If you are anything like me, the Rosary probably feels rather intimidating and monotonous at the same time. Until quite recently, if my life depended on it, I would only have been able to identify three of the prayers meant to be prayed when saying the Rosary. Those would be the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be. I vaguely remembered that the little, most numerous beads are all Hail Marys, I thought the large beads separating them were Our Fathers, and I knew that somewhere in there are places for the Glory Be—but I’d have been unable to identify where.
Within the last six months or so, I’ve made a sincere effort to understand many Catholic prayers and rituals more fully, this time approaching them with an open heart (rather than the hardened heart with which I judged them in my youth). Without the core message and Love of Jesus, the prayers and rituals hold no real meaning. They just seem like mindless chants when you don’t believe in a God that hears your prayers, or a Savior who you can communicate with, who can communicate with you best when you are in a state of sincere, meditative prayer.
When I began my journey to re-learn parts of my faith that had been forgotten, the Rosary was at the top of my list of religious practices that I wanted to master—not merely in the intellectual sense of correctly memorizing it, but in the spiritual sense of benefiting from its full power. I wanted to actually experience being enriched by the Holy Spirit through the thoughtful meditation and reflection required by the Rosary.
I was a bit shocked to find that there was no one, easy “How To” guide out there, and that praying the Rosary correctly was much more complicated than I imagined. Rather than being stagnant and staying the same every day, it changes according to the Liturgical Calendar and day of the week. At one point, it required two different Bibles + five separate tabs open on my laptop, for me to be able to get through the Rosary.
Because of this experience, I’ve been working on a guide to praying the Rosary that has everything in one place, for each day of the week, according to the Liturgical calendar. I want people to be able to pick it up, flip to any day of the year, and just follow what it says on that page, without having to look anything up or reference any other sources.
I thought that today, The Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, would be a great day to share an excerpt and example from my Rosary Guide (I’ll have one for 2026 and 2027). With current world events, so many people are feeling powerless and hopeless. But you are powerful beyond measure! You are a child of God, made in His image, and He hears all prayers that are prayed with sincerity and faith in your heart.
Praying the Rosary has helped me tremendously, especially when I am experiencing anxiety and begin to feel myself spiraling. Instead of reaching for my anxiety medication or getting angry with myself, I take a deep breath, and remind myself to give my anxieties up to God, then come to Him in prayer with Thanksgiving in my heart.
Have no anxiety at all,
But in everything, by prayer and petition,
With Thanksgiving,
Make your requests known to God.
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding
Will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
Without further adieu, if you’re so inclined and have some time for self-care of the highest order—grab your Rosary, dust it off, and follow along below.
June 24, 2025: The Nativity of St. John the Baptist
Start with the Cross/Crucifix, or whichever bead is in that place (some rosaries feature squares or circles depicting images on them rather than actually being in the shape of a Cross or Crucifix). No matter the style, either it will be in the physical shape of a Cross, or depict an image with the Cross, and it is the first, lowest bead.
Hold the Cross, and:
1) Bless yourself—In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit;
Then,
2) Say: 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.
Then,
3) Move to the next bead directly above the Cross, and
4) 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.
Then,
5) Move to the next bead, it will be the first in a set of three,
6) For all three beads—Say: Hail Mary (one Hail Mary per bead, three total)
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.
Then,
7) Before moving on to the next bead, during the space between the last bead you just did (Hail Mary) and the next large bead (the Announcement of the First Decade and Our Father)—Say: 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.
Then,
8) Move to the next large bead, it is the beginning of the First Decade or set of 10. Announce the First Decade or Mystery. It is currently Ordinary Time in the litugrical calendar, however today is a Solemnity: the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist. This is one of the highest-ranking feast days for the Catholic Church. On typical Tuesdays that are not Feast Days, we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries.
However, on a Solemnity such as today, the Feast Day adaptation is to pray the Joyful Mysteries, in honor of the birth of St. John the Baptist.
As such, on this bead, announce the first of the Joyful Mysteries—
Say: The Annunciation, when the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she will conceive by the Holy Spirit and bear the Son of God. (Found in Luke 1:26–38; it is not required that you go to the verse and read it as a prayer, but this is certainly optional and helpful if it’s been a while and you want to familiarize yourself with the Scripture. I’ve provided it below, so everything is in one place.)
26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
27 to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary.
