The Glorious Mysteries
Scripturally Based
Illustrations and suggested points of reflection from our booklet Praying the Rosary Without Distractions, available in our on-line store.
Also available in our store: the booklet Scripturally Based Rosary, ideal for individual study and prayer.
(Numbers other than the 10 Hail Marys refer to the numbers pointing to the beads in the above illustration.)
1) Make the Sign of the Cross saying “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”, and say the Apostles’ Creed: “I believe in God, the Father almighty creator of heaven and earth and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father almighty. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.”
2) Say the Our Father: “Our Father, who art in heaven hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.”
3) Say three Hail Marys for Faith, Hope, and Charity: “Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us sinners, Now and at the hour of our death. Amen.” – 3 times.
4) Say the Glory Be: “Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.”
5) Announce “The First Glorious Mystery – Jesus Rises from the Dead” and then say the Our Father.
6) Say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery.
(Faith)
- Jesus is risen from the dead. Lk. 24:6
- He appeared to the apostles and says: “Peace be with you.” Jn. 20:19
- He then appeared to more than five hundred at one time. 1 Cor. 15:6
- If Christ is not risen, then our faith is useless. 1 Cor 15:14
- Thomas declares: “Unless I see I will not believe.” Jn. 20:25
- “Blessed are they who have not seen and have believed.” Jn. 20:29
- “He who believes and is baptized will be saved.” Mk. 16:16
- Faith is a gift of God. Eph. 2:8
- “He who believes in Me will never die.” Jn. 11:26
- “Lord, I do believe, help my unbelief.” Mk. 9:23
7) Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Oh My Jesus
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls into heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
8) Announce “The Second Glorious Mystery – Jesus Ascends to Heaven” and then say the Our Father.
Say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery.
(Hope)
- “I am going to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God.” Jn. 20:17
- “I go to prepare a place for you.” Jn. 14:2
- “That where I am, there you also may be.” Jn. 14:3
- “Make disciples of all nations.” Mt. 28:19
- “There shall be one fold and one shepherd.” Jn. 10:16
- “I am with you all days.” Mt. 28:20
- “You have not chosen Me, I have chosen you.” Jn. 15:16
- “I am the way, the Truth, and the Life.” Jn. 14:6
- Jesus ascends to the right hand of His Father. Mk. 16:19
- “I will draw all men to Myself.” Jn. 12:32
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Oh My Jesus
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls into heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Announce “The Third Glorious Mystery – Descent of the Holy Spirit” and then say the Our Father.
Say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery.
(Love of God)
- The Apostles and Mary were together in prayer. Acts 2:1
- A sound from heaven filled the whole house. Acts 2:2
- Suddenly tongues of fire rested on each of them. Acts 2:3
- They were filled with the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:4
- Men of every nation understood them in their own language. Acts 2:6
- They were strengthened to preach the Gospel without fear. Acts 4:19
- Peter declared: “God has made both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Acts 2:36
- You are children of God because of your faith in Jesus. Gal. 3:26
- Love one another. Jn. 15:12
- Love your enemies. Mt. 5:44
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Oh My Jesus
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls into heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Announce “The Fourth Glorious Mystery – Mary is taken up into Heaven” and then say the Our Father.
Say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery.
(Mary as Our Mother)
- “You will not suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.” Ps. 16:10
- “You are the glory of Jerusalem. You are the splendid boast of our people.” Jud. 15:9
- “Arise, My beloved, My beautiful one, and come.” S. of S. 2:10
- “You are all-beautiful... and there is no blemish in you.” S. of S. 4:7
- “The Queen takes her place at Your right hand.” Ps. 45: 10
- “Blessed are you, daughter... above all women on earth.” Jud. 13:18
- “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you.” Lk. 1:28
- If we are likened to Christ in His death, so shall we be in His resurrection. Rom. 6:5
- “I shall return to take you with Me.” Jn. 14:3
- “God’s temple in heaven opened, and there was seen the ark of His covenant.” Apoc. 11:19
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Oh My Jesus
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls into heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Announce “The Fifth Glorious Mystery – Mary is Crowned QUEEN OF HEAVEN AND EARTH” and then say the Our Father.
Say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery.
(Mary as Our Queen and Lady)
- “A great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun.” Apoc. 12:1
- “The moon was under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” Apoc. 12:1
- “In the highest heavens did I dwell, my throne on a pillar of cloud” Sir. 24:4
- “I am the mother of pure love” Sir. 24:24
- “I am the mother of knowledge.” Sir. 24:24
- “I am the mother of hope.” Sir. 24:24
- Mary is Queen Mother of Him who “shall reign in the house of Jacob forever.” Lk. 1:32
- “Those who seek Me find Me.” Prov. 8:17
- “He who serves Me will never fail.” Sir. 24:21
- “He who finds Me finds life.” Prov. 8:35
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Oh My Jesus
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls into heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.
Closing Prayers
Hail Holy Queen
Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our Life, our Sweetness, and our hope. To thee we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then most gracious advocate, Thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this, our exile, show unto us, the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us O Holy Mother of God, That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.
Final Prayer
Let us pray. O God, whose only begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we beseech Thee, that meditating upon these mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Make the Sign of the Cross.