Praying the Rosary Like Never Before: Encounter the Wonder of Heaven and Earth

by Edward Sri

Do you struggle with praying the rosary? Do you have trouble finding time, fighting distractions, or feeling like you’re just going through the motions to get it done? For some, the rosary can seem overwhelming or almost a chore, when in fact it is meant to be a simple prayer—a prayer that has been available for Christians for hundreds of years. This compelling book by Edward Sri offers practical suggestions that come from the rosary’s tradition to experience Jesus and Mary more in your prayer and easily incorporate it into your life. It will allow the rosary to become a perpetual companion through the seasons, important moments, and challenges we will inevitably face. These prompts will not only help those who need help with incorporating the rosary into their everyday life but also to those who are deeply attached to get their relationship deeper with the Lord.  “Offering God, a decade or two in the midst of my daily life gives him something beautiful, even if I give it without my full, relaxed, undivided attention,” says Sri. “I’m giving God some space in my day and filling it with words of praise for him.” In this book, Sri takes what he did in The New Rosary in Scripture to a new level. As Catholics, we often have questions about prayer and don’t know how to go about getting answers. Praying the Rosary Like Never Encounter the Wonder of Heaven and Earth helps to answer those questions. Some of the common questions What is the significance of the Hail Mary? Does the attention given to Mary distract us from focusing on God? What is the meaning of all the repetition in prayer? Where exactly did the rosary came from? What should we think about for each of the mysteries, and whether one should focus on the prayers or the mysteries? You will also find biblical reflections on the twenty mysteries of the rosary that provide practical insights to help you not only understand the twenty mysteries but also live them in your daily life. You will learn how the rosary is Christ-centered and receive group study questions for each chapter. It only takes a couple minutes each day to strengthen your relationship with God—that is the beauty of the rosary.

Genres: Catholic, Nonfiction, Religion, Faith, Christian, Spirituality, Theology

192 pages, Paperback

Published July 14, 2017

About the author

Dr. Edward Sri is a nationally-known speaker on Scripture and Catholicism and the author of several best-selling books. Besides teaching at the Augustine Institute, Sri is a visiting professor at Benedictine College and a contributor to the popular apologetics series, Catholic for a Reason. Sri is also a founding leader with Curtis Martin of FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students).

He also is the creator and host of a new 18-part video series on the Catholic faith for parish adult faith formation called Symbolon (Augustine Institute), and he serves the general editor of a Opening the Word: Journey through the Sunday Readings (Augustine Institute).

Dr. Sri leads pilgrimages to Rome and the Holy Land for lay people each year.

He resides with his wife Elizabeth and their six children in Littleton, Colorado.

Education
STD, Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Rome)
STL, Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Rome)
MA, Franciscan University of Steubenville

Reviews

[Steven R. McEvoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the last couple of years I have had a few books by Edward Sri on my to be read list, but had not got to them yet. After reading this book they have jumped way up in that pile of books waiting to be read. Dr. Edward Sri packs a lot of material into this short volume on the Rosary. In 12 chapters and under 200 pages this book is about encountering Jesus, engaging Jesus through Mary and being encouraged in our faith through this devotion. Dr. Sri encourages us by unfolding this simple prayer and taking the intimidation factor out of this practice. Throughout the book we are inspired to engage with Jesus and Mary and the biblical narrative. And Through the reflections, and meditation we will encounter Jesus and be drawn closer to him.

The book opens with a quote from Pope Saint John Paul II: "These words express, so to speak, the wonder of heaven and earth; they could be said to give a glimpse of God's own wonderment as he contemplates his "masterpiece"-the Incarnation of the Son in the womb of the Virgin Mary.… The repetition of the Hail Mary in the Rosary gives us a share in God's own wonder and pleasure: In jubilant amazement we acknowledge the greatest miracle of history." And that is Sri's starting point. He outlines how the Rosary can be integral to our faith, and how it can draw us home.

