Question on praying the rosary

[SalesianSDB]

This is a serious question I have on praying the rosary.

I’ve heard that when we pray the rosary we should pay attention to the words of the prayers we are saying. I’ve also heard that we are supposed to meditate on the mystery being presented. So my question is, are we supposed to do both? And how do you do both at the same time?

This is something that I’ve had a question on for a while.

 

[coolduude]

Here’s what I’d say:

If you’re a beginner, think of the words because it’s probably easier. If you’re more experienced, meditate on the mysteries.

 

[Chopstick]

I don’t think you’ve got to really focus on each Hail Mary; if you can recite them you’re aware of the words (and for the first three there isn’t anything else to think about). So I recommend meditating on the mystery during the 10 Hail Marys in each decade, and paying attention to the rest of the prayers. However you say your rosaries, though, I’m sure Mother Mary is glad you’re making an effort.

 

[kmuestwin]

If you have trouble doing the rosary while meditating on the mystery, take a few moments in between decades to think about the mystery. Announce the mystery and then take a while to think about it.

Here’s a link to a website that gives a different part of the mystery for every hail mary. It makes for less to think about during the prayer. Just click on the different mysteries on the top.

It is important to really mean the prayers you are saying. The gospel that is taught in the mysteries is important too. You need to do both during your rosary praying and that takes practice. The good news is that any kind of rosary, no matter how sloppily done (I fall asleep during my nightly rosary at least once a week,) is a wonderful prayer.

 

[JW55]

There is nothing that says you have to complete the whole rosary each time you say it. Maybe you should slow down and just concentrate on the words. Try to just say the mystery at the begining of each decade and then concentrate on the words themselves while you say the prayer. The fact that you are saying the Rosary will serve as a blessing for you. Do the best you can and things will fall into place.

 

[hawko]

I usually pause a few moments between each decade to reflect on the mysteries. You can actually take as much time as you wish doing this before continuing with the rosary. This seems to work for me.

 

[UnityofTrinity]

But how do we meditate on it? Do we form mental images or do we look for feelings? What is meditation when it comes to the Rosary? How to mediate it?

 

[hawko]

But how do we meditate on it? Do we form mental images or do we look for feelings? What is meditation when it comes to the Rosary? How to mediate it?

I usually form mental images of the mysteries and then reflect on them. If you are new at doing this, why not read the meditations that are contained in booklets on how to say the rosary. This type of literature can be found in any Catholic religious store or you could find it online also.

 

[Edwin78]

Hi UnityofTrinity

But how do we meditate on it? Do we form mental images or do we look for feelings? What is meditation when it comes to the Rosary? How to mediate it?

I do not think there is one correct way of meditating on each mystery of the Rosary, it depends on your preference, as long as you are sincerely meditating

For example, that great Saint of Marian Devotion, St. Louis Marie de Montfort, described no less than five different ways of praying the Holy Rosary, which you can read here.

As for myself, I already memorized the Fruits of the Mysteries of the Holy Rosary. It was quite easy for me to do so a few years ago because it was so easy to find how Jesus and Mary showed each particular Fruit through their actions in each Mystery. Therefore, what usually happens is (1) I mention the Mystery, (2) take a few moments to recall the particular Fruit of that Mystery, (3) I resume the vocal prayer while my mind is immersed in mental images of how Jesus and Mary showed that particular Fruit in the narrative of that Mystery, (4) then my mind inevitably drifts to particular events today or the past few days where I either succeeded or failed in manifesting that particular Fruit, (5) I then offer those events to Mary, good or bad, and I let her do the rest, (6) while praying that she help me manifest those Fruits more. It sounds complicated and long, but all of that happens very fast in my mind, well within the 10 Hail Marys

 

[raaucoin]

I am fortunate that I often am able to pray the Rosary as I work. More often then not ( because I work with my hands) I am not actually “fingering” Rosary beads.Therefore I know I lose count of what number I am on in regards to the Hail Mary’s. But what I do is remember the events of each Mystery and reflect on how those mysteries apply to my life.

I think about a time I heard God announcing His will for my life; how did I hear the message; what is He calling me to do now to allow Jesus to be born into my heart and world; how do I usually/ am I now saying “yes” to Him; how do I share the wonderful news of His action in my life; am I willing, like Mary and Joseph to be obedient to the laws of the church;etc. And of course, I ask Mary to guide me in my life and to pray that I may immitate what those mysteriues contain and obtain what they promise.

And because I know she and her Son are praying with me to the Father, I know my prayers are made perfect through their perfection in spite of my failings. So I don’t fret if I’ve said 12 Hail Mary’s in one decade and 9 in another.