praying the Rosary | Blessed Virgin Mary | Family Rosary
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. (Romans 8:18)
I’d prayed the Rosary for two and a half years before I finally confessed to my friend, Father Joe, “Father, I don’t think it’s working. I feel more miserable than when I started.”
Fr. Joe smiled at me and simply replied, “That’s a good thing … because it means you’re being purified.”
I didn’t understand that message for a few more years and continued to feel miserable. But what he said stuck out and something inside me told me to remain steadfast and continue praying despite what I understood. As I prayed, I began to wonder what I was praying for — and then one day I realized there was a lot to purify.
I was a churchgoing woman, but I didn’t have faith. Not in the sense that I didn’t believe in God, but I relied on myself, and I expected so much more from others and not from God. As I confronted my imperfections, Mary began to show me what was holding me back: me.
Praying the Rosary is like taking a road trip. It’s a journey and there are many stops along the way. But the destination is not earthly: it’s Heaven. While on this journey, we have to remember there will be setbacks, turns, and detours we didn’t plan for — but there will also be surprising joys and spectacular views. Mary has been my tour guide, directing me to better know her Son.
The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. (Romans 8:16-17)
In my early years of praying the Rosary, I wouldn’t have been able to fully understand God’s greatness if I hadn’t first carried my cross. I kept delaying my journey by putting a time limit on my sorrow. When is God going to answer my prayers? I demanded. But if He had answered all my prayers instantly, would I have appreciated those blessings? Would I seek Him further or continue to rely on myself?
I had to let go of controlling my father, my hope that my husband would convert to Catholicism, my desire for others to be a certain way, and the drive of my own ego for accomplishment. I had to trust God so that I could see Him more fully.
Sorrow Leads to Joy, which Turns to Glory
God does not want us to be sorrowful forever, but when times are tough this is where the journey often halts. Many stop praying because they can’t see how God will work through the hard and intertwine their sorrows with joy. It’s at this exact moment that our perseverance and reliance on Him matter the most.
My father’s health took a turn for the worse this past year, and I realized sorrow does not stop. But this time, I would surrender to the knowledge that God would make good. I began to focus on the joy within the sorrow. As I traveled (prayed) this road, my father and I grew closer. Through prayer, my love for my father and for my family expanded, my patience improved, and my worry decreased. The Rosary becomes our GPS to help us navigate the tough roads. Learning to become more reliant on God, and allowing Him to lead, sustains our joy and peace.
Touring the Country with the Glorious Mysteries
An encounter with the Glorious Mysteries was not far off. This came in the most ironic place: a cross-country trip. My husband, our three daughters, and I toured the country this summer for three weeks in our trusty white minivan. With GPS and maps in hand, I saw our vast countryside. But as I prayed in the passenger seat, I began to see the glory of God in the scenic views and breathtaking landscapes. If you want to find Jesus, go to the mountains, go to the desert: there, His glory is revealed.
In many places along the trip, I experienced God (pilgrimage sites and the Eucharist), but in the quiet on the road looking out to the Grand Tetons, I began to celebrate in awe of His work and creation. While praying the Rosary, I recalled times I hadn’t recognized God’s glory, but rather glorified myself (published works, academic accolades, personal accomplishments).
As I glorified God on the road, Mary showed me how He was with me in the hard just as He was with me and sustained me in the joy. She prepared me to now honor Him through all His Creation and His mercy.
It wasn’t until I returned from that trip that I realized Mary was navigating me through the Mysteries of the Rosary. After returning home, I opened my Bible to Romans 8.
In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. (Romans 8:26)
This passage reaffirmed what Mary was teaching me through the Rosary. Through the Holy Spirit, she was guiding me and showing me the way to her Son through prayer. The Rosary is not a lamp to rub to reveal a genie who grants wishes. The Rosary transforms — and for me purged the things that blinded me to God’s love and glory, helping me to share that with others.
Mary Helps Me to Stop Playing God
And the one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because it intercedes for the holy ones according to God’s will. (Romans 8:27)
Through Mary’s guidance and intercession, I have learned to get out of my own way. Mary has helped me to stop playing God, showing me how her Son will determine the best course. I know my prayers will be answered if it is God’s will, but the way it’s done will not be according to my plan.
I have yet to learn about the Luminous Mysteries; however, something tells me Mary is working on that as we speak. In the meantime, I am going to continue praying the Rosary.
We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Our Lady of Tour Guides, pray for us.