The chapters in this book are:
Why Pray the Rosary?
The Wandering Mind and Other Struggles
Too Much Attention to Mary?
The Hail Mary: Jesus at the Center
Repetition: You Can Never Say "I Love You" Enough
The Origins of the Rosary
More than Words: Ten Ways to Encounter Jesus More in the Rosary
Seeds for Contemplation: Biblical Reflections on the Joyful Mysteries
Seeds for Contemplation: Biblical Reflections on the Luminous Mysteries
Seeds for Contemplation: Biblical Reflections on the Sorrowful Mysteries
Seeds for Contemplation: Biblical Reflections on the Glorious Mysteries
A Scriptural Rosary
Notes
How to Pray the Rosary

In the preface Sri states:

"A good Catholic friend of mine summed up what I think is the sentiment of many: "If you could help a simple, ordinary guy like me understand what the rosary is all about and inspire me to find time to pray it, that would go a long way. I just need to figure out how to pray it in a way that will be meaningful to me."

That's what this book aims to do: inspire ordinary Catholics to turn to their beads more often and help them pray the rosary in a way that is meaningful for their lives-in a way that is truly life-giving. And in the process, I hope they'll discover what many great saints and ordinary folk throughout the centuries have experienced: a deeper peace, joy, and encouragement that comes from the subtle but profound encounter one can have with Jesus and Mary in this prayer."

And that is what he does throughout the rest of the book. As you work through the book either on your own or in a group, each chapter ends with a series of questions. They are intended for group study but can also be worked through individually. Each chapter has either 4 or 5 questions in this section. The chapter that had the greatest impact on me was "More than Words: Ten Ways to Encounter Jesus More in the Rosary" The questions from the end of this chapter as an example are:

"Group Study Questions
1. Why is the Glory Be a fitting finale for each decade of the rosary? How does this prayer relate to the mysteries we contemplate?
2. How do the beads aid your prayer of the rosary?
3. Pope St. John Paul II wrote, "It is clear…that many people will not be able to recite more than a part of the Rosary" every day, and hence comes the practice of reciting different sets of mysteries on different days. Some people might find it difficult to recite even five decades at one sitting-or kneeling. What are some ways of incorporating the rosary into a busy schedule?
4. The pope suggested that reciting different mysteries throughout the week "has the effect of giving the different days…a certain spiritual 'color'" (RVM, 38). How can the Joyful Mysteries color your Mondays and Saturdays? The Luminous, your Thursdays? The Sorrowful, your Tuesdays and Fridays? The Glorious, your Sundays?"

The four chapters going deeper in the bible on each of the different mysteries are wonderful. And overall it is an excellent book. I would see it becoming a spiritual classic on the Rosary over the next few decades. It is a wonderful book and a great tool for our spiritual life. I highly recommend it!

Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.

Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

For years I considered the Rosary - an old lady prayer. I avoided it at all cost, thought it a chore to pray - even ridiculed it. My lack of catechism on the prayer quite evident. By the grace of God, I have had some incredible experiences over the years that have completely changed my mind (and heart) about the Rosary. Today, I see the POWER behind this simple prayer. Until Praying the Rosary like Never Before, I did not realize I had barely cracked open the treasury that is the Rosary. Dr. Sri throws open that door - providing a plethora of interesting tidbits and insights about the Rosary along with tips, prayer aids, and inspirations! Maybe your grandmother is praying the Rosary -- that is because she is a wise woman who knows how to charge (or recharge) her faith, be connected to God in a very intimate way, and the surest way to Jesus is through his mother, Mary!

Whether you have been praying the Rosary for years, are still struggling to get through the first decade (or 2), or are first learning about this beautiful devotion - Praying the Rosary Like Never Before is a must have for your Spiritual Library. In fact, don't stop here -- fill your shelves with Edward Sri's entire collection of Marian teaching.

