A secret way to carry us through the day is by praying Christ’s life with power from the Rosary.

The Rosary is not just a string of beads; it’s a weapon that helps us meditate on the events in the life of Jesus and Mary. It continually includes the Our Father prayer so the Rosary is all-inclusive. By contemplating the mysteries, we can gain strength for our daily challenges and remain focused on God.

While in a comma when sick in the year 1241, St. Dominic experienced an apparition of Mother Mary. “Dear Dominic, do you know which weapon the Blessed Trinity wants to use to reform the world?” Mary went on to tell him the weapon is the Angelic Psalter, which is the foundation of the New Testament.

The “Angelic Salutation” is the “Hail Mary” prayer and the Psalter is the 150 Psalms. Thus, she wanted 150 Hail Mary’s – which is what the Holy Rosary is – 15 decades of Hail Mary’s with 15 corresponding mysteries to contemplate on the life of Jesus.

The rosary is a string of scripture prayers to meditate on Jesus’ life daily. While our lips say the prayers, we follow in Christ’s footsteps playing a drama before our eyes. We beg Him to teach us to be like Him, while Mary is promising to pray for us before God.

The prayer Jesus taught us, the ‘Our Father’, lays intertwined with ‘Hail Mary’ prayers.

“And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee” Luke 1:28, then Elizabeth’s salutation to Mary when she came to visit her. “Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.”Luke1:487

Joyful Mysteries– Jesus early life

1^stJoyful Mystery…The Annunciation– Lord, help me to accept Your Will and hear Your words through the holy angels around us.

“ And the angel being coming in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. Who having heard, was troubled at his saying, and thought with herself what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said to her: Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with God. Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son; and thou shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the most High; and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of David his father; and he shall reign in the house of Jacob forever. And of his kingdom there shall be no end. And Mary said to the angel: How shall this be done, because I know not man? And the angel answering, said to her: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the most High shall overshadow thee. And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” Luke 1:28-35

2^ndJoyful Mystery…The Visitation- Lord, teach me to bring You to others by being charitable toward them.

“And she entered into the house of Zachary, and saluted Elizabeth. And it came to pass, that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the infant leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she cried out with a loud voice, and said: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed art thou that hast believed, because those things shall be accomplished that were spoken to thee by the Lord…And Mary abode with her about three months; and she returned to her own house.” Luke 1:40-56

3^rd Joyful Mystery…The Birth of Jesus–Lord, make me to be humble like you.

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” John 1:14 “And she brought forth her first born son, and wrapped him up in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7

4^thJoyful Mystery…The Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple-Lord, I offer myself to You in everything I do and say.

“And after the days of her purification, according to the law of Moses, were accomplished, they carried him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord…” Luke 2:22

5^thJoyful Mystery…The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple-Lord, teach me obedience and bring all the lost back to you. Give me wisdom to understand your ways.

“And it came to pass, that, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers… And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them. And his mother kept all these words in her heart. And Jesus advanced in wisdom, and age, and grace with God and men.” Luke 2:46

The Luminous Mysteries– Jesus miracles

1^stLuminous Mystery…The Baptism at the Jordan-Thank you, Lord, that I became your child through Baptism. Jesus, hold me in Your arms.

“And it came to pass, in those days, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” Mark 1:9

The 2^nd Luminous Mystery…The Wedding Feast at Canaan- Lord, teach me to ‘do what You tell me to do’. Pour Your graces on me and bless me with joy. (If married-Help me to respect my husband and him to love me.)

The3^rd Luminous Mystery…The Proclamation of the Kingdom-Lord, bless us with the wisdom and courage to teach others about Your kingdom.

The4^th Luminous Mystery…The Transfiguration-Jesus, transform me into a glorious state just as You were at the Transfiguration.

5^thLuminous Mystery…The Last Supper– I love You, Lord; praise and thank You for everything You’ve given me. Shine through me! (I use this for my daily spiritual communion)

Sorrowful Mysteries-Jesus Passion

1^stSorrowful Mystery…The Agony in the Garden-Step up close to Jesus and say, “Lord, have mercy on me. I accept Your will in my life.”

2^ndSorrowful Mystery…The Scourging at the Pillar-Step up close to Jesus and say, “Jesus, I accept all the pain you send me, whether it be physical or emotional.”

3^rdSorrowful Mystery…The Crowning with Thorns-Step up close to Jesus and say, “I’m so sorry thorns are forced into Your head by all our sins, Jesus. I’m lifting the crown to alleviate some of the pain.”

4^thSorrowful Mystery…The Carrying of the Cross-Step up close to Jesus and say, “Lord, make us patient and courageous.”

5^thSorrowful Mystery…The Crucifixion–Step up close to Jesus and say, “I’m so sorry for hurting You, Lord Jesus. Teach me to die to myself so that I can feel the peace You felt when You took Your last breath and said, “It is finished.”

Help us learn to embrace our crosses with love and surrender, seeking to align our hearts with Yours. In our struggles, there is a path to transformation and a deeper relationship with You as we release our burdens and desires. Let us feel Your presence and grace that flows from Your sacrifice, Jesus.

Glorious Mysteries– Jesus Glory

1^stGlorious Mystery…The Resurrection– Praise You, Jesus! Thank you for healing us and making us whole with You.

2^ndGlorious Mystery…The Ascension of Jesus into Heaven-Lord, please carry each of us to Heaven with you.

3^rdGlorious Mystery…The Descent of the Holy Ghost on the Apostles and Mary-Let the gifts of Your Holy Spirit descend and shine Your fruits through us, Lord,.

4^th Glorious Mystery…The Assumption of the Blessed Mother into Heaven-Gather your children Mary and be with us when we die. (the church teaches Holy Mary was assumed into heaven and united with her Divine Son)

5^th Glorious Mystery…Coronation of the Blessed Mother as Queen of Heaven and Earth-Increase our love for you, Mother Mary.

” And a great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” Apocalypse 12:1