Many have heard mention of the Rosary (both here and elsewhere), and may wonder what it is... it is many hundreds of years old, and is not just for catholics.
It consists of the following scriptural prayers:
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The Apostoles Creed https://billygraham.org/answer/what-is-the-apostles-creed/
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The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) https://www.praywithme.com/the-lords-prayer.html
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Hail Mary (Luke 1:28, Luke 1:42, +petitioning Mary to pray for us, both now and while we are dying)
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Glory Be (Doxology/Praising of the Triune God) Glory to the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, in now and will be forever, amen.
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Fatima Prayer (optional) Oh my Jesus, forgive us our sins and save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls into heaven, especially those in most need of your mercy.
The above is the "Body" of the Rosary.
The "Soul" of the Rosary is, during prayer, meditating upon a set of 5 scriptural stories. These are grouped into 4 sets, with focus on Jesus' infancy and childhood, his public ministry, his passion, and his glory. Scriptural Meditation is not easy, but consists of bringing yourself into the scene being meditated on. What is little realized, is Jesus, being God, is aware of every one visiting him in this way -- even at the time of the original event (!)
The rosary is a most powerful prayer against the devil and all enemies of God. Two historical examples (there are others) where the tide was turned by praying the rosary:
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The 1571 Battle of Lepanto - where Christian forces, greatly outnumbered by Muslim naval forces, turned to the spiritual weapon of the rosary, and a powerful wind and storm caused the Muslim ships to be defeated. This staved off Muslim expansion into Europe, keeping Europe Christian, and lasting (arguably), until recent times and the current loss of Christian faith there. https://www.catholiceducation.org/en/culture/history/how-the-1571-battle-of-lepanto-saved-europe.html
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Austria Saved from Communist Rule - in the early 1950's, Austria was occupied, by communist forces, and every indication was they would suffer the same fate as other iron curtain countries. A priest, recalling the Lepanto victory, roused up Austrians -- at least 10% of them, to pray the rosary for deliverance, and on May 13th, 1955, the Russians packed up and left Austria, without a shot being fired. https://choosing-him.blogspot.com/2018/07/the-rosary-frees-austria-from-communist.html
Another non- Biblical practice being promoted!
Matthew 6:7 JESUS SAID ...when ye pray, use not vain repetitions!
Um... who mentioned vain? And repetitions... Have you prayed the Lord's prayer (Our Father) more than once in your life? If a thing is worth doing, it may be worth repeating -- but not vainly. :)
No, what you are doing is filling your mind (at multiple levels) as well as multiple of your senses (especially using beads and vocal prayer), with loving contemplation of Jesus and his plan for us. Nothing more; nothing less.
It was an example of how we should pray, there is nothing about it being repeated parrot fashion - which is what catholics do. Prayer by rote, not real contact / conversation.
I’d like to add that petitioning Mary to pray on one’s behalf is not scriptural- she is gone from this world and not risen as Jesus is, yet prayer to Him according to this rosary post is “optional”. Mary has as much to do with this world and your well being as praying to a deceased ancestor.
Referencing the New Testament makes no claim that Mary is anything other than blessed (true), and no reference to petitioning anyone other than Jesus (who intercedes on our behalf to the Lord).
When the Apostles asked Jesus how to pray, his response in the Our Father was guidance. If the Rosary were needed, Jesus would have said so.
King James’ Bible, for reference. Much different than Holy Bible (Catholic teachings) but that is another discussion.
I will leave the following. Petition the Lord through prayer directly, in Jesus’ name. No intercession required.