*Copy received for a Fair and Honest Review -- which I have given

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Praying The Rosary Like Never Before by Edward Sri is a beautifully written book on the importance and relevance of the rosary. It is designed to encourage and enlighten those who find it arduous or quaint and to energize and bring new meaning to those who are faithful to this timeless devotion. Edward Sri encourages Christians and Catholics alike to encounter Our Lord through these biblical mysteries with the person who knows him best, His Mother. No matter where you are in your faith journey, Christ can be met in the holy mysteries of the rosary.
The beauty of this book is its simplicity. It addresses all the concerns for those want to use this devotion, but feel they don’t have the time or are easily distracted. He explains how to pray it during your busy day by breaking it up into decades. With one decade taking only two to three minutes each, a decade can easily be accomplished while doing housework, cooking or riding in a car. Even on those hectic days when you can’t unwind and give it your full attention a rosary can always be said as the words that are being raised in prayer are biblical and holy.
Edward Sri explains the importance of the rosary in history, especially in the life of St. John Paul II and the spiritual influence and joy it brought to his life and papacy. He explains how Mary helps us encounter Christ more profoundly than on our own. It also helps us honor Mary’s place in salvation history. The rhythm and cadence of the rosary is calming and allows your mind to contemplate Christ’s life and reach a deeper level of prayer and commitment of faith. In addition, this book takes the time to give a profound and beautiful account of each mystery (Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful and Glorious) taking the rosary into a deeper level of contemplation for those who pray this devotion daily and want to go delve deeper into the life of Christ. Whether you are a novice or a loyal patron of the rosary, Praying The Rosary Like Never Before is a book that will benefit everyone in their faith journey.
I really loved and appreciated this little gem of a book. Its beauty and simplicity helped me realize on my worst of days I can still lift my heart and mind to prayer and on those days I have the luxury of time I can take this devotion deeper and open my heart and soul to the wonders of Christ’s life and his amazing Mother who journeyed with him along the way. I can honestly say this book has something for everyone and is different from other books I have read on the rosary. Each chapter addressed a concern or gave relevant information to help me take this devotion to a higher level. I really enjoyed the study questions at the end of each chapter too. I could take as long or as little time contemplating them and they helped review and address any thoughts I had on this prayer. It delved deeply, but uniquely into each of the mysteries and at the end of the book Edward Sri provides a Scriptural Rosary for deeper meditation that can be said at home, in church or at Adoration perhaps. All in all it was a wealth of beautiful information that did nor overwhelm, but enhanced my knowledge and desire to continue this practice.
Praying The Rosary Like Never Before is worth the time and effort for every person who has an occasional devotion or a daily devotion in order to enhance and encourage knowledge of this beautiful prayer. It is meant to bring those who say the rosary to a higher and more consistent level of prayer and contemplation. It gives advice on how to fit a daily rosary into a hectic schedule and how to maximize the beauty of this prayer for those who are seasoned veterans. It is a book that will be cherished and savored and referred to again and again. It would make a great gift for a friend or family member who wants to learn more about the rosary or increase their knowledge and love for this beautiful devotion to Mary and her Son. You can’t help but be better for it.
I want to thank Franciscan Media via NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of Praying The Rosary Like Never Before by Edward Sri for a fair and honest review.

[Rachel Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been Catholic for less than a year and always struggled to pray the Rosary. I loved the idea of praying the Rosary but had a hard time meditating on the mysteries. Enter Praying the Rosary Like Never Before by Edward Sri. This was just the book I needed to help me pray the Rosary better.

The first six chapters (chapters 1-6) cover the reasons to pray the rosary, the struggles people have while praying the rosary, and the concerns people have over praying the rosary in the first place. This section is wonderful for people like me who have converted from Baptist Christianity and have had no prior experience with repetitive devotional prayers like the Rosary.

The next four chapters (chapters 7-11) cover each set of mysteries with thoughts for reflection on each mystery. These chapters really helped me to think about each mystery from a broader perspective. I am planning to re-read each of the chapters multiple times until I really have that information committed to memory.

The last chapter is a scriptural rosary (chapter 12) with 10 short verses for each mystery of the Rosary. Again, I am going to have to review this frequently or write these verses somewhere for easy reference because I think they will be wonderful for helping me stay focused during prayer (one of my biggest issues).

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am certain it will help me pray the Rosary better. I would recommend this book to anyone like me who struggles to figure out how to fit the Rosary into their day, how to stay focused while praying, and what to meditate on when praying.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had so many awesome bits and pieces for a richer prayer life! I’ve never heard of rosary focuses like discussed in this book. I’m especially looking forward to our rosary units from Into the Deep! Also, I think this had some fantastic info even for non-Catholics who don’t pray the rosary!

