 An Explanation of Rosary Intentions The Holy Rosary should always begin with stating a specific intention, or petition. We should always strive to pray for that which is beneficial for ours or someones else's salvation. People have different ways in which to offer the intention, often a few words are sufficient, as Our Lady truly knows what is in our hearts and what our most pressing needs are before we even ask. In addition, one may offer an intention for each of the mysteries. This is a powerful way to cover many things in the Holy Rosary recitation altogether.  Intentions for Each of the Mysteries + Step-by-Step Rosary Guide 1. Begin by holding the crucifix and recite 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; the third day He arose 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. 2. Holding the next single bead, pray the Our Father
3. Pray Hail Mary 3 times with each of the next 3 beads 4. Pray 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 5. On the next single bead (#6, 17, 28, 39, 50 in the chart above)... 5A. Read and mediate on the First Mystery Select the Day of the Week: Monday or Saturday (The Joyful Mysteries) Tuesday or Friday (The Sorrowful Mysteries) Wednesday or Sunday (The Glorious Mysteries) Thursday (The Luminous Mysteries) 5B. Pray the Our Father 5C. Set an intention for the First Mystery with the prayer below (Scroll down for intentions for the 2nd-5th Mysteries) The First Mystery: For Pure Love Pray for us, oh Mother of God, that your Son Jesus Christ fill me with His sacred presence. I ask for your advocacy on my behalf for His Love and guidance and for all of His blessings... As I explore the deep reaches of my heart I ask for your assistance In releasing that which stands in the way of pure love. May my heart be open and my head be clear. May I learn to love as Christ did. May I be embraced in a circle of His love And uplifted by His grace. Amen. Hail Mary... 6. Pray the decade with 10 Hail Marys 7. Finish the decade with the Glory Be and Oh My Jesus Prayers 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. O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Your Mercy. Amen. 8. Repeat steps 5-7 until you reach the center (the medal), and pray Hail Holy Queen Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, hail, 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 vale 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 merciful, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! Amen. Step 5C: Prayers to begin the Mysteries The Second Mystery: For Chastity Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for me that my thoughts, and by my thoughts, my actions, remain pure. Pray for me that God may strengthen my body, spirit and soul to continually reflect your chastity. Mary, Mother most pure, protect my eyes, the windows of my soul, from anything that might dim the luster of a heart that must mirror only Christ-like purity. And when the “Bread of Angels” becomes my food in Holy Communion, seal my heart forever against the suggestions of sinful pleasures. Pray for me so that I may be among those of whom Jesus spoke, “Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.” Amen. Hail Mary... The Third Mystery: For Families Lord God, from you every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. Father, you are Love and Life. Through your Son, Jesus Christ, born of woman, and through the Holy Spirit, fountain of divine charity, grant that every family on earth may become for each successive generation a true shrine of life and love. Grant that your grace may guide the thoughts and actions of husbands and wives for the good of their families and of all the families in the world. Grant that the young may find in the family solid support for their human dignity and for their growth in truth and love. Grant that love, strengthened by the grace of the sacrament of marriage, may prove mightier than all the weakness and trials through which our families sometimes pass. Through the intercession of the Holy Family of Nazareth, grant that the Church may fruitfully carry out her worldwide mission in the family and through the family. Through Christ our Lord, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life for ever and ever. Amen. As the family goes, so goes the nation, and so goes the whole world in which we live. (St. John Paul II) Pray for us, oh holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Hail Mary... The Fourth Mystery: For Our Culture and Our World Eternal Father, Source of Life, strengthen us with your Holy Spirit to receive the abundance of life you have promised. Open our hearts to see and desire the beauty of your plan for life and love. Make our love generous and self-giving so that we may be blessed with joy. Grant us great trust in your mercy. Forgive us for not receiving your gift of life and heal us from the effects of the culture of death. Instill in us and all people reverence for every human life. Inspire and protect our efforts on behalf of those most vulnerable, especially the unborn, the sick and the elderly. We ask this in the Name of Jesus, who by His Cross makes all things new. Amen. Mary, Mother of God, pray for us. Hail Mary... The Fifth Mystery: For Protection from Evil Mother of Jesus, be our protector and defender against all that is harmful or evil. Bring our needs before Almighty God, that we may be surrounded by God’s Holy Angels, and give us the grace to conquer every danger and overcome all that would threaten our health and well being. Be for us light in times of darkness, strength when we are weak, wisdom in our confusion, healing in times of illness, and courage to work through life’s problems and difficulties. Give us joy when we are sad, bread to feed our hunger, and eternal life to defeat the power of death. Virgin Mary, guide our life-journey, so that we may always walk safely together with you and your Divine Son, Jesus Christ in God’s loving friendship. Amen. Hail Mary... |