I want to get one harsh truth out of the way as quickly as we can. Are you sitting down for this? It does concern you, after all. Go ahead. Get comfy. I’ll wait.

Done? Seated and comfortable? Good.

You don’t know how to pray the rosary. Don’t get mad at me, I did say it was going to be hard, and true. Let’s face it, you don’t. Yes, you’re right, there are five “decades” of 10 Hail Marys each. Some Our Fathers sprinkled in? Yes, that’s true too. But you’re proving my point. You obviously know how to SAY the rosary, but actually PRAYING it? Well…that’s another thing entirely. For this purpose, I am going to assume we all know how to SAY the rosary; namely, we know what the rosary consists of, and the order we should pray what and when. Also, this is not going to be an article on WHY to pray the rosary; that’s for another time. You need to learn to crawl before you can walk after all.

You obviously know how to SAY the rosary, but actually PRAYING it? Well…that’s another thing entirely.

So what do I mean when I say PRAY, and not simply SAYING. Allow me to offer an example. You’re in your room, homework is done (because you’re clearly studious) and it’s time for your daily rosary (because you’re clearly virtuous). You know that today (I’m writing this on a Sunday, so now) are the Glorious mysteries. So you begin to prattle off, Apostles’ Creed, some Our Fathers and you work your way through the five scenes in those glorious mysteries. Next thing you know, you’re at the Salve Regina and pat yourself on the back for not nodding off. The rosary is done.

Did you feel anything, really?

I would guess, “not much.” While it’s always good to be praying, God wants more from you in his prayer. Let me show you how the rosary should really be prayed. At its core, the rosary is a powerful meditative tool. While I’m sure you’ve heard this before, have you ever really considered what that actually means? Why do we have mysteries and scenes? When correctly done, the rosary should trigger all of your senses. Let’s apply this to the first scene of the Glorious Mysteries, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Let’s read what Matthew has to say about it:

“In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. And the angel answered and said unto the women: “Fear not ye! For I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here. For he is risen, as he said.”” Mat 28, 1-6

What would you be feeling at this time in the Gospel? The two Marys were the first to see the Risen Lord, so we can gather that they are certainly still in the grieving process, the hurt in their heart still fresh. They are not expecting anything different from the tomb. Recall when your heart felt anguish, hurt. This is what you feel.

When your eyes are closed, what do you see? How do you imagine this area to look like? Gravel on the dirt road? Is it hot or temperate? Is there green? What colors do you see? What are you wearing? What does the tomb look like as you walk ever closer to it?

God wants more from you in his prayer…At its core, the rosary is a powerful meditative tool.

Can you taste anything? What does the air smell like? Is it sweet with jasmine and the local flowers? If it’s hot, can you taste the sweat? Do you smell any livestock? Can you smell the sweet perfume they used on the body of Jesus, faintly or strongly?

What sounds are there? Are villagers talking, business as usual even though for you the world has stopped? Are there birds in the air? Any large bodies of water you can hear? Are you talking to someone? Hear the gravel crunch underneath your foot.

Add all these elements together, immerse yourself in the Resurrection of Christ. Where before your heart felt only anguish, now how does it swoon as you enter and see the Risen Christ! How joyful are you? Take your most joyful moment and relive it in your heart and see in your mind Jesus the Christ. The Rosary is vastly more than rote prayers. Ask yourself these questions time and time again, building each scene as you continue praying. With more and more practice, you’ll find a world of color and sights that is welcoming you home. The Rosary will lead you to Christ, if only you’ll pray it.

About the Author Stephen Codekas Facebook I am 25 and a lifelong learner of Theology and Philosophy. I'm a HUGE Peter Kreeft and Christopher West fan boy. I enjoy cooking, eating, wine, the Socratic Method, cigars and listening to the Blues. Like my writing? Tell me so! Hate it? I want to hear that too! Can't get enough of my work? Then give my podcast a listen at http://catholicraw.podbean.com/

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