As we prepare for Easter, the rosary is a wonderful prayer. While there are the joyful, sorrowful, glorious, and luminous mysteries we can use when we pray, I suggest we might try these Lenten mysteries.
- Jesus withdraws to secluded places to pray to his Father. Mother Mary, pray for me that I may draw closer to your Son this Lent. Help me to be faithful to my prayer time. May my conversation with the Lord be fervent, open, and filled with gratitude. Ask your the Holy Spirit to bless me with the words to pray and the thoughts to inspire me. Amen.
- Often using parables, Jesus teaches the people about the Law of Love. Mother Mary, pray for me that I may learn more and more from Jesus’ parables and try to live a life full of love of God and love of my neighbor as myself. May I teach others about love through my words and life example. Help me to perform little acts of love and selflessness as I follow Jesus who is the way, the truth, and the life. Amen.
- Jesus heals the sick and those possessed by demons. Mother Mary, pray for me that I am reminded of all the times the Lord has healed me and others I have prayed for, and that I sincerely thank him for all those healings. May I recall the Lord’s closeness to me during life’s challenges. May I do what I can to bring relief to others who are hurting in some way, especially during this Lenten season. Amen.
- Jesus forgives sinners. Mother Mary, pray for me that I may be more merciful and forgiving of others who have offended me. May I be grateful for all my chances to start over because of God’s mercy and forgiveness. May I truly repent of my sins—even the little ones—and resist temptations to sin. Help me to be humbly honest with myself and God. Amen.
- Jesus cleanses the Temple of merchants and moneychangers. Mother Mary, pray for me that I may always give proper respect and honor to all that is holy and sacred. May I be thankful for my Catholic Church and for those people who have shared their spiritual lives with me. Help me to be pure and authentic in my practices of worship. Amen.
Final prayer: Mary, as I prepare to rejoice at Easter in the great gift of Jesus’ resurrection, I echo your words: the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. (Luke 1:49)
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Photo credit: Marco Ceschi on Upsplash
The scripture passage is from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1965, 1966 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Sharon Krause is a RENEW volunteer whose writing has appeared in several resources for small-group faith sharing. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother residing in Manchester, Connecticut. Over the years, she has served in many parish ministries.