The Mysteries

The Sorrowful Mysteries

The Passion of Jesus: from his prayer in the garden of Gethsemane to his death on the cross. Traditionally prayed on Tuesday and Friday.

Pray the Sorrowful Mysteries now
The Agony in the Garden, a devotional painting

The First Sorrowful Mystery

The Agony in the Garden

Father, if thou wilt, remove this chalice from me: but yet not my will, but thine be done. Luke 22:42

Alone in the garden at night, Jesus prays through his fear and gives himself to the Father's will. Bring him whatever weighs on you tonight.

Fruit of the mystery: Sorrow for sin

Pray this decade
The Scourging at the Pillar, a devotional painting

The Second Sorrowful Mystery

The Scourging at the Pillar

Then therefore, Pilate took Jesus, and scourged him. John 19:1

Jesus bears cruelty in silence and patience. Pray for all who suffer violence, and for the strength to bear your own trials with him.

Fruit of the mystery: Purity

Pray this decade
The Crowning with Thorns, a devotional painting

The Third Sorrowful Mystery

The Crowning with Thorns

And the soldiers platting a crown of thorns, put it upon his head; and they put on him a purple garment. John 19:2

The King of kings is mocked and crowned with thorns. Ask for the courage to stay faithful when it is not easy or popular.

Fruit of the mystery: Courage

Pray this decade
The Carrying of the Cross, a devotional painting

The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery

The Carrying of the Cross

And bearing his own cross, he went forth to that place which is called Calvary, but in Hebrew Golgotha. John 19:17

Jesus carries the cross, and Simon of Cyrene is called to help him. Think of the crosses others are carrying and how you might share the weight.

Fruit of the mystery: Patience

Pray this decade
The Crucifixion, a devotional painting

The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery

The Crucifixion

Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit. Luke 23:46

Jesus gives his life for us, with Mary standing at the foot of the cross. Pray for the dying, and for all who have gone before us.

Fruit of the mystery: Perseverance

Pray this decade

The other mysteries