I don’t have to pray it all at once?
By William Van de Planque | On Mission
While we can spend upwards of an hour praying the Rosary with Scripture readings and guided meditations, which is good and can be fruitful, it may prove difficult to fit into our busy schedules.
Many do not realize that the Rosary does not have to be prayed all at once or in one sitting. Moreover, it can be more impactful and effective to pray one decade at a time, as it may be easier to give God our full attention in prayer for two and a half minutes than for 30 minutes or an hour.
Two and a half minutes: One Our Father, 10 Hail Marys and one Glory Be
Praying one decade of the Rosary takes approximately two and a half minutes. That can seem a lot less daunting than 50 Hail Marys in one sitting, and that’s OK. It’s always better to start small and work your way up. The Christian life is not a sprint; it’s a marathon.
The beauty of the Rosary is that it’s easy to fit into your schedule, however busy it may be. The car is the place I most often practice this. If you live in Green Bay, it’s pretty much true that everywhere in the city is a 15-minute drive. What if, without jumping straight to music or a podcast, we took the first two and a half minutes of each of those drives — to and from work, the grocery store, the gym, school, a friend’s house, etc. — to simply take a break from the noise and pray a decade of the Rosary?
Our lives would change.
Think about different times in your own life, when you could take a pause for two and a half minutes to spend with God, through his Mary in the Rosary. For me, I know that I can pray a decade to and from work, between projects and meetings, and before or after Mass.
Based on an article by Dr. Edward Sri for franciscanmedia.org
The Sorrowful Mysteries
The Sorrowful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary come from the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. Here, we can reflect on the central mystery of the Passion: that every kind of suffering we experience in our lives is a way that Jesus suffered himself, during his time on earth. We look to the Passion and Cross of Christ to discover that he not only suffers with us, but he also suffers for us, for our good and ultimately our salvation. Thus, we can offer up any kind of suffering to him in prayer to persevere and grow closer to him.
- The First Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden
Scripture: Luke 22:39-46
Reflection: In the garden, Jesus experiences deep sorrow and anguish, yet he chooses to surrender to the Father’s will. This mystery invites us to trust God in moments of fear and uncertainty. What burdens am I carrying that I need to bring to God in prayer? How can I grow in surrender to God’s will, even when it’s difficult?
- The Second Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar
Scripture: Mark 15:6-15
Reflection: Jesus endures brutal suffering out of love for us. His silent strength reminds us that God is present even in our pain and humiliation. Where do I need healing — physically, emotionally, or spiritually? How can I unite my sufferings with Christ’s for the good of others?
- The Third Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns
Scripture: John 19:1-8
Reflection: Mocked and crowned with thorns, Jesus shows us the dignity of humility. This mystery challenges us to find strength in meekness and to reject pride. In what ways am I tempted to seek approval or status over holiness? How can I embrace humility in my daily life?
- The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross
Scripture: John 19:16-22
Reflection: Jesus carries his cross with love and perseverance, falling yet rising again. This mystery reminds us that we are never alone in our struggles. What cross am I being asked to carry today? Who can I help carry their cross through compassion and support?
- The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion
Scripture: John 19:25-30
Reflection: On the cross, Jesus gives everything for our salvation. His sacrifice is the ultimate expression of love and mercy. How can I respond to Christ’s love with greater gratitude and devotion? What do I need to let go of to follow Jesus more fully?