How to Pray the Rosary
A simple, powerful prayer for daily life
The Rosary is a Scriptural prayer that walks with Jesus and Our Lady through the mysteries of salvation. Whether you’re new or returning, this guide will help you pray with confidence in minutes.
Quick Start (One Page)
- Make the Sign of the Cross.
- Apostles’ Creed on the crucifix.
- Our Father on the first large bead.
- Three Hail Marys (for faith, hope, charity) on the next three small beads.
- Glory Be.
- Announce the 1st Mystery; pray the Our Father.
- 10 Hail Marys (decade) while meditating on the mystery.
- Glory Be and Fatima Prayer.
- Repeat steps 6–8 for all five mysteries.
- Hail Holy Queen, closing prayer, and Sign of the Cross.
Tip: Offer your Rosary for a specific person or intention before you begin.
Step-by-Step Guide
1) Opening
- Sign of the Cross
- Apostles’ Creed (on the crucifix)
- Our Father (first large bead)
- Three Hail Marys (for faith, hope, and charity)
- Glory Be
2) The Five Decades
For each decade:
- Announce the mystery (e.g., “The Annunciation”).
- Pray the Our Father (large bead).
- Pray 10 Hail Marys (small beads), meditating on the mystery.
- Pray the Glory Be and the Fatima Prayer (“O my Jesus…”).
3) Closing
- Hail Holy Queen
- Rosary closing prayer (below)
- Sign of the Cross
The Prayers (Full Text)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Amen.
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 upon 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 Mysteries & Days
Joyful (Mon & Sat)
- The Annunciation
- The Visitation
- The Nativity
- The Presentation
- Finding Jesus in the Temple
Sorrowful (Tue & Fri)
- The Agony in the Garden
- The Scourging at the Pillar
- The Crowning with Thorns
- The Carrying of the Cross
- The Crucifixion
Glorious (Wed & Sun)
- The Resurrection
- The Ascension
- The Descent of the Holy Spirit
- The Assumption of Mary
- The Coronation of Mary
Luminous (Thu)
- The Baptism in the Jordan
- The Wedding at Cana
- The Proclamation of the Kingdom
- The Transfiguration
- The Institution of the Eucharist
Pray any set of mysteries any day—this schedule is a traditional guide.
How to Meditate on Each Mystery
- Picture the scene: place yourself there with Jesus and Mary.
- Name a virtue: e.g., humility, perseverance, charity.
- Offer the decade: pray for someone by name or a specific need.
- Stay simple: if your mind wanders, gently return to Jesus.
Common Questions (Quick FAQ)
Do I have to say all five decades at once?
No. You can pray one decade at a time throughout the day and finish five when able.
What if I lose track of the count?
Start where you remember. The Rosary is a prayer of love, not a math test.
Can I pray with a different set of mysteries than the day suggests?
Yes. The schedule is a help, not a rule.
Does my rosary need to be blessed?
A blessing isn’t required to pray, but it’s recommended. Ask your priest after purchase.
Can families or groups pray together?
Absolutely. Consider alternating leaders each decade so everyone participates.
Printable & Next Steps
- Add a one-page printable (PDF) of the quick start and prayers.
- Keep your rosary and intentions list together—a pouch helps.
- Commit to a daily time (morning commute, lunchtime walk, or evening).
Recommended Gear
- The Original Combat Rosary™ — built for daily prayer.
- Rosary Pouch — protect and carry your beads.
- Prayer Cards / Booklets — quick references for the mysteries and prayers.