Praying the Rosary Like Never Before by Edward Sri {Book Review}

Equipping Catholic Families with…Book DeBriefs is a series of book reviews on awesome Catholic books published by Franciscan Media* and its imprint Servant Books, both offering excellent spiritual reading to boost prayer life, devotion and Faith.

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Praying the Rosary Like Never Before by Edward Sri

Edward Sri presents practical tips for fitting the Rosary into hectic lives, while maintaining the reverence and focus for real and prayerful contemplation. He responds to the age-old questions and criticism of the Rosary: the repetitive nature of the Rosary, the attention on Mary (some believe distracts from our focus on Jesus) and the inevitability of distraction in prayer, questioning how valuable the prayer can be, given the imperfect way it is often recited. We are reminded that “having a good intention is more important than maintaining perfect attention throughout prayer” (Sri, p.14) That gives me hope. =)

The author discusses the origin of the Rosary, beginning with the Apparition of Mary to St. Dominic in 1221 and the collection of Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries as focus for contemplation. The prayers (including the second half of the Hail Mary and the Glory Be were finalized and the Fatima Prayer was recommended (after the Apparition in 1917). In addition to adding the Luminous Mysteries, Pope John Paul II suggested praying for special virtues or fruits modelled for us in each Mystery. Over the years, opening and closing prayers have been recommended as well as prayers for the Pope’s intentions.

The next chapters present the Biblical accounts of the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful and Glorious Mysteries along with special details and insights, historical context, inferred Old Testament references and solid Catechism. As we place ourselves in the scene, we experience more of the Mystery. The virtues to which we can aspire become more clear to us, modelled by Jesus and His Mother Mary.

A Scriptural Rosary is included in chapter 12, with Biblical verses to read before each Hail Mary, helping focus and offering re-direction if we get distracted.

Group Study Questions at the end of each chapter prompt review of the chapter as well as reflection on how to better embrace this devotion in our daily lives.

With my own new commitment to the daily Rosary, I found this book very helpful with practical tips and deeper insight into the Mysteries of the Rosary. It’s a great resource, especially if you are considering a new or renewed commitment to the daily Rosary!

Hey, here are some other recent Rosary posts intended for Equipping Catholic Families: