Meditations on the Sorrowful Mysteries
I. The Agony in the Garden
Christ, You know what it is to suffer both mentally and physically. You, like us, have had to face hardships. But You were took the cup that was offered, so that others might live. Give us the courage to deal with the tasks we are given, no matter how terrible they seem.
In Your hour of pain in Gethsemene, not one of Your closest friends stayed awake to comfort you. But we are never alone, for You are there to comfort us, whether we see you or not.
II. The Scourging at the Pillar
Christ, You who had done no wrong willingly bore the punishment of a common criminal for our sake. Help us to take the blows that fall our way, whether or not we think we deserve them.
You said that life for Your followers would be not be easy. The world that hated You cannot accept Your followers, either. Help us to realize that if we follow You as we ought, we must expect to be misunderstood.
III. Crowning With Thorns
Christ, You are the King of Kings, and all the angels sing your praises, yet You allowed Yourself to be mocked and derided. You bore this insults patiently. Help us to bear insults with equal patience. If those who deride us are wrong, let us not hold it against them. If they are right, let us correct our faults for your sake.
Christ, You showed no pride when speaking to Pilate, though You had every reason to be proud. Help us to be humble.
Mary, you must have watched with anguish as your beloved son was mocked and wounded. Pray for all who are slandered and mocked for their faith in Christ, that they may bear the insults for His sake.
V. The Carrying of the Cross
Christ, You willingly bore the sins of the world. Teach us to bear our own burdens, so that we might one day share Your eternal life.
Lord, teach us to learn from our sufferings, to recognize that good may come out of what seems like unbearable pain.
Mary, you watched your Son stagger down the street, you suffered with Him, for your heart, too, was pierced by a sword. Though you could not carry His cross for Him, you followed Him with your heart. Follow us with your prayers and guidance as we walk the long road to our personal calvary.
V. The Crucifixion
Christ, You are the Lamb of God, the perfect offering for the world's sins. Help us to die to our sins and imperfections, so that we may live with you.
Every time we encounter You in the Eucharist, we partake of the New Covenant in Your blood. Grant that we may recognize the Eucharist as the same sacrifice You offered on Calvary.
Mary, when your son suffered the most, you were there at the foot of the cross. Stand by us and pray for us in our hour of need, too.
The graphics from this page came from the Rosary Center. You can find more meditations on the mysteries as well as directions for praying the Rosary without distractions at their webpage.