Counting Prayers Essay

The history of counting prayers is believed to have originated from Hindu religious practices in India. Counting prayers is believed to have started possibly 8th century B.C. THe use of beads for prayers by catholics began in medieval european monasteries. They became more popular to help people count their prayers. Prayer beads were officially accepted into the catholic church by Pope Leo X in 1520. the prayers are set in sets of decades. these decades reflect on the mysteries and events in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

The laity wanted to be able to pray with the monks. The monks came up with a solution to use sets of prayers so the laity could keep pace with them. This would help both groups start and finish together.

The rosary was revealed first to Saint Dominic by Mary. This belief is supported by thirteen popes. Pope Clement VIII declared that St. Dominic established the Confraternity of the Rosary in the Church of St. Sixtus in Rome. The spreading of the rosary is attributed to the preaching of Saint Dominic. Pope Pius XI stated that, "The Rosary of Mary is the principle and foundation on which the very Order of
Five examples of the joyful mysteries are The Annunciation, The Visitation, The Nativity, The Presentation, and The Finding of Jesus in the Temple, Five examples of the mysteries of light are the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, The Wedding Feast at Cana, The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God, The Transfiguration of Jesus, and The Institution of the Eucharist. FIve examples the sorrowful mysteries are The Agony in the Garden, The Scourging at the Pillar, The Crowning With Thorns, The Carrying of the Cross, and The Crucifixion. Five examples of glorious mysteries are The Resurrection, The Ascension, The Coming of the Holy Spirit, The Assumption of Mary, and The Coronation of