[William · Rating 1 out of 5]

Given the family situation, we've been doing a lot of praying lately. And part of that meant confronting my ignorance about how to properly pray the rosary beyond the basic idea of "say a lot of Hail Marys and Our Fathers." I know there are plenty of websites I could look at (and even apps to use), but I'm a book-lover at heart so gave this one a shot.

The first 50 pages (out of 170) were too remedial for my goals. They included sections such as "Why pray the rosary?" and "Is there too much attention on Mary?," large portions of which just summarize Pope John Paul II's apostolic letter on the rosary. But I can appreciate that the book would serve a broad audience, so I pushed through that material.

The next 100 pages cover the four sets of mysteries of the rosary (Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous). Each chapter is subdivided into the individual mysteries (e.g., for the Joyful mysteries: the annunciation, the visitation, the nativity, the presentation, and finding Jesus in the temple) with a sort of narrative recounting of the events presented in the Bible corresponding with those mysteries.

The last 20 pages is a single chapter with a "scriptural rosary" listing biblical quotes for each bead. This is good stuff, but it feels pretty dumped on at the end.

So what is missing? The actual mechanics of praying the rosary! That gets relegated to a single appendix page at the back of the book, which contains a blown-up low-resolution image of the rosary that is difficult to read and cursorily labeled with basic instructions. That includes things like the "Oh My Jesus" and "Hail Holy Queen," which are not mentioned anywhere else in the book.

On the one hand, I perhaps should not fault the book just because it didn't deliver what I wanted. On the other hand, I don't know who the target audience is. For someone who has never thought about the rosary, the first 50 pages will be helpful—but then the book doesn't teach the basic mechanics to actually pray the rosary, making the last 100 pages useless. And for rosary pros, the first 50 pages is a total waste, and I'm not sure there is much for them to learn in the rest.

This book was not affirmatively bad, but on the GoodReads rating system, 1 star means "I did not like it," which captures my feelings.

[Marty · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who quite literally has never prayed the rosary before, I found this book outstanding on the theology, scriptural correspondence and practical advice about this venerable prayer; unfortunately the Kindle edition ebook contained no basic how-to instructions, despite that topic being listed in the "Contents" (but at least there's YouTube to pick up the slack).

[Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this slowly as a meditational book. He did a very good job of explaining the mysteries in their biblical context. He made a great point by saying you don’t have to say it all at once. It is a very powerful weapon against evil.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just excellent. A great book for those just beginning to pray the rosary (or who don’t see why people do), as well as those who already find joy in it. The book is not steeped in difficult theology, nor is it overly simple as to be a turn-off to those who appreciate the intellectual side of Catholicism. About 3/5 is dedicated to multiple reflections on each mystery, as well as a scriptural section with a bible verse before each bead in each mystery. The reflection section is very well done. I’m probably going to snap pics of the whole last part of the book to have on pdf on my phone! This would make an excellent gift. And if you have children of the upper elementary and older level, the reflections/verse-per-bead section here would be a great help. Or, use it during a family rosary.

Edit: Now 6 months later and husband and middle-schooler are also using and enjoying this book. We even purchased the Kindle edition and it’s so nice to have on our phones.

[Julie Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazingly thorough book on the rosary which includes so much for meditation. I knew a lot of the information in the front half of the book — history, practices, etc. — but it was well put and easy to read.

The second half of the book, focusing on the mysteries, was simply amazing. It has Edward Sri's trademark excellent Biblical connections which lead us into salvation history. It pauses for moments of reflection which open the heart of the person praying. I really appreciated the fact that Sri used St. John Paul II's teachings as touchpoints throughout this book. I have always loved JPII's apostolic letter on the rosary and Sri not only used this but mined other homilies and works for deeper meaning from this saint.

I also loved the way that Sri didn't focus on just one moment for each mystery but would look at it from many angles. For example, in the Presentation we are shown how Luke is pointing us toward the story of Samuel, how Simeon is responding to the Holy Spirit, and how Simeon's phrasing has special prophetic resonance.

