Rosary
Growing up Catholic, it was common to see someone praying the rosary in Church. In praying the rosary, prayers are recited and counted on a string of beads. This practice, of praying with beads or a cord, is not limited to just Catholicism. It is also used in Buddhism and was likely adapted from Hinduism. (Encyclopedia Britannica)
Within Catholicism, the most common Rosary is the one devoted to Mary. With this rosary, prayers are recited with the aid of the rosary. The beads are arranged in five sets of ten. Each set of ten is separated by a larger bead. Lastly, the two ends of the rosary are joined by a small string which holds a crucifix, two large beads and three small beads.
To pray the rosary, you need to go around three times. When you touch a bead in a set of ten, you recite the Hail Mary. However, when you touch the bead which separates the sets of ten, you recite a different prayer, such as the Our Father.
In 2001 I started to read the Bible. Obviously, growing upas a Catholic, I eagerly searched the scriptures to read the stories and traditions which I had been taught over the years. In searching for the rosary, I found it absent from the Bible. In fact, I found the following scripture which I personally related to in reciting some prayers when I was in that religion.
Matthew 6:7
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
What we read in Matthew is Jesus instructions on prayer. He states that we should not repeat the same thing over and over. In reading this, I was realizing this is how I prayed. I had spent four years in the Navy. During this time, I remember before I went to bed, I would say the Our Father, Hail Mary and a couple of other prayers I knew. What I did was repeated them. There was no merit to them, no personal conversation with God, rather, just reciting a repetitious prayer. Now was I doing this maliciously? Of course not, I just was not aware this was not what God desired. Was I sincere when I prayed? Yes, however, I was sincerely wrong. Upon searching the scriptures and seeing the truth in God’s Word, I changed and put myself in obedience.
What I was doing when I prayed or when someone recites the rosary, is a man-made command or religious rite. It is not found in the Bible. Are the people wrong in what they are doing – yes. Are they aware of what they are doing is wrong – not always. I was unaware; until I searched the scriptures. When I did, I found I was following a false teaching.
Matthew 15:9
But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
We need to ensure our worship to God is not in vain. My worship at that time was in vain according to the Jesus’ Words. However, one of the great things about our God is His mercy and forgiveness. I was able to ask for forgiveness and then put my life in obedience to His Word.
Are you praying the rosary? Are you reciting prayers? Are you sincere? Why not become sincere in the truth of God’s Word. Feel free to contact us to discuss the Bible in further detail. Let’s build the life we have on God’s Word.
