💔 Sorrowful Mysteries – Rosary Prayers
The Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary focus on the Passion and death of Jesus Christ. These mysteries help us meditate on the great love Jesus showed for us through His suffering and sacrifice. They are prayed on Tuesdays and Fridays, and they invite us to unite our own sufferings with Christ's Passion.
When to Pray the Sorrowful Mysteries
- • Tuesdays - Traditional day for the Sorrowful Mysteries
- • Fridays - Also dedicated to the Sorrowful Mysteries (day of Christ's death)
- • During Lent - Especially appropriate during the season of penance
- • On Good Friday - To commemorate Christ's Passion
- • When facing suffering - To unite our pain with Christ's
- • For repentance - To reflect on the cost of our sins
The Five Sorrowful Mysteries
1. The Agony in the Garden
Biblical Reference
Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, Luke 22:39-46
Meditation
Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane, experiencing intense sorrow and fear. He asks His Father to take the cup of suffering away, but submits to God's will. His disciples fall asleep while He suffers alone.
Fruit of the Mystery
Sorrow for Sin
Prayer Intention
Pray for the grace to accept God's will in difficult times and to stay awake in prayer.
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
Biblical Reference
Matthew 27:26, Mark 15:15, John 19:1
Meditation
Jesus is tied to a pillar and brutally scourged with whips. His body is torn and bleeding, taking upon Himself the punishment for our sins. He endures this torture silently and with love.
Fruit of the Mystery
Purity
Prayer Intention
Pray for the grace to practice self-discipline and to offer up your sufferings for the conversion of sinners.
3. The Crowning with Thorns
Biblical Reference
Matthew 27:27-31, Mark 15:16-20, John 19:2-3
Meditation
Jesus is mocked as a king with a crown of thorns pressed into His head. The soldiers bow before Him in mockery, spitting on Him and striking Him. He accepts this humiliation for our pride.
Fruit of the Mystery
Courage
Prayer Intention
Pray for the grace to bear insults and mockery with patience and to overcome pride.
4. The Carrying of the Cross
Biblical Reference
Matthew 27:32, Mark 15:21, Luke 23:26-32, John 19:17
Meditation
Jesus carries His cross through the streets of Jerusalem, falling three times under its weight. He meets His mother and the women of Jerusalem. Simon of Cyrene helps Him carry the cross.
Fruit of the Mystery
Patience
Prayer Intention
Pray for the grace to carry your daily crosses with love and to help others in their difficulties.
5. The Crucifixion
Biblical Reference
Matthew 27:33-56, Mark 15:22-41, Luke 23:33-49, John 19:17-37
Meditation
Jesus is nailed to the cross and dies for our sins. He forgives His executioners, promises paradise to the good thief, entrusts His mother to John, and gives up His spirit. The earth trembles and the veil of the temple is torn.
Fruit of the Mystery
Perseverance
Prayer Intention
Pray for the grace to persevere in faith until death and to forgive those who hurt you.
How to Pray the Sorrowful Mysteries
Begin with the opening prayers of the Rosary:
- • Sign of the Cross
- • Apostles' Creed
- • Our Father
- • 3 Hail Marys (for faith, hope, and charity)
- • Glory Be
Then pray each mystery:
- • Announce the mystery
- • Pray 1 Our Father
- • Pray 10 Hail Marys (meditating on the mystery)
- • Pray 1 Glory Be
- • Pray the Fatima Prayer (optional)
Spiritual Benefits
Understanding of Suffering
The Sorrowful Mysteries help us understand the redemptive value of suffering and unite our pain with Christ's.
Repentance
Meditating on Christ's Passion helps us recognize the gravity of sin and the need for repentance.
Love and Gratitude
We grow in love and gratitude for Jesus, who suffered so much for our salvation.
Strength in Trials
We find strength to endure our own sufferings by contemplating Christ's example.
Tips for Meditation
- • Use your imagination - Picture yourself present at each scene of the Passion
- • Reflect on the emotions - Consider Jesus' love, pain, and determination
- • Apply to your life - Think about how each mystery relates to your own sufferings
- • Pray for specific graces - Ask for the fruit of each mystery
- • Be reverent - Approach these mysteries with deep respect and love
- • Use visual aids - Icons or Stations of the Cross can help you focus
Related Prayers
Joyful Mysteries
The five Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary, prayed on Monday and Saturday.
Glorious Mysteries
The five Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary, prayed on Wednesday and Sunday.
Luminous Mysteries
The five Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, prayed on Thursday.