What is it to "say" a rosary?

Question

I gather that there is a prayer recited for each bead, but how many beads are there? What do they signify? For what reason(s) would one "say" a rosary? Is it the same prayer for each bead? Are all the beads the same?
No uninformed or Catholic-hating Protestants, please.
Thanks.

Answer 1

Here's a link that should answer your question:

http://www.eternalvirginmary.com/zoltan_rosary_guide.htm
A Detailed Guide to Our Lady's Rosary

Answer 2

There are many prayers that you can say on a rosary. However, the most common way to pray a rosary is as follows:

There are five "decades" on a rosary. That is, fifty beads in groups of ten separated by five additional beads. For each decade there is a mystery that you are supposed to meditate on. They are different on different days of the week. For instance, on Saturday you are supposed to meditate on the "Joyful Mysteries", the birth of Christ and so forth.

So, the way it usually goes is as follows: you begin the rosary by reciting the Apostle's Creed. Then you open the decade with the Lord's Prayer, say a Hail Mary of reach of the ten beads as you go along while meditating on a particular mystery. You close the decade with a recitation of "Glory be to the Father". After all five decades are done, you end the rosary with a Hail Holy Queen. There is a little more, but that's basically what I was taught as a Catholic convert.

For more info ----> http://www.newadvent.org/images/rosary.pdf

As far as reasons to say a rosary, there are many. I have a Catholic friend who once asked me to say a rosary for her because her child was sick. I say one when I'm stressed or upset and need some comfort.

Answer 3

You want the instructions in detail.??
OH !
1: > I see someone has provided a link...
You might want to talk with a priest or a Nun.
2: > yes
3: > beads?? ! once you have memorized the Rosary you only need 10. But there is an introductory set (5) to start; a declaration of faith;; then a set of 10 and then a single (11); then 4 sets.
4: > that depends on your intentions of asking for help. It of course should be for good intentions,;; family health;; to ease the suffering etc
5: .The set of 10 are Hail Mary's and and one Our Father
6: > the beads can be most anything from plastic to gold or jewels. There is an Order of nuns and priests who's belt is a roesary with wooden beads.
7: > By saying prayers you 'focus' your mind to God. by knowing that the Saints and their special deeds to their fellowship you ask they intercede for you.

Very often I see people with a set of beads and flip them through their fingers fast. I can only wonder how insincere the act appears.

But you know ??? why ??? I have God in my mind always!!
I still say prayers
I say "god forgive them for they know not what they do"

Answer 4

The rosary is a beautiful way to pray.

It starts with the Apostles Creed, then Our Father, then 3 Hail Mary's, another Our Father, then 10 Hail Marys. There are 5 sets of 10 beads each divided by one which is where the Our Father is said. At the end, once you've come around the entire Rosary, you say the Hail Holy Queen prayer.

At the end of each of the 10 Hail Marys you say a Glory Be and another prayer (I don't know the name) that starts Oh my Jesus, forgive us our sins...etc.

At the beginning of each decade, which starts with an Our Father, you are to meditate on the mysteries while you recite the prayers.

Here is a link on the history of the Rosary:
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13184b.htm

Here is one on how to pray the Rosary:
http://www.pacifier.com/~rosarweb/howto.htm

The purpose of saying the Rosary is pray first of all. To meditate on the mysteries surrounding Christ. His birth, death and resurrection.

The words "Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of they womb Jesus" are directly from scripture. This is how the Archangle addressed her. The second part of the Hail Mary is asking for her intercession: "Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us, now and in the hour of our death."

I try (don't always succeed) to pray the Rosary daily. I usually include praying it for someone, or praying a decade for someone.

Hope this helps you.

Answer 5

I'm not a Catholic, but I believe that each bead represents a small prayer, maybe one sentence. I, also, believe that it gives them comfort and comforts whomever they are praying for. The prayers are probably for forgiveness and healing, etc.

Answer 6

There are a whole variety of prayers. See here for detailed instructions. http://www.pacifier.com/~rosarweb/howto.htm