28 And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.”
29 But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.
32 He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
33 and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
34 But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?”
35 And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.
36 And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;
37 for nothing will be impossible for God.”
38 Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.
Optional Reflection/Intention—If desired, before moving on to the next bead, reflect on the Annunciation and the scripture in which it appears, Luke 1:26-38. Pray for a heart that, like Mary’s, says “yes” to God’s will, even when it’s mysterious or difficult. Reflect on how Saint John the Baptist’s own conception was foretold by an angel, and how all life is sacred and known by God before birth.
Then,
9) Still on the same bead, before moving on to the next, say: 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.
Then,
Skip the next large bead that connects the main strand of the Rosary beads together, that is the last bead that you do at the end.
Go to the first regular bead to the left, it should be the same size as the 3 beads that you prayed the Hail Marys on previously. There should be 10 of these beads in a row, they represent the first decade.
10) For each of these 10 beads—Say: Hail Mary
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.
Then,
Before the next large bead, during the space between the last Hail Mary and the next large bead (the Announcement of the Second Decade),
11) Say: 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.
and
12) Fatima Prayer
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of hell,
and lead all souls to Heaven,
especially those in most need of Thy mercy.
Amen.
Then,
13) Move on to the next large bead, it is the beginning of the Second Decade. Announce the Second Decade or Mystery. Again, because of today’s feast day, we are praying the Joyful Mysteries rather than the Sorrowful Mysteries.
Say: The Visitation, when Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist. John leaps in Elizabeth’s womb at the presence of Jesus. (Found in Luke 1:39–56, and provided below for reference.)
39 During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah,
40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.
41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit,
42 cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
43 And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
44 For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.
45 Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”
46 And Mary said:
“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord;
47 my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
48 For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness;
behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.
49 The Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
50 His mercy is from age to age
to those who fear him.
51 He has shown might with his arm,
dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart.
52 He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones
but lifted up the lowly.
53 The hungry he has filled with good things;
the rich he has sent away empty.
54 He has helped Israel his servant,
remembering his mercy,
55 according to his promise to our fathers,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”
56 Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home.
Optional Reflection/Intention: Give thanks for the gift of friendship, community, and spiritual joy. Pray for expectant mothers and for the recognition of the unborn as bearers of divine purpose. Reflect on the unborn John’s joyful recognition of the unborn Christ.
Then, still on the same large bead that announced the decade, before moving on to the next small bead,
14) Say: 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.
Then, move on to the next small bead, continuing to the Left, there will be another set of 10 of these sized beads.
15) For each of these 10 beads—Say: Hail Mary
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.
Then,
Before the next large bead, during the space between the last Hail Mary and the next large bead (the Announcement of the Third Decade),
16) Say: 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.
and
17) Fatima Prayer
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of hell,
and lead all souls to Heaven,
especially those in most need of Thy mercy.
Amen.
Then,
18) Move on to the next large bead, it is the beginning of the Third Decade. Announce the Third Decade or Mystery. Because of today’s feast day, we are praying the Joyful Mysteries rather than the Sorrowful Mysteries.
Say: The Nativity, when Jesus is born in Bethlehem and laid in a manger. (Found in Luke 2:1–20, and provided below for convenient reference.)
1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole world should be enrolled.
2 This was the first enrollment, when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3 So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town.
4 And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David,
5 to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
6 While they were there, the time came for her to have her child,
7 and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock.
9 The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear.
10 The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
11 For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.
12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.”
13 And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:
14 “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
15 When the angels went away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go, then, to Bethlehem to see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.”
16 So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger.
17 When they saw this, they made known the message that had been told them about this child.
18 All who heard it were amazed by what had been told them by the shepherds.
19 And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.
20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told to them.
Optional Reflection/Intention: Though we celebrate John’s birth today, we remember that John was born to prepare the way for Jesus. Pray for humility and the ability to point others toward Christ. Ask God to raise up modern-day prophets who speak truth boldly yet prepare hearts gently.
Then, still on the same large bead that announced the decade, before moving on to the next small bead,
19) Say: 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.
Then, move on to the next small bead, there will be another set of 10 of these sized beads.
20) For each of these 10 beads—Say: Hail Mary
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.
Then,
Before the next large bead, during the space between the last Hail Mary and the next large bead (the Announcement of the Fourth Decade),
21) Say: 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.
and
22) Fatima Prayer
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of hell,
and lead all souls to Heaven,
especially those in most need of Thy mercy.