The cherry on the sundae, so to speak, was when I found a scriptural rosary guide included at the end. Each mystery is given ten short verses from the Bible, one for each bead of the decade. These can be used in a variety of ways — simply for reflection before beginning the decade, to help keep focus on the mystery, to be said before each bead, or other options as they strike the person praying. I only recently came across this idea but really like it a lot and Sri's selections are more thorough than others I've seen.

I will add here that I rarely pray the rosary myself, but I like to read different meditations on the mysteries just to use for my own contemplation. This is an excellent resource for that as well as saying the rosary.

It wasn't perfect and there were a few things I didn't love. None of these are deal breakers but I thought I'd mention them.

First, the reader is never instructed in how to pray the rosary, with the actual prayers. I realize this book is high level, but it wouldn't have taken that much space. There was an illustration under the heading How to Pray the Rosary but it simply showed the order to say the prayers with the beads. As someone who is a convert I can say that you simply have to put these prayers in an easy to find place for the eager beginner who picks the book up.

Second, I read the Kindle version which is fine for reading but which doesn't have chapters linked from the book's TOC or have the footnotes linked, which is a major problem for moving around inside the book. I'll be getting the print version at some point because I want it around for anyone in the house to pick up.

Lastly, the group study questions sounded as if they were written by someone giving a quiz to be sure the readers paid attention and then jammed in at the end of the chapters. Ugh. The author gave plenty of prompts through the material and these study questions were both unnecessary and broke the mood for me.

[Kate Hendrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book’s title has some pretty big promises, and I am happy to report that Sri’s book lived up to them. This book is all about meeting people where they’re at when it comes to praying the rosary.

The first portion of the book explains why we pray the rosary and has some quick Marian apologetics. It is a blend of history, apologetics, and real-life applications. This was a solid start to an excellent book, but what really made me love this book was the second section.

The second section (and the bulk of the book) was focused on digging into the mysteries we’re supposed to meditate on. It started almost like a guided Ignatian meditation – drawing you into the moment. Sri then provides some key context for the mysteries regarding their place in culture, Scripture as a whole, and Christ’s salvific plan. These beautiful chapters truly brought these mysteries to life.

The book is intelligently written – but in an approachable way. Sri provides some excellent analogies, and the advice given in the book to pray the rosary better is very realistic. The reflection questions at the end of each chapter challenge us to go deeper, and they would work well for both a personal meditation or a group setting.

My only criticism is the rosary graphic at the end of the book is of really poor quality, but rating this amazing book any lower for that would be ridiculous.

Though this book would obviously be best for a Catholic, I truly believe that any Christian could benefit from reading this book. Even if the Christian is adamantly against the rosary and believes that any devotion to Mary is idolatry, I think they would love the chapters of the mysteries (then they can go back to the beginning and understand the truth about the rosary and Marian devotion).

Honestly, if you are only going to read one book this year, it should be this one.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 108 of 2022 — Praying the Rosary Like Never Before by Dr. Edward Sri

I have had this book on my reading list for a long time… Maybe even a couple of years. Imagine my delight to find that it was available not only in print but also on audio through my membership with Scribd. I was able to move back-and-forth between the print and the audio version, and so I devoured this book fairly quickly.

As someone who is trying to add the rosary into more places in their life, I found this book to be especially inspiring.

Of particular note, I greatly enjoyed the final chapter before the list of Scriptures. In that chapter, it discusses the queenship of Mary, the mother of God. As a convert to Catholicism, I find that the reverence for Mary is one of the major sticking points between Protestants and Catholics. Hearing Dr. Sri discuss the importance of the queen mother in ancient times made so much sense. The correlations between Bathsheba when her husband, David, was king and when her son, Solomon, was king are incredible.

I highly recommend this book to any Catholics looking for more information about the rosary. I also recommend it to any Protestants who might not know the foundation of the rosary and what purpose it serves. It is a fairly easy read, with most of the theological information presented in a simple to understand format.

5⭐️/5

[Dianeparente62gmail.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an inspired book which explains the importance of the Rosary, explores the spiritual benefits of praying it more knowledgeably and provides excellent sections that offer illuminating details about each mystery. A concluding chapter provides Biblical material for praying the scriptural Rosary.

