Savio Rodrigues SJ

There are three ways of praying the rosary. These can be done separately or in combination.

The first method is the traditional way. One recites the Our Father followed by 10 Hail Mary and finally the Glory be. This is called a decade. One may say one, five or fifteen decades of the rosary at a time. This was the original method of praying the rosary, when people could not read the Bible, and did not understand the Mass, as they were both in Latin. Hence this repetitive prayer was the best substitute, since people had memorised these three prayers.

The addition of the reflection on the mysteries of the lives of Jesus and Mary was a positive development of this devotion. Reflecting on the Annunciation or the Visitation or the Death of Jesus, makes it possible to access whole areas of scripture. This was not otherwise available to those who could not read. This, the second method of praying the rosary, helps the individual who recites the rosary, to be focused and attentive during the day, and also helps the individual to reflect on the mystery and apply it to one’s present-day life situation.

If the rosary is prayed in a group, it would be advisable to ask individuals to share their understanding of the mystery in today’s context.

The third method of praying the rosary, is to just rest in the presence of Jesus, Mary or the mysteries.

When reflecting on the mysteries, one could feel an inner urge or attraction to just be still in the presence of Jesus or Mary. Do so by absorbing the sweetness of their presence with your inner spirit. At this moment you may sense a closeness, within you. This is resting in God. You have moved beyond vocal prayer and reflection. At this moment stop reciting the vocal prayers and be silent and still. You are in a contemplative state of prayer.

Since we recite the rosary at every free moment during the day, we begin to develop a relationship with Jesus, being constantly in His presence. This relationship is constantly deepening as we ponder on the mysteries of the lives of Jesus and Mary.

This deepening of relationship is not just of the body, mind or imagination but our heart and innermost self begin to encounter God in silence. We develop friendship with Christ by reflecting on the mysteries of his life. The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius is based on this fact.

The Prayer Method on this page has been provided with permission from the book Pray: How? by Savio Rodrigues SJ