Signal Graces            

When praying the rosary I try to include intentions that seem to go along with the mystery that I’m meditating on. I also ask that God help me imitate the virtues displayed by Christ and the Blessed Mother in each mystery. By focusing on the mystery, as well a modern day intention that goes along with that mystery, I feel my prayers are united with the lives and virtues of Jesus and His mother bridging the gap of time, heaven, and earth.  

Helpful Hint: Look at pictures or famous artwork that depicts each mystery of the rosary as you pray. The visual of the mystery helps you to grow closer to Our Lord and really contemplate each mystery.

The Joyful Mysteries: Think JOY:)

The Annunciation- I picture the angel Gabriel asking Mary to do God's will. I ask God to help me say “yes” just as Mary did. 

The Visitation- I ask that God help me bring Christ to others just as Mary brought Christ with her to visit Elizabeth. I ask for grace for others to feel the love of Christ from me.

The Nativity- I pray for humility and to be happy with what I have while I think of baby Jesus born as a poor little boy born in such an un-lavish place. I also might pray for a pregnant mom to have a safe delivery or for a mom and her newborn. I have also prayed for the poor & homeless with this mystery.

The Presentation- I like to pray for those who aren’t baptized. Often I also meditate on the fact that Mary knew that her life would not be easy, but accepted it with joy. 

The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple- I think of how happy Mary and Joseph must have been to find their lost son. I pray for those who are “lost” and for them to find their way home to Jesus.

The Sorrowful mysteries: 

Think Sorrow:(

The agony in the garden- I pray thinking about an issue or time in someone’s life that is difficult.

The Scourging of the Pillar- I think about my sins and the sins of the world and how each sin is like the (flagrum or flagellum) whip tearing a piece of Jesus’s flesh. I ask for help for myself and others not to commit specific mortal sins.

The Crowning with Thorns- Similarly, I think of my sins being like thorns piercing the head of Jesus. I pray for those who mock Jesus or ignore him.

The Carrying of the Cross- As a mom, sometimes just getting through the day can feel like a cross. I ask for help carrying mine, especially those crosses which have been entrusted to me to guide myself, my family, and others to Jesus. I also pray that I will be like Simon and help others carry their crosses. I ask for help for those with especially big crosses like cancer or suffering.

The Crucifixion and Death of Our Lord- I try to just meditate on the suffering and death of Jesus mindful of how He perfectly completed the Father’s will. I usually don’t attach many if any petitions to this mystery as it seems perfect just to meditate on it with love and gratitude thanking Jesus for being our Savior.

The Glorious Mysteries:

Think Happy & Evangelization

The Resurrection-  I pray for people who don’t believe in Jesus or who need increased faith (myself included).

The Ascension- I imagine Jesus ascending into Heaven. I pray for those same intentions above or anything else weighing on my prayer list at the time. It’s like those intentions ascend up to Jesus.

The Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles- I pray for the Holy Spirit to help me in my life and to help me to lead others to Christ. I often pray for those I come into contact with and our conversations. (Neighbors, friends, or a relatives I’ve talked to on the phone,somone coming to visit me, future conversations) I often pray for the kids I teach CCD and that I instructed them in a way inspired by the Holy Spirit that will stay with them forever.

The Assumption of Mary- I think about how much Christ loves the Blessed Virgin Mary and how he carried her up to heaven to be with Him. I pray for those who insult Mary or think that she is not someone they need to ask to pray for them. I know how their attitude offends Jesus, and I pray they embrace His Mother not reject her.

The Crowning of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth- reminds me that Mary is right beside Jesus and praying for all my intentions, so I pray for her to intercede fervently at His feet for whatever prayer intentions are most on my mind.

The Luminous mysteries:

Evangelization & The Sacraments

Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan- I pray for my ministry for Jesus promoting the rosary, as well as for priests since this was when Jesus began his public ministry. I also might pray for someone who needs to be baptized.

The Wedding Feast of Cana- I meditate on how Jesus did his first miracle before he even wanted to, because His Mom asked. This reminds me that whatever I ask through Mary is harder for Jesus not to grant both graciously and swiftly if it be the will of God. I might ask for a specific miracle during this meditation on His first miracle.

The Preaching of the Kingdom- I like to pray for the whole world. I often pray for priests, bishops, the Pope, the President, world leaders, celebrities, and those who preach Jesus to the world. I pray that the world listens.

The Transfiguration- I pray for everyone to clearly see Jesus and His love for them. I pray that they see God working in their life and the lives of those around them.

The Institution of the Eucharist- I thank God that I’m able to receive Jesus in Holy Communion, and I pray for those who are not able to receive Jesus in Holy Communion due to lack of knowledge or faith, circumstance, or the misleading of the world that dismisses this miraculous sacrament. I also pray for Eucharistic healings & adoration.