I began this book while embarking on a Lenten journey to become more involved with the Rosary as a path to better knowing Jesus and Mary. This book greatly aided my Lenten quest, leaving me with a more intimate understanding of the persons of Jesus and Mary and a deeper understanding of God's marvelous plan of salvation. The book is greatly enriched by frequent citations from St. Pope John Paul II's apostolic letter discussing the wonders of praying the Rosary.

This book has largely removed my struggles with a wandering mind and made my daily recitation of the Rosary (often accompanied by excellent online recitations of the scriptural rosary provided by many different groups) an anticipated island of peace each day

[Cyril Danthi · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the widely used religious symbols in the world is the rosary. One can find a rosary in the hands of an old priest, nuns and old people. Rosary is also seen hanging on the rear mirror of the car and around the neck of many. Is rosary a style statement or much more than it ?
Praying the rosary like never before is a spiritual guide and ready reckoner for praying the rosary for peace, health and happiness of individuals, families and communities. The author touches the origin of the rosary and how praying the rosary became a wonderful way of conversation with God. The book provides a wide guidelines on how we can contemplate and meditate on each of the mysteries of the rosary.
Rosary in short is commemoration of the birth to death of Jesus. the rosary can be resided in many ways and each mystery provides an opportunity to reflect, introspect and meditate. The author elaborates the spiritual messages on each of these mysteries making it more powerful.

Good book to read / listen and praise God for providing this beautiful life.

[Joy Henry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The early sections highlighted, for me, some things that I have thought and experiences that I have encountered as a new Catholic who has been praying the rosary. I loved his thoughts on each mystery- there were a lot of things to contemplate in each of them. He concludes the book with scriptural rosary quotes to help guide meditating on the life of Christ, the mysteries of God and the blessed mother’s role in all of this.

I loved the early sections on not praying too quickly. When I first started praying the rosary I used a lot of YouTube videos (there are so many good ones out there!) to help guide me and teach me how to pray it. I quickly found the ones that were quicker were too much for me and I couldn’t meditate on the mysteries at all. I figured out a timeframe I needed to start to think on those things in prayer! Haha. Also, the section on “the Lord is with you” and how that is linked in holy scripture with callings and mission for Hod’s people in the scripture was great. Our mother certainly had a special mission from the Lord!

[Katherine Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It opened my eyes on how a rosary could enhance a prayer life. I bought it, being a non-Catholic, thinking that it might not appeal (but I was interested in rosaries as a tool of faith). Well this book was really well written. I'll probably put it on my "keeper" list to use once in a while. I found also that it is a good book to read as we approach the Easter season.
But while I loved every moment - the last chapter I found to be a bit of a let down. It's loaded with Scripture, but I found that ultimately it's still a little confusing to pray with a Rosary, even with a diagram. Perhaps a better walk through of prayer with a Rosary (or better example of how his suggested prayers work). I probably get it - I had to look through the notes I took - but it could have been a llittle clearer.
Generally this book I found to be a book that wants to enhance prayer and lift up the body. It does that.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an inspirational bible study. It would be great for a group study and has thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter.

First, I should admit that I have always loved praying the rosary. I enjoyed this book because it made that love for the rosary grow and gave me facts to defend myself when nonbelievers ask questions about devotion to Mary and the importance of the rosary.

Whether you already enjoy praying the rosary or you never have you will be blessed by reading this book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book courtesy of NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

If this review was helpful to you please click the link below.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very practical guide to the Rosary for anyone who wants to grow in devotion to this beautiful and ancient prayer. For me, the most interesting and useful part of the book is the section in which he walks you through every single mystery and gives it Biblical and historical context. I also appreciate the Scriptural Rosary at the back, where he gives a different verse of Scripture for every Hail Mary of each decade.

I read it on Kindle, but I think it might be better in hard copy in order to have it on hand for reference when actually praying the Rosary.

I dropped one star because it wasn't necessarily an enjoyable read, but very useful.

