How to Pray the Rosary: The Sorrowful Mysteries

The Rosary is a meditative prayer that walks through key moments in the life of Jesus and Mary. You move bead by bead, repeating prayers while reflecting on each mystery. There is no rush. If you lose your place or your focus, just continue from where you left off.

Download the Printable PDF
A traditional religious painting depicting the nativity scene with figures of mary, joseph, and baby jesus in a manger.
Monday Rosary
Joyful Mysteries

On Mondays, we pray the Joyful Mysteries. These mysteries invite us to reflect on trust, obedience, and the simple beginnings of Christ’s life. Pray along with us today.

Pray Todays Rosary With Us
A classical religious painting depicting jesus christ with a white halo, wearing a flowing white robe draped over his shoulders and a rich red cloak, seated on rocky terrain under a dramatic sky.
Tuesday Rosary
Sorrowful Mysteries

On Tuesdays, we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries. These mysteries lead us through the suffering of Christ and remind us of love that endures even in pain. Pray with us today.

Pray Todays Rosary With Us
A divine figure ascends into heaven, draped in a flowing white robe with a vibrant red cloak billowing behind him.
Wednesday Rosary
Glorious Mysteries

On Wednesdays, we pray the Glorious Mysteries. These mysteries focus on resurrection, hope, and the promise of eternal life. Join us in prayer today.

Pray Todays Rosary With Us
A vibrant red robe with a flowing, draped design worn by the standing figure in a classical religious painting.
Thursday Rosary
Luminous Mysteries

On Thursdays, we pray the Luminous Mysteries. These mysteries reflect the public life of Jesus and the light He brought into the world. Pray with us today.

Pray Todays Rosary With Us
A wooden cross, weathered and rustic in appearance with visible grain.
Friday Rosary
Sorrowful Mysteries

On Fridays, we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries. These mysteries invite deeper reflection on sacrifice, mercy, and Christ’s love for us. Pray along with us today.

Pray Todays Rosary With Us
A golden-hued, flowing robe worn by a bearded figure in an ornate religious scene.
Saturday Rosary
Joyful Mysteries

On Saturdays, we pray the Joyful Mysteries. These mysteries return us to moments of hope, faith, and quiet trust in God’s plan. Join us in prayer today.

Pray Todays Rosary With Us
A serene depiction of the virgin mary in a flowing blue and red robe, surrounded by angels in soft white garments against a backdrop of swirling clouds.
Sunday Rosary
Glorious Mysteries

On Sundays, we pray the Glorious Mysteries. These mysteries celebrate victory over death and the promise of new life. Pray with us today.

Pray Todays Rosary With Us

Today, we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries...

Gold-toned rosary with black and white speckled beads, a gold crucifix, and a circular medallion at the top.

Sign of the Cross

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Crucifix

Hold the crucifix and pray 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; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. 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."

First Decade Bead

Move to the first bead above the crucifix and pray one 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"

Next 3 Beads

Pray three Hail Marys, traditionally for faith, hope, and charity.

"Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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."

Second Decade Bead

Pray one Glory Be.

The First Mystery: The Agony in the Garden

Announce the First Mystery of the day, the Agony in the Garden:

Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane and accepts the suffering that lies ahead.

Pray one 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."

The Mysteries
A classical religious painting depicting jesus christ with a white halo, wearing a flowing white robe draped over his shoulders and a rich red cloak, seated on rocky terrain under a dramatic sky.

Next Ten Beads

Pray ten Hail Marys, reflecting quietly on the mystery.

"Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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."

After the Ten Beads

Pray one 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."

Fatima Prayer

Pray one Fatima Prayer.

"O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those who are in most need of Thy mercy."

The Second Mystery:

The Scourging at the Pillar

Announce the Second Mystery of the day, the Scourging at the Pillar:

Jesus is scourged after being condemned, enduring pain in silence.

Pray one 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."

The Mysteries
A classical oil painting depicting jesus christ, bare-chested and wrapped in a flowing white cloth, standing with two figures beside him under dramatic lighting.

Next Ten Beads

Pray ten Hail Marys, reflecting quietly on the mystery.

"Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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."

After the Ten Beads

Pray one 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."

Fatima Prayer

Pray one Fatima Prayer.

"O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those who are in most need of Thy mercy."

The Third Mystery:

The Crowning with Thorns

Announce the Third Mystery of the day, The Crowning with Thorns:

Jesus is mocked and crowned with thorns, bearing humiliation with love.

Pray one 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."

The Mysteries
A classical oil painting depicting jesus christ seated, wearing a white robe with red drapery and a crown of thorns being placed upon his head by roman soldiers.

Next Ten Beads

Pray ten Hail Marys, reflecting quietly on the mystery.

"Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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."

After the Ten Beads

Pray one 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."

Fatima Prayer

Pray one Fatima Prayer.

"O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those who are in most need of Thy mercy."

The Fourth Mystery:

The Carrying of the Cross

Announce the Third Mystery of the day, The Carrying of the Cross:

Jesus carries the cross to Calvary, falling under its weight yet continuing forward.

Pray one 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."

The Mysteries
A wooden cross, weathered and rustic in appearance with visible grain.

Next Ten Beads

Pray ten Hail Marys, reflecting quietly on the mystery.

"Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.Blessed art thou amongst 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."

After the Ten Beads

Pray one 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."

Fatima Prayer

Pray one Fatima Prayer.

"O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those who are in most need of Thy mercy."

The Fifth Mystery:

The Crucifixion

Announce the Third Mystery of the day, The Crucifixion:

Jesus is crucified and dies on the cross for the salvation of the world.

Pray one 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"

The Mysteries
A classical religious painting depicting jesus christ crucified on a wooden cross, wearing a white cloth around his waist and crowned with thorns.

Next Ten Beads

Pray ten Hail Marys, reflecting quietly on the mystery.

"Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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."

After the Ten Beads

Pray one 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."

Fatima Prayer

Pray one Fatima Prayer.

"O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those who are in most need of Thy mercy."

Finish

After the fifth mystery, pray the 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 valley 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."


End with the Sign of the Cross.

The Prayers

Rosary Prayers

These are the prayers for each part of the Rosary.

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;
from there he will come 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.
Hail Mary

Hail, Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst 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.
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.
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.

Fatima Prayer

O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those who are in
most need of Thy mercy.

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 valley 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.