A simple, beautiful rhythm for prayer.
Holding the crucifix, make the Sign of the Cross and say: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
On the first large bead, pray the Apostles’ Creed.
On the next large bead, pray the Our Father.
On the next three small beads, pray one Hail Mary on each bead (traditionally for faith, hope, and charity).
On the chain or next large bead, pray the Glory Be and the Fatima Prayer.
Announce the mystery and pray the Our Father on the large bead before the first decade.
Pray one Hail Mary on each of the ten small beads while meditating on the mystery.
After the tenth Hail Mary, pray the Glory Be and Fatima Prayer on the chain.
Continue through all five decades, announcing each new mystery before the Our Father.
After the fifth decade, pray the Hail, Holy Queen and conclude with the Sign of the Cross.
When praying with a crystal rosary, let the stone become part of your meditation. Hold each bead gently between your fingers. Feel its shape and hardness. Allow these tactile qualities to become teachers — reminding you of the solidity of faith and the steady presence required in prayer.
There is no single “correct” way to pray. The rosary is a tool for presence. Use it as it serves your heart.