Rosary Questions

[PeteZaHut]

I know you are supposed to meditate on a Mystery during each decade of the Rosary. When I do this, my prayers tend to fall into the background. I feel like I’m just saying words without putting any meaning in them. Is this kind of intended, since you’re saying the same thing over and over? Or should I put more emphasis on the prayers themselves, and try to just have the idea of the Mystery in the back of my mind instead of doing more intense meditation?

 

[MS_SURVEYOR]

I know you are supposed to meditate on a Mystery during each decade of the Rosary. When I do this, my prayers tend to fall into the background. I feel like I’m just saying words without putting any meaning in them. Is this kind of intended, since you’re saying the same thing over and over? Or should I put more emphasis on the prayers themselves, and try to just have the idea of the Mystery in the back of my mind instead of doing more intense meditation?

I have problems at times myself. But the prayers are supposed to be in the background with the mysteries being the front and center focus. So you are doing it correctly.

Peace Be With You!

 

[ADiosgracias]

The same thing happen to me, but the worst rosary is the one that you don’t pray. So keep doing it the better you can do.

 

[bscastro]

The same thing happen to me, but the worst rosary is the one that you don’t pray. So keep doing it the better you can do.

This.

I try picturing the events of the mysteries and sometimes use images to help.

Your efforts to think about the mysteries no matter what the struggles are helping you spiritually. At least , I hope so because I am often distracted and have difficulty with this also.

God bless,
Bryan

 

[PrayHarder]

Oh boy! My entire website and book revolves around that question – how do I get the most out of the rosary? See my signature for links. But to answer your question in brief, I think it’s fine if the words of your prayers fall into the background as you meditate on the mysteries. The whole point of praying the rosary is to bring your concerns, questions, sorrows, and thanksgivings before God. The repetiveness of the prayers brings you into a rythmn where you are in a more receptive state to listen to God and what He asks of you. Just as long as you focus on the conversation with God and not other things (TV, movies, current events, etc.) then you’re praying the rosary well.

 

[arkwright]

Pope Paul VI wrote an excellent exhortation “Marialis Cultus” .

Much of it is devoted to the Rosary .

He mentioned one practice where a referrence to the Mystery is added to the name of Jesus when saying the Hail Marys .

I have found this very helpful .

For example “Blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus , born in Bethlehem” for the 3rd Joyful Mystery .

“Blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus , scourged at the pillar” for the 2nd sorrowful Mystery .

“Blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus , who rose from the dead” for the !st Glorious Mystery etc.

It might seem a bit cumbersome at first sight , but with use it becomes natural , and an aid to meditating the Mysteries .

 

[Jayhantz]

I know you are supposed to meditate on a Mystery during each decade of the Rosary. When I do this, my prayers tend to fall into the background. I feel like I’m just saying words without putting any meaning in them. Is this kind of intended, since you’re saying the same thing over and over? Or should I put more emphasis on the prayers themselves, and try to just have the idea of the Mystery in the back of my mind instead of doing more intense meditation?

When I pray my daily rosary, I notice that mine do fall into the background. But I think that is the beauty of the mystery. That we can repeat something so beautiful and then bring our focus to the mystery. For instance. When praying the Luminous Mysteries (my favorite) I don’t focus much on the Hail Mary, although I am reciting it. I focus on closing my eyes and seeing the table at the wedding feast, hearing the laughter, and feeling the silverware. Then looking over at the waiters discussing the shortage of wine, and seeing Our Mother get up and talk to them, etc, etc. This is where the beauty of the Rosary grabs me. That I can be brought to each of the mysteries and experience it, with Mary holding my hand showing me the life of her Son.

So I wouldn’t be discouraged. I actually love the idea posted above of adding the mystery at the end of the Hail Mary. God Bless.

 

[bscastro]

There’s a great book by Edward Sri on the Rosary that talks about different ways to pray the Rosary, including scriptural rosaries and various reflections. It’s called The New Rosary in Scripture and it was very helpful as I prayed the Rosary more frequently.

God bless,
Bryan

 

[asia53]

There’s a great book by Edward Sri on the Rosary that talks about different ways to pray the Rosary, including scriptural rosaries and various reflections. It’s called The New Rosary in Scripture and it was very helpful as I prayed the Rosary more frequently.

God bless,
Bryan

I second this! Excellent book.