Help w/ the Rosary

[Curts33]

So I’m 16 and I have recently become close to God and am really beginning to get into a faith life, but even though I was raised catholic, they never really taught us how to pray the rosary, it was more of a “this is what it is, you do this, and this” but you never learn it. So I’ve been reading on how to do it and I now understand but I had a quick few questions.
I know that a lot of people, or most, ask Mary for something, such as the conversion of a family member or friend, or for the recovery of a cancer patient who you know, stuff like that…

At what point, and how exactly, do you do this?

And my other question, one I’m more concerned about, is the whole meditating on the mysteries thing. How exactly do you meditate on a mystery while also praying? Is it a thing where your brain is saying the words to the Hail Mary but your mind is focused on the mystery for that decade? They never exactly teach you exactly how to do these things so I need help on getting started… I want to pray the rosary regularly but have things to clear up before I can do so.

If anyone has a helpful link for me it’d be appreciated as well.
Thanks!

 

[asia53]

So I’m 16 and I have recently become close to God and am really beginning to get into a faith life, but even though I was raised catholic, they never really taught us how to pray the rosary, it was more of a “this is what it is, you do this, and this” but you never learn it. So I’ve been reading on how to do it and I now understand but I had a quick few questions.
I know that a lot of people, or most, ask Mary for something, such as the conversion of a family member or friend, or for the recovery of a cancer patient who you know, stuff like that…

At what point, and how exactly, do you do this?
I make the Sign of the Cross–then say my intention before the Apostle’s Creed.
And my other question, one I’m more concerned about, is the whole meditating on the mysteries thing. How exactly do you meditate on a mystery while also praying? Is it a thing where your brain is saying the words to the Hail Mary but your mind is focused on the mystery for that decade? They never exactly teach you exactly how to do these things so I need help on getting started… I want to pray the rosary regularly but have things to clear up before I can do so.
I have a Rosary booklet with pictures for each Mystery. I look at the picture while praying the Hail Marys. Pretty soon, the pictures were embedded in my mind. I just need to recall the picture. Or another way, I take one or two word/s of the Mystery. For instance: 3rd Joyful Mystery-The Nativity- I’ll say aloud or in my mind, “Nativity” before I pray the Hail Mary.
If anyone has a helpful link for me it’d be appreciated as well.
Thanks!

The Rosary is a private devotion. So pretty much, whatever works for you is fine.

 

[abook]

When meditating on the mysteries I usually say the hail Mary’s in my mind while focusing on the mystery so that the Hail Marys become a sort of background rythym.

 

[Casilda]

Free Catholic app, Laudate has rosary podcasts you can follow along until you get used to it, also has a read as you go rosary. The devotion is a habit, to help your prayer life. I sometimes state my intention after a decade, if it comes to mind. Also, Relevant Radio has a free booklet on how to say the rosary. See if your parish has a rosary hour.

 

[Googler]

Great resource for reciting the Scriptural Rosary (scripture between the Ave’s) HERE.

This little book is truly a gem for reciting the Rosary with a meditation and wonderful art HERE or HERE.

I’ve switched back and forth between the two methods. But I’m thinking of combining them.

For intentions, I’ve been including them right between the Apostles’ Creed and the Our Father.

Ave, ave, ave Maria.

 

[Memaw]

So I’m 16 and I have recently become close to God and am really beginning to get into a faith life, but even though I was raised catholic, they never really taught us how to pray the rosary, it was more of a “this is what it is, you do this, and this” but you never learn it. So I’ve been reading on how to do it and I now understand but I had a quick few questions.
I know that a lot of people, or most, ask Mary for something, such as the conversion of a family member or friend, or for the recovery of a cancer patient who you know, stuff like that…

At what point, and how exactly, do you do this?

And my other question, one I’m more concerned about, is the whole meditating on the mysteries thing. How exactly do you meditate on a mystery while also praying? Is it a thing where your brain is saying the words to the Hail Mary but your mind is focused on the mystery for that decade? They never exactly teach you exactly how to do these things so I need help on getting started… I want to pray the rosary regularly but have things to clear up before I can do so.