Amen.
Then,
23) Move on to the next large bead, it is the beginning of the Fourth Decade. Announce the Fourth Decade or Mystery. Because of today’s feast day, we are praying the Joyful Mysteries rather than the Sorrowful Mysteries.
Say: The Presentation in the Temple, when Mary and Joseph present Jesus in the temple, where Simeon and Anna recognize Him as the Messiah. (Found in Luke 2:22–38, and provided here for convenient reference.)
22 When the days were completed for their purification according to the law of Moses, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord,
23 just as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,”
24 and to offer the sacrifice of “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,” in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.
25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, awaiting the consolation of Israel, and the holy Spirit was upon him.
26 It had been revealed to him by the holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Messiah of the Lord.
27 He came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform the custom of the law in regard to him,
28 he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:
29 “Now, Master, you may let your servant go
in peace, according to your word,
30 for my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you prepared in sight of all the peoples,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel.”
33 The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;
34 and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted
35 (and you yourself a sword will pierce) so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage,
37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.
38 And coming forward at that very time, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.
Optional Reflection/Intention: Pray for faith to recognize Christ at work in your life. Like Simeon, John the Baptist also recognized Christ as the Lamb of God. Ask for eyes that see beyond appearances and trust in divine timing and revelation.
Then, still on the same large bead that announced the decade, before moving on to the next small bead,
24) Say: 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.
Then, move on to the next small bead, there will be another set of 10 of these sized beads.
25) For each of these 10 beads—Say: Hail Mary
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.
Then,
Before the next large bead, during the space between the last Hail Mary and the next large bead (the Announcement of the Fifth Decade),
26) Say: 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.
and
27) Fatima Prayer
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of hell,
and lead all souls to Heaven,
especially those in most need of Thy mercy.
Amen.
Then,
28) Move on to the next large bead, it is the beginning of the Fifth and final Decade. Announce the Fifth Decade or Mystery. Because of today’s feast day, we are praying the Joyful Mysteries rather than the Sorrowful Mysteries.
Say: The Finding of Jesus in the Temple, when, at age 12, Jesus is found in the temple discussing Scripture with the elders. (Found in Luke 2:41–52, and provided here for convenient reference.)
41 Each year his parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover,
42 and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom.
43 After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it.
44 Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances,
45 but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him.
46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions,
47 and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers.
48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.”
49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”
50 But they did not understand what he said to them.
51 He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.
52 And Jesus advanced [in] wisdom and age and favor before God and man.
Optional Reflection/Intention: Pray for children and youth, that they may be drawn to seek truth and grow in wisdom. Reflect on how John the Baptist also grew strong in spirit (Luke 1:80) and was prepared in solitude for his prophetic role. Ask for courage to prepare for your calling.
Then, still on the same large bead that announced the decade, before moving on to the next small bead,
29) Say: 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.
Then, move on to the next small bead, there will be another set of 10 of these sized beads.
30) For each of these 10 beads—Say: Hail Mary
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.
Then,
Before the next large and final bead (that was skipped in the beginning), during the space between the last Hail Mary and the final large bead,
31) Say: 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.
and
32) Fatima Prayer
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of hell,
and lead all souls to Heaven,
especially those in most need of Thy mercy.
Amen.
Then, move on to the final, large bead. This final bead is a sacred one that carries several prayers before completing a full Rosary.
33) Say: Hail, Holy Queen (Salve Regina)
Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy,
our life, our sweetness, and our hope.
To you we cry, poor banished children of Eve;
to you we send up our sighs,
mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn, then, most gracious advocate,
your eyes of mercy toward us;
and after this, our exile,
show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
Amen.
34) Say: Closing Rosary Pray (O God, Whose…)
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 on 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.
35) Say: 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.
36) Say: Hail Mary
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.
37) Say: 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.
38) Say: Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother.
To thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Amen.
Then,
39) Bless yourself, and
40) Say: In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
CONGRATULATIONS! I hope that this made it easy and simple to follow along and pray the Rosary today, on the Feast Day of John the Baptist. If you’ve never prayed the Rosary in full before, today would be a wonderful day to try for the first time. It’s okay if it feels like a lot—just follow along, everything is here for you. The only thing you need is Love in your heart, and the willingness to take the first step and start.