The order of prayers
- Sign of the Cross.
- Apostles' Creed (on the crucifix).
- Our Father (on the first large bead).
- Three Hail Marys (on the three small beads) — for faith, hope, and love.
- Glory Be.
- Announce the first mystery. Our Father. Ten Hail Marys (one decade). Glory Be. Fatima prayer. Repeat for five mysteries.
- Hail Holy Queen at the end. Sign of the Cross.
The four sets of mysteries
Joyful Mysteries (Mondays & Saturdays)
- The Annunciation (Luke 1:26–38)
- The Visitation (Luke 1:39–56)
- The Nativity (Luke 2:1–20)
- The Presentation (Luke 2:22–38)
- Finding Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41–52)
Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesdays & Fridays)
- Agony in the Garden (Matthew 26:36–46)
- Scourging at the Pillar (Matthew 27:26)
- Crowning with Thorns (Matthew 27:27–31)
- Carrying of the Cross (Luke 23:26–32)
- Crucifixion (Luke 23:33–46)
Glorious Mysteries (Wednesdays & Sundays)
- Resurrection (Matthew 28:1–10)
- Ascension (Acts 1:6–11)
- Descent of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1–13)
- Assumption of Mary
- Coronation of Mary
Luminous Mysteries (Thursdays)
- Baptism of the Lord (Matthew 3:13–17)
- Wedding at Cana (John 2:1–11)
- Proclamation of the Kingdom (Mark 1:14–15)
- Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–8)
- Institution of the Eucharist (Matthew 26:26–29)
A 15-minute daily rhythm
- Morning commute or walk: one set of mysteries.
- Before bed: one decade, slowly, with the Scripture passage open.
- Sunday family Rosary: 20 minutes after dinner, everyone takes a decade.
Where to go from here
Visit a Catholic parish — many pray the Rosary together before weekday Mass. If you're exploring the Catholic faith more broadly, start with our guide on becoming Catholic.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Rosary take?
About 15–20 minutes to pray five decades (one set of mysteries). The full Rosary — all 20 mysteries — takes around an hour and is usually spread across the week.
Which mysteries do you pray on which day?
Mondays and Saturdays: Joyful. Tuesdays and Fridays: Sorrowful. Wednesdays and Sundays: Glorious. Thursdays: Luminous (added by St. John Paul II in 2002).
Do you need a physical rosary?
No — your fingers work. Ten fingers, ten Hail Marys per decade. A rosary just helps you keep your place.
What if I get distracted?
Everyone does. The rhythm itself is the point — the repetition quiets the mind so you can meditate on the mystery. When you notice you've drifted, return to the next bead. No restart needed.
Is the Rosary only for Catholics?
Catholics pray it most, but plenty of Anglicans, Lutherans, and other Christians use a similar form. The Scripture-based meditations make it accessible across the broader Christian tradition.