How to pray the Rosary

Opening Prayers

Sign of the Cross: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty, from thence He shall 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, Glory Be, then three opening Hail Marys (for faith, hope, and love).

Structure of each decade (repeated for the 5 mysteries)

Our Father → 10 Hail Marys → Glory Be.

Joyful Mysteries

Mon & Sat

1. The Annunciation · Luke 1:26–38
2. The Visitation · Luke 1:39–45
3. The Nativity · Luke 2:1–7
4. The Presentation · Luke 2:22–40
5. The Finding in the Temple · Luke 2:41–52

Sorrowful Mysteries

Tue & Fri

1. The Agony in the Garden · Luke 22:39–46
2. The Scourging at the Pillar · John 19:1
3. The Crowning with Thorns · John 19:2–3
4. The Carrying of the Cross · Luke 23:26–32
5. The Crucifixion · Luke 23:44–49

Glorious Mysteries

Wed & Sun

1. The Resurrection · Luke 24:1–12
2. The Ascension · Luke 24:50–53
3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit · Acts 2:1–13
4. The Assumption · 1 Corinthians 15:23
5. The Coronation of Mary Queen of Heaven and Earth · Revelation 12:1

Luminous Mysteries (Mysteries of Light)

Thu

1. The Baptism of Jesus · Matthew 3:16–17
2. The Wedding Feast of Cana · John 2:11
3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom, with the call to Conversion · Matthew 4:17–23
4. The Transfiguration · Matthew 17:1–9
5. The Institution of the Eucharist · Mark 14:22–24