How to Pray the Rosary - Information about the Holy Rosary

What Is the Rosary?

The Rosary is a cherished Catholic prayer tradition centered on meditating on key events (Mysteries) in the lives of Jesus and Mary. Praying the Rosary combines vocal prayer (the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be) with meditation on the sacred mysteries. It’s a way to deepen faith, draw nearer to Christ, and grow in holiness.

Whether you are new to Catholic devotion or seeking a richer prayer life, this guide will walk you through every element of praying the Rosary. And, if you are seeking a rosary, be sure to shop at our store, RuggedRosaries.com. 

Why Pray the Rosary?

Praying the Rosary helps you:

• Meditate on the life of Christ — by reflecting on the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries

• Unite voice and heart — vocal prayers guide the mind, while meditation deepens interior focus

• Grow in virtue — patience, humility, trust in Mary’s intercession

• Entrust petitions to Mary — asking her to pray for our needs

• Experience peace and continuity — a prayer rhythm that carries you through struggles

Other Resources:

Two excellent printable Instructions for How to Pray the Rosary can be found here:
How to pray the Rosary version 1
How to pray the Rosary Brochure

To watch our favorite video on How to Pray the Rosary go here:
The Rosary and How to Pray it

 
Step-by-Step: How to Pray the Rosary

Below is a detailed walk-through. Use this every time you sit down to pray, until it becomes second nature.

1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross

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

2. Hold the Crucifix & Say the Apostles’ Creed

This foundational creed expresses the core tenets of faith:

“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 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.”

3. Recite the Lord's Prayer (Our Father Prayer)

On the first large bead (or knot) after the crucifix, pray:

“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.”

4. Pray Three Hail Marys

On the next three beads, pray the Hail Mary — often for an increase in faith, hope, and charity.

“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"

5. Pray the Glory Be & Fatima Prayer

On the chain or knot after those three Hail Mary beads:

Glory Be to the Father
 
“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 (O My Jesus) Prayer
 
“O my Jesus, forgive us our sins
and save us from the fires of hell.
Lead all souls to heaven, especially those
in most need of thy mercy. Amen.”

6. Announce the First Mystery & Pray the Lord's Prayer

Choose the mystery appropriate to the day (Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, or Glorious). Then pray the Our Father.

7. Pray Ten Hail Marys While Meditating

On each of the next ten beads (a “decade”), pray a Hail Mary while meditating on that Mystery.

8. Pray the Glory Be + Fatima Prayer

At the end of that decade, pause on the chain knot or connector, then pray:

• Glory Be

• Fatima Prayer (optional)

9. Continue Through All Five Mysteries

Repeat the sequence — Mystery, Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be, Fatima Prayer — for all five decades.

10. Conclude with the Hail Holy Queen & Sign of the Cross

After completing the fifth mystery:

Pray Hail Holy Queen:
 
"Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, oursweetness 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 vale of tears.
Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes ofmercy toward us, and after this our exile, show untous the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
O merciful, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!
Amen."
 

Then one final prayer:

“O God, whose only begotten Son, by His life, death and resurrectionm has purchased for us the rewards of eternal salvation. Grant we beseech Thee, that while meditating on these mysteris of the most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, that we may both imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through Christ our Lord. Amen."

Finish with the Sign of the Cross again.

The Rosary Mysteries

Here is a schedule and breakdown of the four sets of Mysteries you may meditate on:

• Joyful Mysteries  (Monday & Saturday)

  1. The Annunciation

  2. The Visitation

  3. The Nativity

  4. The Presentation in the Temple

  5. The Finding in the Temple

• Luminous (“Light”) Mysteries (Thursday)

  1. The Baptism of Jesus

  2. The Wedding at Cana

  3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom

  4. The Transfiguration

  5. The Institution of the Eucharist

• Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesday & Friday)

  1. The Agony in the Garden

  2. The Scourging at the Pillar

  3. The Crowning with Thorns

  4. The Carrying of the Cross

  5. The Crucifixion

• Glorious Mysteries (Wednesday & Sunday)

  1. The Resurrection

  2. The Ascension

  3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit

  4. The Assumption of Mary

  5. The Crowning of Mary as Queen of Heaven

Tips & Best Practices for Rosary Prayer

• Choose a quiet place where you won’t be distracted.

• Use a physical rosary, beads, or a digital rosary app to help you keep track.

• Go slowly — the point is meditation, not speed.

• Reflect on each Mystery — imagine the scene, the characters, the meaning for your life.

• Offer your Rosary for someone — dedicate your prayer to intentions (e.g. peace, healing).

• Be consistent — pray daily if possible, or at fixed times (morning, evening, during commutes).

Sample Rosary Structure (Quick Reference)

1. Sign of the Cross

2. Apostles’ Creed

3. Our Father

4. Three Hail Marys

5. Glory Be + Fatima Prayer

6. For Decades 1–5:
    • Announce Mystery
    • Our Father
    • Ten Hail Marys
    • Glory Be + Fatima Prayer

7. Hail Holy Queen

8. Final Prayer + Sign of the Cross

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I pray the Rosary step by step?
Begin with the Sign of the Cross and Apostles’ Creed, then Our Father, three Hail Marys, Glory Be. Announce each Mystery, pray 1 Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be, (optional) Fatima Prayer for five decades. Conclude with Hail Holy Queen and final prayer.

Which Mysteries do I pray on which day?
Joyful: Mon/Sat • Sorrowful: Tue/Fri • Glorious: Wed/Sun • Luminous: Thu.

How long does praying the Rosary take?
Typically 15–25 minutes at a calm, reverent pace.

Do I need beads to pray the Rosary?
No. But a rosary does help you keep count.  You can also use your fingers.

What prayers are included in the Rosary?
Apostles’ Creed, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, (optional) Fatima Prayer, Hail Holy Queen, and the concluding prayer.

Can non-Catholics pray the Rosary?
Yes! Anyone seeking to meditate on the life of Christ is welcome to pray the Rosary.

What if I get distracted or lose count?
Gently return your focus to the Mystery; if you lose count, continue prayerfully—intent matters more than perfection.