great in virtue and rich in miracles, near kinsman of Jesus Christ,
faithful intercessor for all who invoke your special patronage in time of need;
to you I have recourse from the depth of my heart, and humbly beg you,
to whom God has given such great power, to come to my assistance.
Help me in my present urgent petition (mention your urgent need).
In return I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked.
(Say 3 Our Fathers, 3 Hail Mary's, & 3 Glory Be)
St. Jude, pray for us and all who honour thee and invoke thy aid.
Amen.

(This novena prayer is to be said for 9 consecutive days. St Jude Thaddeus is the patron saint of lost causes. When things seem hopeless and helpless, then this prayer has worked miracles for all who've turned to St. Jude Thaddeus in times of need.):

PLEASE SHARE TO OTHERS AND BE BLESSED!!!

How To Pray The Chaplet Of Divine Mercy

THE CHAPLET OF THE DIVINE MERCY

"Encourage souls to say the Chaplet which I have given you ... Whoever will recite it will receive great mercy at the hour of death ... When they say this chaplet in the presence of the dying, I will stand between my Father and the dying person, not as the Just Judge but as the Merciful Savior ... Priests will recommend it to sinners as their last hope of salvation. Even if there were a sinner most hardened, if he were to recite this chaplet only once, he would receive grace from my infinite mercy. I desire to grant unimaginable graces to those souls who trust in My mercy ... Through the Chaplet you will obtain everything, if what you ask for is compatible with My will." (Saint Faustina's Diary 687, 1541, 1731)

The Divine Mercy Chaplet is a prayer taught to St. Faustina by Our Lord, who revealed to her how to efficaciously invoke his Divine Mercy and its great power to save souls and convert even the most hardened sinners.

The Divine Mercy chaplet calls to mind the ancient and powerful “Jesus Prayer” known to Christians of the East, which is prayed on the chotki or Jesus Beads:

“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy on me, a sinner.”

The Divine Mercy chaplet likewise begs Christ for mercy, first for ourselves, and then for those for whom we pray it. Regarding this prayer, Jesus said to St. Faustina:

“Say unceasingly this chaplet that I have taught you. Anyone who says it will receive great Mercy at the hour of death. Priests will recommend it to sinners as the last hope. Even the most hardened sinner, if he recites this Chaplet even once, will receive grace from My Infinite Mercy. I want the whole world to know My Infinite Mercy. I want to give unimaginable graces to those who trust in My Mercy” and later, “When they say this Chaplet in the presence of the dying, I will stand between My Father and the dying person not as the just judge but as the Merciful Savior.”

HOW TO PRAY THE CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY

The Divine Mercy chaplet is prayed on the beads of a regular Rosary. It is a very quick prayer – it only takes about five minutes! The Divine Mercy chaplet can also be chanted or sung (there is a traditional chant tone as well as a more contemporary melody, which is a very beautiful way to pray this chaplet with a group.

This chaplet can also be prayed daily for nine consecutive days as a novena, with accompanying prayers taught to St. Faustina by Our Lord.

ON THE CRUCIFIX

Pray the Sign of the Cross:

“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

ON THE FIRST SINGLE (OUR FATHER) BEAD

Optional opening prayer:

“You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.”

Repeat three times:

“O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fountain of Mercy for us, I trust in You!”

ON THE FIRST THREE (HAIL MARY) BEADS

Pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, and the Apostle’s Creed:

“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, 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.”

“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; 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 there He will 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.”

ON EACH OF THE 5 SINGLE (OUR FATHER) BEADS

“Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.”

ON EACH GROUP OF 10 (HAIL MARY) BEADS

“For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”

CONCLUDING PRAYERS

When all five groups of ten beads (decades) are completed, pray:

“Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.” (Repeat three times)

Optional closing prayer:

“Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion — inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself. Amen.” (Finish with the Sign of the Cross)

Prayer to Saint Expedite

For a Financial Need

Here is a prayer for your money emergency. The traditional way to petition Saint Expedite is to take a white and a green candle; carve your name on them lengthwise. Light the candles and continue lighting the candles and praying to him until you receive his answer. Have faith and do not doubt his power or willingness to help you.

Pray to Saint Expedite

I call forth the Power and the presence of St. Expedite in my time of financial trouble. I offer my body, heart, mind and soul upon your altar of light. I have faith and trust and complete confidence that you will be my strength in this time of need. Quickly come to my assistance.

Bring to me ____________ (Clearly express what you want, and ask him to find a way to get it to you.)

My financial need is urgent. Be my Light and Guide in this situation so that I may live with peace, love, prosperity and abundance and in the Praise of God.

Amen.

(Now promise to give Saint Expedite a specific offering If your desire is granted.)

Developing a Sacred Conscience

Developing a Sacred Conscience
1 Corinthians 2:10-16

The Lord has given you a conscience for your protection. To develop and trust this warning system, you must be committed to taking certain actions.

Apply the Word of God to daily living. As you put into practice “the perfect law that gives freedom” (James 1:25), your conscience will grow stronger because you know God’s heart better.

Arrive at decisions through prayer. Instead of choosing something merely because it looks, sounds, or feels good, bring every issue before the Lord in prayer.

Agree to obey God. When you strongly desire to function God’s way, you will consistently ask, What does He want me to do? This practice will enable you to discern and follow the Spirit’s lead.

Acquire a deeper sensitivity to the Spirit’s conviction. As believers, we are no longer condemned (Rom. 8:1), so we must recognize the difference between the conviction of the Holy Spirit and condemnation from the enemy. The Spirit always shows us exactly what needs repentance—He doesn’t give us a sense of vague guilt. His conviction has the purpose of turning us back to Him.

Abandon yourself to the perfect will of God. If you recommit daily to be a “living sacrifice” for the Father alone, your inner compass will steer you closer to the Lord. Then, as you refuse to conform to this world’s pattern and instead renew your thinking according to the mind of Jesus Christ, you will be able to “test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Rom. 12:1-2)