[Isaac Butterworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Most Helpful Explanation

Edward Sri’s Book, Praying the Rosary Like Never Before, is a fresh, engaging, and enjoyable explanation of how to use the rosary as a means of prayer. Sri dispels any misinformation about this technique and the theology that lies behind it and shows in some detail how to use the rosary as a means of meditation on the Scriptures. Not being a son of Rome myself, I approached this book with a degree of skepticism, but the deeper I got into it, the greater my appreciation for this form of devotion became. I recommend the book to anyone who may want to explore the meaning of the rosary or who may be interested in using it in practice.

[Barb Slatter · Rating 5 out of 5]

For all who love praying the Rosary, this book is a must! Even if the Rosary isn’t your ‘go-to’ prayer, this small but insightful book might add insight to one of our cherished traditions.

This book is an amazing insight to the glory of the Rosary. Edward Sri is able to connect the history, evolution and of this most powerful prayer. The reflections and connections for each of the Mysteries not only recognizes their history but, through contemplation, connects them to today. The reflective questions at the end of each chapter add food for thought also.

[Rachel Aldrich Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a lot to unpack in this book! It contains a lot of really good background information about each prayer and mystery of the rosary, and so much detail that you can meditate on during prayer. I am Protestant, married to a Catholic with a devotion to the rosary, and I really grew a deeper reverence for this prayer after reading this book! It was not fast paced (I wouldn't recommend reading the whole book in one day), but each chapter moves well and leaves room for a lot of reflection--the questions for discussion at the end of each chapter are great, too!

[Jillian Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Sri is one of my favorite apologetics writers. He explains the rosary very clearly and he is very concise in his writings. Dr. Sri speaks about the rosary in such a personable and relatable way and not like a theologian or scholar.

I loved how he went in depth through each and every mystery and giving you the significance and ideas to meditate upon. This book is very beneficial in growing into a deeper relationship with God and a deeper connection to the Holy Rosary.

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a Protestant, I wasn’t exactly the intended audience for this book. I read it to learn more about the rosary in an effort to deepen my prayer life. Rich with spiritual contemplation and teaching, I enjoyed this book though it was arduous to get through at times. It is better suited for those familiar with the Catholic tradition who want to deepen their understanding of the rosary and pray with more intention. Not a primer.

[Ted Hinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A valuable, reverent, updated tool to aid in praying the Rosary. Whether a cradle Catholic or convert, you will find Edward Sri's devotional an inspiring aid to deepen your understanding and experience of this sacred gift. The book includes history of the Rosary prayer, devotion to our Blessed Mother, contemplation on each mystery, and closes with a Spiritual Rosary, offering Biblical verses for each individual prayer.

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This functions as an excellent “first reader” on the rosary. It is well written. But it’s not a terribly deep work. It does a good job organizing the words and thoughts of others about the rosary, and is very helpful at pointing to the purposes of it. But for a Catholic who’s familiar with the basics, this is more of a reminder than a revelation of a book. Still good, and I’d suggest at least the first half to anyone who’s interested in the idea.

[Lvlc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know what it is about this book I love so much. It was my first book to learn the rosary and all about it. Each explanation for each mystery from a theological and historical point of view makes it doable to place yourself in the scene and really reaaaaaally meditate on that mystery. The way is written is so clear, easy, and relatable. I love Mr. Sri style of writing. I definitely got me closer to Mother Mary!

[David Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Praying the Rosary

I'm a new Catholic and have had questions about the Rosary and how it all came about. The meanings behind the words and what it was all about. After reading this book I have new ideas or ways to say and meditate on the Rosary and to get more out of the prayer. I will use the techniques I've learned in this book. Thanks Edward Sri.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning about the rosary and how the prayers are all rooted firmly in Scripture. The second half of the books is what really shone for me. In explaining each mystery, I learned much about many of the events in the gospels—connections to ancient Israel, symbolism, and such depth of meaning. I highly recommend this book, no matter your denomination.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I'm adopting the habit and trying to find meaning fo praying with the rosary, Dr. Sri's book was very helpful. He provides depth and scripture passages for all of the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful and Glorious mysteries. Also includes excerpts from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and John Paul II Apostolic Letter on the Most Holy Rosary.

[Natalie Gifford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This takes the rote and mundane out of Praying the Rosary and brings this prayer to life in a newfound understanding. I love the depth of knowledge that Edward Sri provides but puts it in a way that anyone can understand.