Little Known Ways of Praying the Rosary in Medieval Times as Do-it Yourself Prayer for Today by Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP

Until recent times, the Rosary was a do-it yourself prayer. In later times the clergy stepped in and  mandated the format we have today. 

Medieval people strung as many beads as they wished together and created their own way of praying  to the Blessed Mother. During this time this sacred practice consisted of praying the Hail Mary. Later, as the clergy attempted to control the beliefs of the people, the Our Father, Apostles Creed and Glory Be were added.

St. Louis de Manfort endorsed an open and diverse way of praying the rosary: "Choose whichever method pleases you and helps you the most.You can make one up for yourself, if you like, as several holy people have done before. "

Today people from every religion and no religion, who experience Mary's presence in their live are creating new and diverse sacred ways to pray the rosary. 

"They decorate them with meaningful charms or pilgrimage medals or bits of ribbon from weddings or baptisms. They replace the crucifix  with a medal of the Virgin or goddess figure.." ( Source: The Way of the Rose by  Clark Strand and Perdita Finn) 

Contemporary Rosary by Mary Theresa Streck, ARCWP

Statement of Faith

I believe in You, Holy One,

Love poured out in all creation.

I follow my brother, Jesus 

Who reminds me of Your love.

I believe in Your Spirit within me, 

Your Presence evolving here and now 

as I live justly, love tenderly and walk with integrity. 

Amen.

Prayer of Jesus at the beginning of each decade of the Rosary:

Holy One, who is within, around and among us,

We celebrate your many names.

Your Wisdom come.

Your will be done, unfolding from the depths within us,

Each day you give us all we need;

You remind us of our limits, and we let go.

You support us in our power, and we act with courage.

For you are the dwelling place within us, 

the empowerment around us,

and the celebration among us, now and forever.  Amen.  

(Miriam Therese Winter)

Prayer for each bead of the Rosary:

Holy One,

Beloved of my heart.

Blessed are You and

Blessed are we, 

the fruits of your womb.

Source of all that is,

You are ever with us.

Now and forever.

Amen.

Prayer of Gratitude at the end of each decade:

Glory to you, 

Beloved of my heart, 

Now and forever. Amen.