If anyone has a helpful link for me it’d be appreciated as well.
Thanks!

At the beginning of each Decade, when I say the Mystery I also say, " I offer to THEE sweet Jesus, this decade for, (an intention, such as “for the Holy father and his intentions.”) As for meditating on the mystery, that will take practice, be patient with yourself. I like to place myself in each mystery as an observer. Some times I get so into it, I say more Hail Marys than needed. You will develop your own style of meditating.Our
lady will assist you. When I taught CCD, (for 20years), I started each class with one decade of the rosary and a short discussion on the Mystery. Prayers and God Bless, Memaw

 

[Ophelia23]

I love the Rosary. I am happy for you that you are exploring it for yourself. :hug3:

Some people frown on it, but I also pray the rosary when I am stuck doing something. For example, I pray along with the rosary over a youtube video that is narrated when I am standing in the kitchen washing all of the dirty dishes. I pray along, and use my duties as an offering to Our Lord.

 

[smead2942]

So I’m 16 and I have recently become close to God and am really beginning to get into a faith life, but even though I was raised catholic, they never really taught us how to pray the rosary, it was more of a “this is what it is, you do this, and this” but you never learn it. So I’ve been reading on how to do it and I now understand but I had a quick few questions.
I know that a lot of people, or most, ask Mary for something, such as the conversion of a family member or friend, or for the recovery of a cancer patient who you know, stuff like that…

At what point, and how exactly, do you do this?

And my other question, one I’m more concerned about, is the whole meditating on the mysteries thing. How exactly do you meditate on a mystery while also praying? Is it a thing where your brain is saying the words to the Hail Mary but your mind is focused on the mystery for that decade? They never exactly teach you exactly how to do these things so I need help on getting started… I want to pray the rosary regularly but have things to clear up before I can do so.

If anyone has a helpful link for me it’d be appreciated as well.
Thanks!

I am 16 as well so allow me to provide some insight.

The Most Holy Rosary is one of the most powerful weapons that you can use.

What I like to do is pray the Apostles Creed and opening prayers, then after declaring each mystery, I announce an intention, and think about both the intention and mystery throughout the decade. I try to surround myself wish sacred images, candles, or whatever to keep my mind in the presence of the divine. Pray the Holy Rosary every day. If you run in the morning, keep track of the prayers with your fingers. God gave us ten of them for a reason

 

[patmiron]

=Curts33;13194948]So I’m 16 and I have recently become close to God and am really beginning to get into a faith life, but even though I was raised catholic, they never really taught us how to pray the rosary, it was more of a “this is what it is, you do this, and this” but you never learn it. So I’ve been reading on how to do it and I now understand but I had a quick few questions.
I know that a lot of people, or most, ask Mary for something, such as the conversion of a family member or friend, or for the recovery of a cancer patient who you know, stuff like that…

At what point, and how exactly, do you do this?

And my other question, one I’m more concerned about, is the whole meditating on the mysteries thing. How exactly do you meditate on a mystery while also praying? Is it a thing where your brain is saying the words to the Hail Mary but your mind is focused on the mystery for that decade? They never exactly teach you exactly how to do these things so I need help on getting started… I want to pray the rosary regularly but have things to clear up before I can do so.

If anyone has a helpful link for me it’d be appreciated as well.
Thanks!

THANKS for asking!

Because space in limited here on CAF [and wisely so] I can’t provide a full answer to your questions.

As to the intentions: this CAN be left up to Mary if you choose to do so; or as you relate; any worthwhile spiritual cause can be requested.

As to the Meditations: It is sufficient if one ponders the reality [for a short period of time] of that stations particular sacrifice by Christ, and then end it with a heartfelt “Thank you Jesus”…

The goal of doing this is twofold:

1. To in a sense make us [near] present and cognizant of and to Christ in His Suffering for us. To help us be more keenly aware of God’s Love for us as individuals. And then to foster the opportunity to THANK Jesus for ALL that He Has done and Continues to do for us.
2. To increase our own personal level of piety. Which in turn will lead and aid us in a closer Relationship with Him.

