How to Pray the Rosary

“Pray the Rosary every day.” — Our Lady of Fatima, 1917

The Rosary is a simple, beautiful prayer that walks with Jesus and Mary through the great events of the Gospel. If you are new to it, returning to it, or teaching it to your children, this guide gives you everything you need: the steps, every prayer, and all twenty Mysteries.

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How to Pray the Rosary, Step by Step

  1. On the crucifix: make the Sign of the Cross, then pray the Apostles’ Creed.
  2. On the first large bead: pray one Our Father.
  3. On the next three small beads: pray three Hail Marys, for an increase of faith, hope and charity.
  4. On the next large bead: pray the Glory Be. Announce the First Mystery, then pray the Our Father.
  5. On the ten small beads (one decade): pray ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery.
  6. At the end of each decade: pray the Glory Be and the Fatima Prayer.
  7. On the next large bead: announce the next Mystery and pray the Our Father. Repeat steps 5–7 for all five decades.
  8. To close: at the centerpiece, pray the Hail, Holy Queen and the closing prayer, then make the Sign of the Cross.

Which Mysteries to Pray Each Day

  • Joyful Mysteries: Monday and Saturday
  • Sorrowful Mysteries: Tuesday and Friday
  • Glorious Mysteries: Wednesday and Sunday
  • Luminous Mysteries: Thursday

The Prayers of the Rosary

The Sign of the Cross

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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 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.

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 Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

The Fatima Prayer

O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.

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.
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Closing 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, that while meditating on these mysteries of the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Twenty Mysteries

The Joyful Mysteries (Monday and Saturday)

  1. The Annunciation (Luke 1:26–38). Fruit: humility
  2. The Visitation (Luke 1:39–56). Fruit: love of neighbor
  3. The Nativity (Luke 2:1–20). Fruit: poverty of spirit
  4. The Presentation in the Temple (Luke 2:22–38). Fruit: obedience
  5. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41–52). Fruit: joy in finding Jesus

The Luminous Mysteries (Thursday)

  1. The Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13–17). Fruit: openness to the Holy Spirit
  2. The Wedding at Cana (John 2:1–12). Fruit: to Jesus through Mary
  3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom (Mark 1:14–15). Fruit: repentance and trust in God
  4. The Transfiguration (Luke 9:28–36). Fruit: desire for holiness
  5. The Institution of the Eucharist (Luke 22:14–20). Fruit: adoration

The Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesday and Friday)

  1. The Agony in the Garden (Luke 22:39–46). Fruit: sorrow for sin
  2. The Scourging at the Pillar (John 19:1). Fruit: purity
  3. The Crowning with Thorns (Matthew 27:27–31). Fruit: courage
  4. The Carrying of the Cross (Luke 23:26–32). Fruit: patience
  5. The Crucifixion (Luke 23:33–46). Fruit: perseverance

The Glorious Mysteries (Wednesday and Sunday)

  1. The Resurrection (Mark 16:1–7). Fruit: faith
  2. The Ascension (Luke 24:46–53). Fruit: hope
  3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1–13). Fruit: love of God
  4. The Assumption of Mary. Fruit: grace of a happy death
  5. The Coronation of Mary (Revelation 12:1). Fruit: trust in Mary’s intercession

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