Learning to Pray with the Rosary

Luke 11:1 Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.”

What is in today’s email:

• A look at my first book: Learning to Pray with the Rosary

  Listen to our most recent podcasts:

My 1st Book

Learning to Pray with the Rosary by Doug Sumowski

Main Themes:

• Defense of the Rosary: The book addresses common Protestant objections to the Rosary, particularly focusing on the role of Mary and the Hail Mary prayer.

• The Rosary as a School of Prayer: Sumowski emphasizes the Rosary as a powerful tool for learning and deepening prayer, leading to spiritual growth and intimacy with God.

• Benefits of Praying the Rosary: The book highlights the spiritual and temporal benefits promised to those who faithfully pray the Rosary, drawing on the fifteen promises associated with the devotion.

• Practical Guide to the Rosary: Sumowski provides a detailed explanation of the Rosary's structure, the mysteries, and how to pray it, emphasizing the importance of meditation and contemplation.

Most Important Ideas/Facts:

I. Addressing Objections:

• The "Mary Problem": Sumowski tackles the misconception that venerating Mary and praying the Rosary diminishes the role of Jesus as the sole mediator. He argues that asking Mary to pray for us is akin to asking a friend or pastor to pray for us, and does not constitute false worship.

• Necromancy Argument: He refutes the claim that praying to saints is necromancy (communicating with the dead) by emphasizing the Catholic concept of the communion of saints, where those who have died in Christ remain connected to the living in the mystical body of Christ.

• Supporting Scripture: Sumowski uses scripture passages, such as James 5:20 on bringing back a sinner from error, to illustrate that individuals can participate in God's work of salvation without diminishing His role.

II. Rosary as a School of Prayer:

• Beyond Rote Repetition: The book stresses the importance of meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary, going beyond merely reciting the prayers.

• Contemplative Prayer: The Rosary helps us engage our thoughts, imaginations, and emotions, fostering a contemplative prayer experience that deepens our relationship with God.

• Formal Structure, Internal Transformation: The structured prayers of the Rosary provide a framework for internal transformation, leading to spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of the Gospel message.

III. Benefits of Praying the Rosary:

• Fifteen Promises: Sumowski uses the fifteen promises attributed to the Rosary as a framework for explaining the devotion's benefits, ranging from spiritual protection to attaining heavenly glory.

• Spiritual Growth: He highlights the Rosary's role in promoting virtue, overcoming vice, dispelling heresy, and drawing hearts towards eternal things.

• Special Graces and Protection: The book emphasizes Mary's special protection and graces bestowed on those who faithfully pray the Rosary, drawing an analogy to the intimacy developed in spending time with loved ones.

IV. Practical Guide to the Rosary:

• Step-by-Step Instructions: Sumowski provides a detailed explanation of the Rosary's structure, including instructions on how to pray each prayer and meditate on each mystery.

• Explanation of Mysteries: He outlines the four sets of mysteries (Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, Glorious), explaining the significance of each mystery and offering insights for meditation.

• Emphasis on Contemplation: Sumowski reiterates the need for contemplative prayer, reminding readers that simply reciting the prayers without reflection is like "having a body without a soul."

Key Quotes:

• On Intercessory Prayer: "If we can ask a pastor or friend to pray as an intercessor in every situation or issue that we face in life, such prayers could not diminish, replace or supplant Christ as the one Mediator between God and humanity."

• On Communion of Saints: "Those who are part of the body of Christ are alive because just like Christ is alive from the dead, they are also still alive in some sense of the word, even though they may be deceased physically."

• On the Rosary and the Gospel: "The reason is simply because the rosary promotes the gospel. In each of its mysteries we are taught something about our Catholic faith."

• On Prayer and the Will of God: "In prayer we come to surrender our desires and wants to the One who alone can satisfy and bless."

• On the Transforming Power of Prayer: "Let God use this form of praying to deepen your convictions, prompt the conversion of your heart, and strengthen your resolve in following Jesus in a very real and meaningful way that you may not have even dreamed was possible."

Overall, the book serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding and embracing the Rosary as a powerful tool for prayer and spiritual growth within the Catholic tradition.

To grab your own copy of this book click this link here!

I do hope that this is something that can help you grow in Christ. We believe that faith is a journey, and we're here to walk alongside you, providing support and encouragement every step of the way.

Consider supporting Dtesh Catholic Place through our secure online portal: https://dtesh.com/product/support-dtesh-catholic-place/

Your generosity will help us continue to create and share valuable resources that inspire and empower Catholics worldwide.

Thank you for joining our community. We look forward to journeying with you!

In Christ,

The Dtesh Catholic Place Team