How to Use a Rosary Ring

To keep track of prayers, Christians used to keep 150 pebbles, which they'd move from one bag to another marking a prayer for each of the 150 Psalms of David. Soon Christians went from knotted ropes to strings of beads called rosaries to keep track of their prayers. A rosary ring, worn on the finger, is a convenient way to say 10 consecutive prayers that represent a rosary decade.

Select a rosary ring that's comfortable for you to use. Some rosary rings are constructed of two bands with the outside band rotating around an internal band. Others rotate directly on your finger as you move your thumb from one bead to the next.

Wear your rosary ring on either of your index fingers. It should be worn during prayer times only, not as jewelry.

Familiarize yourself with the reflections for each day. Catholic rosary prayers change from day to day. On different days you reflect on four areas of faith called mysteries, which pertain to Mary and the birth of Jesus, Jesus' life, Jesus' death and Jesus' resurrection.

Kiss the crucifix and make the sign of the cross: fingers to forehead, heart, shoulder-to-shoulder. Say the "Apostles' Creed," the "Our Father," three "Hail Marys" and one "Glory Be."

Announce the decade on which you're reflecting. For instance the First Joyful Mystery is The Annunciation of Gabriel to Mary. Then recite the "Our Father" prayer on the crucifix again and 10 "Hail Marys" on the 10 beads of the ring as your thumb turns the ring.

Complete the decade with the "Glory Be" and the "O My Jesus" prayer. Then, repeat until you have prayed for a total of five decades for each Mystery.

Close your rosary ring prayers with the "Hail Holy Queen" and "O God, Whose Only-begotten Son" (Offertory).