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ChristianRosary.com
A Ladder from Earth to Heaven:
The Rosary for All Christians
Welcome
to a 'new' 2000 - year old
form of Christian Prayer
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Q:
I thought the rosary was a Catholic thing?
A: If by 'Catholic' you mean Roman Catholic, the Marian / Latin
Rosary is used extensively by members of the Roman Catholic
faith. However the word 'catholic' (little c) - which means
universal - is for all Christians when using the Protestant
Rosary. The Protestant and Roman Catholic Rosaries are different
in format.
Q: Isn't the Rosary praying to, and worship of, Mary? I worship
only God.
A: No. In fact, even your sisters and brothers in Christ of
the Roman Catholic faith do not see the rosary as a worship
of Mary. The Protestant rosary is a remembrance of the great
events in the life of Jesus from the Gospels offered back to
God in prayer.
Q: Why is the rosary shaped like it is?
A: The shape of the rosary doesn't have any special significance.
I don't know how this particular pattern which you see today
came into use. There are also Ladder Rosaries, Chaplet Rosaries,
and other rosaries particular to a specific use.
Q:
I don't have time to say the Protestant rosary everyday. Isn't
it a waste of my time to learn something I will use only two
or three times a week or even occasionally?
A: The Protestant Rosary is a form of meditative Christian prayer.
Is any form of prayer a waste of time? No. Unfortunately, not
all Christians pray every day (though we all should). Even if
we miss a day, does that make the prayers when we do pray any
less significant? Of course not. We should try to remember and
make an integral part of our life what the Holy Bible says:
pray without ceasing.
Q:
This just seems too difficult. I have a family, a job, volunteer
work. Why should I take up what little time I do have to myself
to learn the Protestant Rosary?
A: Maybe you shouldn't. This is something only you can answer.
According to the Holy Bible, I am to give back to God ten percent
of what I earn. I believe I should give to God each day a part
of the day so graciously given to me. I can't give ten percent
of each day, but I can give something. I've discovered over
the years I always seem to find time for the things I want to
do.
Q:
I was raised, and am, a fundamentalist. I have found great joy
and peace in learning to use the Protestant rosary, but I am
afraid my friends at church are going to think I'm doing something
wrong. I know they believe the rosary is only for Roman Catholics.
A: You have to remember how you reacted when you first read
about or were introduced to the Protestant rosary. It obviously
opened and broadened your prayer life. If it did that for you,
would probably have the same effect once you share this with
your friends?
Q:
The Hail Mary prayer is really bothering me. Do I have to use
it?
A: No. What is probably bothering you is the last phrase, as
the first two phrases are taken directly from the Holy Bible.
The first phrase is when the Angel came to Mary and announced
God's desire she be the mother of the Messiah (Hail Mary,
full of grace, the Lord is with you). The second phrase
is taken from Mary's visit to her cousin, Elizabeth (Blessed
are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb).
The third phrase (probably where you are having trouble) comes
from around the 13th century. One legend holds Spanish-born
St. Dominic uttered this last phrase just before he went into
battle to fight heresy and did not know whether or not he would
survive (Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now
and at the hour of our death). Whether or not you choose
to add this final phrase is up to you.
Q:
My time is already so limited, and I am interested in remembering
the life of Jesus in daily prayer, but what about my own personal
daily prayers?
A: The Protestant rosary is to never replace your personal daily
prayers. Many find it very easy and wonderfully spiritual to
weave their daily prayers in with the prayer meditations.
Q:
Where do I go to find a rosary?
A: There are two links for the 5-decade Christian Rosary within
this site. One is for pre-made rosaries and the other is where
you can custom design your own rosary. There are also links
for a Peace Chaplet and the Twelve Days of Christmas Rosary.
Q:
There seem to be quite a few different rosaries. It's all a
bit overwhelming. Where do I begin?
A: If you have a copy of the book that may be where you are
feeling overwhelmed because the Lutheran Rosary and the Anglican
Prayer Beads/Rosary are also presented as information. What
you choose to use, or not use, is up to you. There are no right
or wrongs. It is only a matter about prayer which is comfortable
for you.
Q:
A Chaplet is not a Rosary? Or it is? Or is it?
A: On the traditional Protestant rosary, a Chaplet consists
of eleven (11) beads and the prayers used within. Well, sometimes
a Chaplet is said using the traditional rosary you use
day to day, or, in the case of the Peace Chaplet, it is entirely
different. Of course, you have the Twelve Days of Christmas
Rosary which is nothing like the rosary you automatically
see in your mind when you think of a rosary. Hmmm, this can
be confusing, can't it! Just know you're not alone....
Q:
The concluding prayers that change. Does a person Ever Get This
Straight?!?
A: Yes, you'll get it all figured out. Try not to make it a
bigger problem that what it really is. Go to the Mystery Meditation
Calendar on the site and you'll see how easily it is broken
down. The year basically falls into thirds: Joyful is for Advent,
Christmas and Epiphany; Sorrowful is for Lent and Holy Week;
Glorious is for Easter, Ascension and Pentecost (a very
long season). When these particular dates fall you can find
on the calendar.
Q:
I've joined the Garland of Roses Society but I don't know if
my work schedule will allow me to attend the annual get-together.
Is that a problem?
A: Of course not!! While your presence would only add to the
weekend, and your not being there will be missed, you will be
remember by those present in the community prayers during the
course of the weekend.
Q:
Does anybody from Christian Rosary ever put on workshops to
help master the use of the Protestant rosary?
A: Yes, workshops are held from time to time. Notices of workshops
can be found in the newsletter the Garland of Roses Society
members receive. If you do not receive the newsletter, you can
send a question about when and where workshops are being held
to the email below stating where it says 'Question:' where you
live and your interest in a workshop.
Q:
What if I need other help or have questions I can't find here?
A: If the book A Ladder from Earth to Heaven: The Rosary
for All Christians hasn't answered your questions, nor this
web site, please enter your question below as we're only an
email away.
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