The Rosary

Are you familiar with the Rosary? It is a prayer that takes about 15-20 minutes and involves the fingering of beads — about 60 of them — combined in a circle with a cross or crucifix attached to it. It is composed of Hail Mary’s, Our Father’s, Glory Be’s, and the Apostle’s Creed. It’s been a part of my life since I was 11. Consider making it a part of yours.

Yes, it came to be known through the Roman Catholic Church, but it is prayed by more than just Catholics. Yes, one of its prayers is to Mary, the Mother of Jesus, but it asks her to pray for us, and it doesn’t teach anything about Mary that isn’t in the Bible.

I mention the Rosary because of what I attribute to my praying of it. As I pray it — and I’ll be creating a page for it on this website soon (but for now, see this site) — I experience all that comes from placing ourselves in the proximity of God, even if just for a bit. As I pray the prayers and ponder my own and others’ problems and pains, I receive guidance, peace, patience, and wisdom. Ideas come to mind. Resilience grows. A way forward is made. And I know those I pray for are helped, too.

Know that I pray for the intentions of all my readers each day.

Reflection

Sometimes we lack words for prayer. The Rosary gives us those words as it places us — and our worries, pains, and petitions — in the presence of God.

Prayer

Dear God, please help me realize there are ways for me to pray even when I don’t have the words or even the will. I can use the Rosary to inch close to You even when I am angry, confused, doubting, and heartbroken. I can pray these words and know You are hearing all my desires, petitions, and concerns. I can pray these words and know You are near. Amen.