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Rosary Meditations for People with Mental Illness
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THE JOYFUL MYSTERIES
First Joyful Mystery: The Annunciation. The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you.
At times our mental health challenges can make us feel powerless and frightened. But the power of the Holy Spirit is always there to protect us.
Mother Mary, in my times of weakness give me courage. May I always say yes to God and know that I do not need to be afraid because the Lord is with me.
Second Joyful Mystery: The Visitation. Mary hurried off to a town in the hill-country...and greeted Elizabeth.
Bless our family and friends and and the mental health professionals who care for us. We all need their cheerful and reassuring words of encouragement to put a new heart into us.
Dear Mother, when you visited your cousin Elizabeth long ago, you caused her heart to leap with joy. Thank you for those who love me and care for me and bring joy into my life.
The Third Joyful Mystery: The Nativity. Mary gave birth to her first-born son.
So often mental illness arrives when we are young. We pray for the youth who suffer and cry out for relief not knowing what it is all about. We think of their parents who seek to bring understanding, healing, and comfort to their children.
O little Child of Bethlehem, let the light of your loveliness shine into our frail lives.
The Fourth Joyful Mystery: The Presentation in the Temple. They took the child to Jerusalem to present him there.
When other people seem distant and mental illness isolates us, we can present ourselves just as we are before the face of God. The Lord who made us and knows us through and through is always at hand, waiting and watching for us and attentive to our needs.
Here I am, dear Lord. I present myself, with all my strengths and weaknesses, before you. I offer my life to you. If it is your will, help me to lead others to your healing presence and live joyfully.
The Fifth Joyful Mystery: The Finding in the Temple. They found him listening to the teachers and asking them questions.
Lord, send into my life wise and compassionate mental health professionals who will accompany, support me and teach me.
Grant peace to our minds and hope to our hearts, and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.
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THE SORROWFUL MYSTERIES
First Sorrowful Mystery: The agony in the Garden. He said to them, 'My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.'
Jesus understands the sorrow and suffering that can be caused mental illness. Lord, help us to accompanty and remain with those around us facing mental health challenges and mental illness.
Lord, give strength and courage to those of us who suffer, and compassion to those who provide care and support.
Second Sorrowful Mystery: The scourging at the pillar. "Pilate .. had Jesus scourged, he handed over to be crucified"
Beaten. Struck repeatedly. The truth is studies document that people with serious mental illness are much more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators of it. O God, show us the way to less violence in our homes and communities.
Lord, grant us strength in times of suffering so that we may be united with you in your redemptive suffering.
Third Sorrowful Mystery: The crowning with thorns. "Weaving a crown out of thorns, they placed it on his head ... And kneeling before him, they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”'
Mental illness can seem like a crown of thorns encircling our mind and emotions. Those of us who live with mental illness must at times endure the cruel and unnecessary burdens of stigma, discrimination and even mockery.
Lord, help us realize that the way we talk about people and their mental illness affects the people themselves and how we treat the illness. Help us remember that no matter how others may misunderstand mental illness, you understand our struggles and see us as your beautiful creations.
Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: The carrying of the cross. "And they compelled a passer-by, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, to carry his cross.”
We all need some help along the way to recovery. Lord, send us compassionate mental health ministers, caregivers and clinicians who will accompany us on our journey of recovery.
Lord, give us the grace and humility to accept the helping hands of others and to offer our own when they are needed.
Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The crucifixion. "And Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do' ... Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, 'Father, into your hands I commend my spirit!'
Our beloved Lord, as he was nailed to the wood of the Cross, forgave his tormentors. Many people do not under mental illness and the pain that it causes.
Lord, give us the grace to forgive those who have hurt us. Give us the faith to place all our suffering, joys and hopes in your hands.
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THE GLORIOUS MYSTERIES
First Glorious Mystery: The Resurrection. "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here but has risen."
Living with mental illness can sometimes feel like being closed in a tomb. It is hard to understand and frightening. In the confusion and pain some die by suicide.
Lord, increase our faith so that we can see in your resurrection how all suffering and evil is overcome. Remember all who suffer from mental illness, and also victims, often young people, of suicide. We pray for them and their families, so that they are never left alone, or discriminated against, but instead are welcomed and supported.