As to your intention: this is usually done before staring the recitation of the Rosary.

God Bless you, and thanks for asking,

Pat Miron

 

[Curts33]

I am 16 as well so allow me to provide some insight.

The Most Holy Rosary is one of the most powerful weapons that you can use.

What I like to do is pray the Apostles Creed and opening prayers, then after declaring each mystery, I announce an intention, and think about both the intention and mystery throughout the decade. I try to surround myself wish sacred images, candles, or whatever to keep my mind in the presence of the divine. Pray the Holy Rosary every day. If you run in the morning, keep track of the prayers with your fingers. God gave us ten of them for a reason

Awesome, thanks. I don’t run but I did get up early today (and plan to continue to get up early) so that I had time to pray the Holy Rosary before I left for school. Had never prayed it before and I prayed it twice in 8 1/2 hours between last night and this morning.

Thanks!

 

[Googler]

I will not let a day go by without reciting (at least) the five decades of the Rosary for that day.
I’ve noticed over time that there’s a definite difference in how well my day goes if I pray it first thing in the morning opposed to later or before the end of the day.

Just curious if any of the other members here have had a similar experience (or not).
If so, why do you suppose this occurs?
Has it to do with graces or protection through our Blessed Heavenly Mother?

 

[migencluz]

I will not let a day go by without reciting (at least) the five decades of the Rosary for that day.
I’ve noticed over time that there’s a definite difference in how well my day goes if I pray it first thing in the morning opposed to later or before the end of the day.

Just curious if any of the other members here have had a similar experience (or not).
If so, why do you suppose this occurs?
Has it to do with graces or protection through our Blessed Heavenly Mother?

God wants to put Him first before all things, so of course, you get more blessings from God when you recite your prayers first thing. For me, I recite the rosary on my way to work when I have work, and I try to say my morning prayers early in the morning when I don’t have work. When I procrastinate on prayer, I tend to have a tinge of insult in every word that comes from my mouth, and I tend to sin a lot more. This gets worse if I miss my weekly confession, like I did this Saturday.

 

[CuriousMike]

Not to worry, you’re not the only youth who has ever struggled with the Rosary at times (as I have, and I’m nearly 3yrs older).

You may state your intentions before the Rosary, after the Creed, or alternatively, you may state them after the Our Father for each decade.
Having done both, they both have the same effect, although if you find you are stating intentions for someone you aren’t close with, or for a contemptible person’s conversion, your mind may wander in that decade. So maybe state them at the beginning.

As for the Meditations, there are several ways I have done this:

• Announce the Decade, and any accompanying passage and mull upon the image, what it means to you and how it might’ve been intended. Think about other passages you know of that relate. Admire the moment, and what it represents for humanity. Then say the Our Father (having lifted our hearts in meditation, this is the ‘icing on the cake’), and continue
• Announce the Decade, say the Our Father and think about the mystery as you recite the Hail Marys. This works better for some decades than others (i.e. The Annunciation and The Visitation), where the passage you reflect upon IS what you are praying.

I suggest that you could maybe read “Rosarium Virginis Mariae,” an Apostolic Letter by Pope John Paul II from October 2002. This offers an explanation of the Rosary, and some reflection on the mysteries we meditate/mull upon.
(See bottom of this page): tomsdomain.com/rosary/id19.htm

When you are ready, perhaps you could also join the Rosary Confraternity?
Not only is a devotion to the Blessed Mother greatly beneficial for you, and for all that you pray for, BUT having others pray for you, and offer a decade of every Rosary for the members of the confraternity is important!
rosary-center.org/

Another thing I feel keen to tell you: Say your Rosary daily.
It has, really and truly, changed me for the better. I’m less of a grouch to others, growing in fervor of faith and I am, with the Blessed Mother’s help (and her Son, Jesus) beginning to resist temptation better.