The Joyful 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 Joyful Mystery – Mary is Chosen Mother of GOD” and then say the Our Father.
6) Say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery.
(Obedience)
- Through the disobedience of Adam sin enters the world. Rom. 5:12
- The Father sends His Son to save the world. Jn. 3:17
- The Angel Gabriel is sent to a virgin named Mary. Lk. 1:26,27
- The Angel tells Mary: “You are to have a Son and will name Him Jesus.” Lk. 1:31
- He is the Son of God. Lk. 1:32
- Mary consents: “Let it be done to me.” Lk. 1:38
- God the Son becomes Man, in obedience to His Father. Lk. 1:35
- By His obedience many shall be saved. Rom. 5:19
- Mary becomes Mother of God. Lk. 1:35
- Nothing is impossible with God. Lk. 1:37
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 Joyful Mystery – Mary Visits Elizabeth” and then say the Our Father.
Say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery.
(Love Others)
- Mary visits her elderly cousin Elizabeth. Lk. 1:40
- Elizabeth is with child. His name is John. Lk. 1:13
- She greets Mary: “Blessed are you because you believed.” Lk. 1:45
- Mary herself is with Child, through the Holy Spirit. Mat. 1:18
- She answers: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.” Lk. 1:46
- “His mercy reaches from age to age.” Lk. 1:50
- Mary, the Mother of God, stays to help Elizabeth. Lk. 1:56
- After three months Mary returns to her home in Nazareth. Lk. 1:56
- Do good to all. Galat. 6:10
- Be at peace with everyone. Rom. 12:18
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 Joyful Mystery – JESUS is Born” and then say the Our Father.
Say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery.
(Poverty)
- In Bethlehem will be born He Who is to rule my people. Micah 5:2
- Joseph and Mary leave Nazareth to register in Bethlehem. Lk. 2:4
- There, Mary gives birth to the Son of God. Lk. 2:7
- Mary lays Him in a manger, because there is no room for Him in the inn. Lk. 2:7
- Angels announce to shepherds nearby: “The Savior is born.” Lk. 2:10,11
- Angels sing: “Peace to men of good will.” Lk. 2:14
- Wise men come from the East in search of Christ. Mat. 2:1,2
- Entering the house in Bethlehem, they worship Him. Mat. 2:11
- All nations serve Him. Ps. 72:11
- Those who accept Christ become children of God. Jn. 1:12
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 Joyful Mystery – JESUS is Offered to GOD” and then say the Our Father.
Say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery.
(Humility)
- When the Child Jesus is eight days old, He is circumcised. Lk. 2:21
- And his parents name Him Jesus. Lk. 2:21
- The name of Jesus is the only name by which we can be saved. Acts 4:12
- “Ask the Father anything in My Name. He will give it to you.” Jn. 16:23
- Lord, You are good and forgiving to all who call upon Your Name. Ps. 86:5
- Joseph and Mary take Jesus to Jerusalem to present Him to God. Lk. 2:22
- Simeon, a holy man, foretells: “This Child is destined for the fall and rise of many.” Lk. 2:34
- “Your own soul a sword shall pierce.” Lk. 2:35
- Joseph and Mary take Jesus to their hometown of Nazareth. Lk. 2:39
- Whatever you do, do all in the Name of Jesus. Col. 3:17
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 Joyful Mystery – JESUS is Found in the Temple” and then say the Our Father.
Say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery.
(Joy in Finding Jesus)
- Jesus is twelve years old, and goes to Jerusalem with Mary and Joseph. Lk. 2:42
- Jesus remains in Jerusalem. His parents do not realize it. Lk. 2:43
- Mary and Joseph return looking for Him. Lk. 2:45
- They find Jesus in the temple. Lk. 2:46
- Jesus was fulfilling the will of His Father. Lk. 2:49
- The Holy Family returns to Nazareth. Lk. 2:51
- Jesus, the Son of God, obeys His parents. Lk. 2:51
- God tells us: Honor your father and your mother. Mat. 15:4
- If you love Me, obey My commandments. Jn. 14:15
- Let us love in thought, in word, and in action. 1 John 3:18
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 do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do 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.