The Protestant Rosary
I converted to the Catholic Church 30 years ago and doubts about Mary lingered after my confirmation. Now I recite the rosary daily and consider Mary one more gift from the Lord.
Wishing to share my blessings with my separated brethren, I offer a Protestant version of the rosary. The Catholic rosary is a Scripture-based prayer, with only a few items not taken directly from Scripture. I have removed those items and substituted new Biblical ones to ensure the Protestant Rosary appeals to all. I have highlighted changes from the Catholic Rosary in bold and underlined them.
First, some background on the rosary. It begins with an Introduction and is followed by twenty Bible Events. The introduction consists of the Apostles Creed, one Our Father, three Mary & Jesus Prayers, and one Glory Be. (The wording of the creed and prayers is shown at the end of this essay.)
The Bible Events are grouped into four categories: Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious. Each of these Bible Event Categories contains five Bible Events. For each one, we recite one Our Father, ten Jesus & Mary Prayers, and one Glory Be. During the recitation of this “decade,” we reflect on one of the Biblical events. The beads on the rosary help us count our prayers.
The Catholic Wise Guy understands that some object to the repetition of the rosary. Isn’t this the “babble of the pagans” Jesus mentioned in Matthew 6:7? As one with a racing, rebellious, and restless mind I attest to the rosary leading me into contemplative prayer, into the quiet place where the Lord waits. Here’s what the US Conference of Catholic Bishops says about the rosary:
. “The repetition in the Rosary is meant to lead one into restful and contemplative prayer related to each mystery. The gentle repetition of the words helps us to enter into the silence of our hearts, where Christ’s spirit dwells.”
“The Protestant Rosary.”
Joyful Bible Events
The Annunciation (Lk 1:26-38); The Visitation (Lk 1:39-55); The Nativity (Lk 2:1-7); Presentation in the Temple (Lk 2:22-38); Finding in the Temple (Lk 2:41-50)
Luminous Bible Events
Baptism in the Jordan (Mt 3:13-17); Wedding at Cana (Jn 2:1-11); Proclamation of the Kingdom (Mk 1:15);The Transfiguration (Mt 17:1-8); Institution of the Eucharist (Mt 26:26-30)
Sorrowful Bible Events
Agony in the Garden (Mt 26:36-46); Scourging at the Pillar (Mt 27:26); Crowning with Thorns (Mt 27:27-31); Carrying of the Cross (Mk 15:21); The Crucifixion (Lk 23:33-49)
Glorious Bible Events
The Resurrection (Lk 24:1-8); The Ascension (Lk 24:50-53); Descent of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4); The Great Commission (Mt 28:16-20); The Second Coming (Mt 25:31-46)
The Prayers
The Apostle’s Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from there He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen
Our Father (Lord’s Prayer)
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. ***For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Mary & Jesus Prayer
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you! (Lk 1:26-28). Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb Jesus. (Lk 1:41-42).. Oh, my Jesus, forgive us our sins, now and in the hour of our death.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.