The Joyful Mysteries are the first five mysteries of the Rosary. They contemplate the hidden beginnings of our salvation: the Incarnation, Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, the birth of Jesus, His presentation in the Temple and His finding in the Temple at twelve. They are prayed on Mondays and Saturdays, and many Catholics also pray them on the Sundays of Advent and Christmas.
The five Joyful Mysteries are:
- The Annunciation
- The Visitation
- The Nativity of Our Lord
- The Presentation in the Temple
- The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
Every Joyful Mystery is about receiving Christ: Mary receives the Word, Elizabeth and John receive Him hidden in Mary, the shepherds and Simeon receive Him as a child. Praying them asks for the same openness.
First Mystery: The Annunciation
Scripture: Luke 1:26–38 · Fruit of the mystery: Humility
Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to thy word. (Luke 1:38)
The angel Gabriel comes to a young woman in Nazareth, an unremarkable village, and asks her to become the Mother of the Son of God. Mary is troubled, she asks a question, and then she gives her whole life in one sentence. God does not force His way into the world; He asks. In this mystery we ask for the humility to say yes to God when His plans are bigger than ours.
Mary, teach me to say yes to God’s will, even when I do not understand it.
Then pray one Our Father, ten Hail Marys and a Glory Be.
Second Mystery: The Visitation
Scripture: Luke 1:39–56 · Fruit of the mystery: Love of neighbor
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. (Luke 1:42)
Having just received the greatest news in history, Mary does not stay at home to think about it. She hurries over the hills to help her elderly cousin Elizabeth, who is also expecting a child. When she arrives, the unborn John the Baptist leaps for joy. Christ comes to others through the charity of those who carry Him. Here we ask for a love that goes out of its way for others.
Mary, make me quick to notice and to help those around me who are in need.
Then pray one Our Father, ten Hail Marys and a Glory Be.
Third Mystery: The Nativity of Our Lord
Scripture: Luke 2:1–20 · Fruit of the mystery: Poverty of spirit
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him up in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7)
The Son of God is born not in a palace but in a stable, laid in a feeding trough because there was no room for His family. The first to visit Him are shepherds, men on the edges of society. God comes close to the poor and to the poor in spirit. In this mystery we ask for a heart detached from possessions and status, with room for Jesus.
Jesus, born in poverty, make room for yourself in my heart.
Then pray one Our Father, ten Hail Marys and a Glory Be.
Fourth Mystery: The Presentation in the Temple
Scripture: Luke 2:22–38 · Fruit of the mystery: Obedience
Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord, according to thy word in peace; because my eyes have seen thy salvation. (Luke 2:29–30)
Mary and Joseph bring the infant Jesus to the Temple to fulfill the Law of Moses. The old man Simeon, who has waited all his life, takes the child in his arms and blesses God, but he also tells Mary that a sword will pierce her soul. Faithfulness to God’s law is not a burden but the place where we meet Him. We ask for the grace of faithful obedience.
Lord, help me to be faithful in small duties, where you wait to meet me.
Then pray one Our Father, ten Hail Marys and a Glory Be.
Fifth Mystery: The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
Scripture: Luke 2:41–52 · Fruit of the mystery: Joy in finding Jesus
Did you not know, that I must be about my father’s business? (Luke 2:49)
For three days Mary and Joseph search for the twelve-year-old Jesus, and at last they find Him in the Temple among the teachers. Their anguish turns to relief, and they hear words they do not yet understand. Everyone at times loses the sense of God’s nearness. This mystery asks for perseverance in seeking Him and joy when we find Him again, especially in the Eucharist and in confession.
Jesus, when I lose you through sin or distraction, help me to seek you until I find you.
Then pray one Our Father, ten Hail Marys and a Glory Be.
How to pray the Joyful Mysteries
- Begin with the Sign of the Cross and the Apostles’ Creed.
- Pray an Our Father, three Hail Marys (for faith, hope and charity) and a Glory Be.
- Announce the first mystery, read its Scripture or meditation above, then pray an Our Father, ten Hail Marys and a Glory Be. Many add the Fatima Prayer: “O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy.”
- Continue in the same way through the fifth mystery.
- Close with the Hail, Holy Queen and the final prayer.
To be guided bead by bead, use the interactive Rosary. To see which mysteries are prayed today, open today’s Rosary mysteries.
Closing prayer
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 meditating upon 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.
Frequently asked questions
What days are the Joyful Mysteries prayed?
On Mondays and Saturdays, following the schedule proposed by Pope St. John Paul II in 2002 (Rosarium Virginis Mariae 38). The schedule is a help, not a rule: you may pray any mysteries on any day.
How long does it take to pray the Joyful Mysteries?
About 15 to 20 minutes for all five decades, a little longer if you read the meditations.
What are the other mysteries of the Rosary?
The four sets are the Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious and Luminous Mysteries. See Sorrowful Mysteries, Glorious Mysteries, Luminous Mysteries, or all twenty together on the Mysteries of the Rosary.
The feasts of these mysteries
- The Annunciation (March 25)
- The Visitation and other Marian feasts
- The Presentation of the Lord, Candlemas (February 2)
Sources
- John Paul II, Rosarium Virginis Mariae (2002)
- Scripture quotations from the Douay-Rheims Bible (public domain)
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2678 and 2708