Second Glorious Mystery: The Ascension. When they saw him, they worshipped, but they doubted. Then Jesus approached and said to them, …behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Anxiety, depression, psychosis, addiction, mania and the other symptoms of mental illness can lead us to doubt and to wonder if Jesus is really with us and loves us.
Lord, help us remember that you said: "I am with you always, until the end of the age." Your promise gives us great hope, knowing that you are with us in our current struggles and that you will lead us to wholeness.
Third Glorious Mystery: Descent of the Holy Spirit. When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.
Stigma, fear, and discrimination against those who live with a mental illness are still present in the Church. Unfortunately, those of us who live with mental illness do not always feel welcome or supported in the Church.
Lord, help mental health ministry grow in your Church. Give the Church the wisdom to recognize that those of us living with a mental illness have much to offer the Church because living with mental illness gives one unique insight into humility, compassion, friendship, and love.
Fourth Glorious Mystery: The Assumption. Henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me.
The parents and loved ones who support those of us with a mental illness need strength, wisdom, and loving hearts. At times it can be a struggle to know what to do, what to say or where to turn for help.
Mother Mary, you know the concerns and worries of a parent. Please intercede on their behalf, so that they will find the strength, support and knowledge they need to care for their loved ones.
Fifth Glorious Mystery: The Coronation. A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun
Those of us who live with mental illness strive to see a future where we receive the spiritual and mental health care we need to live triumphantly and joyfully.
Mary our Mother in Heaven, give us hope for a brighter future. We pray that we always will be joined to your heart, and therefore to the Heart of Jesus.
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THE LUMINOUS MYSTERIES
First Mystery of Light: The Baptism in the Jordan. A voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Mental Illness can whisper in our mind that we are worthless, no good and not loved by anyone, even by God.
Lord, help me to remember that I am loved by you and others. Through my own Baptism, you have generously poured your grace into me, making me a member of the body of Christ and a temple of the Holy Spirit.
Second Mystery of Light: The wedding feast of Cana. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” His mother said to the servants, 'Do whatever he tells you".
Mental Illness can leave us feeling dry and empty. We can even wonder if Christ is really with us and will bring us spiritual fulfillment and joy.
Mother Mary, when I feel like my life is running short, intercede for me and ask your Son to give me the grace of hope. Strengthen me with confidence in knowing that Jesus is always able to help.
Third Mystery of Light: The proclamation of the kingdom of God. "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel".
Sometimes the stigma and discrimination against mental illness can make it hard to hear Christ’s words of hope.
Lord, in you there is no stigma or discrimination. Help me to hear your Word and know that the proclamation of the kingdom of God is meant for me and everyone.
Fourth Mystery of Light: The Transfiguration. "Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and do not be afraid.”
Mental illness can be like a cloud that casts a shadow of fear over us and we can be very much afraid of our mental health challenges and illnesses.
Lord, the light of glory that you showed at the Transfiguration is also present in our lives to guide us. Help us to listen to those whom you send into our lives to support us and love us, and to know that you are always present to calm all our fears.
Fifth Mystery of Light: The institution of the Eucharist. "Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, “Take and eat; this is my body.”
Sometimes we feel like we are broken because of our mental illness. During those times we wonder if anyone understands or wants to be united with us.
Lord, you were broken like me. You took all human suffering on yourself, even mental illness. By eating your Body and drinking your Blood in the Eucharist, we become united to you.
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How to Pray the Rosary
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- Make the Sign of the Cross.
- Holding the Crucifix, say the Apostles' Creed.
- On the first bead, say an Our Father.
- Say one Hail Mary on each of the next three beads.
- Say the Glory Be
- For each of the five decades, announce the Mystery (perhaps followed by a brief reading from Scripture) then say the Our Father.
- While fingering each of the ten beads of the decade, next say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery. Then say a Glory Be.
- After finishing each decade, say the Our Lady of Fatima prayer, O my Jesus...
- After saying the five decades, say the Hail, Holy Queen, followed by the dialogue and prayer.
- Conclude the Rosary with the Sign of the Cross.
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Prayers for the Rosary
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Apostles 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 will 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:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in 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. Amen
Hail Mary:
Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Fatima Prayer:
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls to Heaven, especially those who have most need of your mercy.
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. Amen.
Hail, Holy Queen, and following dialogue and prayer:
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile
show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray: O God, whose Only Begotten Son, by his life, Death, and Resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we beseech thee, that while meditating on these mysteries of the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
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