PrayingTheRosary.org

Scripture

Scripture, silence and the mysteries

Readings from John Paul II and Thomas à Kempis.

View the accompanying artwork
Christ appears radiant between Moses and Elijah above three astonished apostles, with a crowd gathered below the mountain.
The Transfiguration · Raphael, 1516–1520
Pinacoteca Vaticana, Vatican City · Source · Public domain

Scripture excerpt

“Looking on Jesus, the author and finisher of faith”

Scripture
Hebrews · 12:2Read the full passage

A pause after Scripture

Apostolic letter excerpt

“Listening and meditation are nourished by silence.”

St. John Paul II
Rosarium Virginis Mariae · §31 · SilenceRead the full passage
Source context AI-assisted summary

Source summary · AI-assisted · not a quotation

Sections 30–31 of the apostolic letter place a biblical reading and a pause before the decade’s vocal prayers. The passage explains the relationship between listening and contemplation.

The life of Christ

Book excerpt

“Let it be our most earnest study, therefore, to dwell upon the life of Jesus Christ.”

Thomas à Kempis
The Imitation of Christ · Book I, chapter IRead the full passage
Source context AI-assisted summary

Source summary · AI-assisted · not a quotation

The opening chapter of The Imitation of Christ sets contemplation of Christ’s life within a call to imitate him. It is not a Rosary manual.

Further readings

The angel Gabriel kneels before Mary in a garden, holding a lily as she turns from her reading; distant mountains rise beyond the trees.

Getting started

Beginning prayer with St. Teresa

Prayer and friendship in The Life and The Way of Perfection.

Reading from St. Teresa of ÁvilaAttributed excerpts · labeled source summaries
The young Jesus discusses scripture with a close circle of elderly teachers holding open books.

Daily prayer

When thoughts wander in prayer

Brother Lawrence’s Eighth Letter, alongside St. Teresa’s chapter on recollection.

Reading from Brother LawrenceAttributed excerpts · labeled source summaries