October is the special month to rediscover our devotion to Mother Mary and Rosary. Praying the rosary shows the mysteries of life of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. As yet it also strengthens the Christian life and grants grace. Through praying the rosary the Mother of God promised several blessings to humanity.
Here are 10 practical tips for praying the Rosary every day, taken from the book “The Rosary: Theology on Your Knees”, by the priest, writer and official of the Vatican Secretariat of State, Archbishop Florian Kolfhaus:
1. Have the Rosary in your Pocket
Every Catholic should always have a Rosary in his pocket. There is a denarius with only ten beads and it can be easily transported. Whenever you are looking for a handkerchief or a key before leaving, remember to also carry the Rosary of Jesus and Mary.
2. Take Advantage of Free Time also to Pray
In everyday life there is always a “free time” that we can take advantage of to pray the Rosary: when we wait for a medical consultation, a bus, an important call, among others. And if for some reason a person does not want to show himself in a “waiting room” as a practicing Catholic, he can also use his hands: we have ten fingers to count the Hail Marys.
3. Pray while Doing Chores and Sports
We do many things mechanically because those things do not require much thinking. When the onion is chopped, the clothes are hung or the car is washed, the Rosary can also be prayed. Just as when people who love each other think of the other regardless of the activity they carry out, the Rosary helps to stay in tune with the hearts of Jesus and Mary.
This also works while doing sports: running, cycling or swimming are activities in which you can pray the Rosary in rhythm with your own breathing (either internally or out loud if you are alone in an open field).
4. Pictures and Music can Help too
The Rosary is a contemplative prayer. More important than the words we use, is the predisposition of our heart to contemplate each of the mysteries. For this purpose, you can search the Internet for five images that help us contemplate each passage in the life of Christ and Mary. On the other hand, music can also be useful if it is played in the background to find peace.
5. Channel our Distractions to Pray
It is difficult to pray in which there are many thoughts that come over our mind: the shopping list, a friend’s birthday, an illness or a worry. If we fight them in prayer, it is often worse. It is better to gather these “distractions” and say a Hail Mary for people, for friends and family, for yourself and problems. In this way the prayer can be sincere and personal.
6. Pray for Each other while we Move
On the way to work or school, whether by car or bus, by train or on foot, it is possible to pray the Rosary without lowering your head and closing your eyes.
Praying while we move means dedicating the Hail Marys to the people with whom we have established, contacted or seen during the day; also for the companies and institutions that are in my way.
For example, if I see a doctor on my way, I can pray for the people who will take care of their illnesses with him.
7. Pray on your Knees or on Pilgrimage
The Rosary can be prayed always and in any place. Sometimes when you pray on your knees or go on a pilgrimage you can feel a “physical challenge.” However, this is not about “torture” or endure as long as possible, but to take into account that we have a body and soul to worship God. Therefore, the rosary is also a pilgrimage prayer.
8. Connect each Mystery with an Intention
You do not always have to pray the Rosary in a row. It can often be helpful to connect each mystery to a particular concern: my mother, a friend, the Pope, the persecuted Christians. The more specific you are, the better. Praise and thanking God should not be absent either.
9. Pray it in Times of Spiritual Drought
We Christians are not “yogis” who must follow ascetic practices to “empty” our minds. Although our relationship with God is above any activity, there are also times of drought and affliction when it is not possible to pray. In these difficult moments, we have to gather ourselves with the Rosary and simply recite the prayers. This is not pagan talk, but that little spark of goodwill that we offer to God can encourage the Holy Spirit to fan the flame of our spirit.
In difficult times, it may even be enough to hold the Rosary without saying a word. This miserable state before God and his mother turns into a good prayer and certainly does not remain unanswered.
10. Fall Asleep Praying the Rosary
The Rosary should not be only in our pockets, but on each bedside table. When trying to fall asleep you can also say the Hail Marys and it is better than counting sheep. Sometimes only the elderly and infirm “hold on” to the Rosary at night because of the promises of safety, strength, and comfort. However, also in good times one should resort to this prayer and ask especially for those who suffer.