The Combat Rosary is much more than just a devotional object. It offers a multitude of spiritual and emotional benefits, from protection and comfort to encouraging regular prayer and strengthening faith. To adopt this rosary is to choose to integrate into your life a powerful tool for nourishing and protecting your soul.
Structure of the Combat Rosary
The Combat Rosary is often structured similarly to a traditional rosary, with dozens of beads for the "Hail Mary" prayers and larger beads for the "Our Father".
The Cross: Begin by holding the cross of the rosary. Make the sign of the cross and recite the "Our Father" prayer.
The Three Little Beads: On the next three little beads, recite three "Hail Marys", asking for faith, hope and charity.
The Isolated Bead: Recite a "Glory be to the Father" on the isolated bead before entering the mysteries of the rosary.
Prayer of the Mysteries
The Combat Rosary can be used to meditate on the traditional mysteries (joyful, luminous, sorrowful, glorious) or for specific intentions of spiritual combat.
The Dizaine of Pearls: For each ten, announce the mystery or intention, then recite an "Our Father" on the larger bead, followed by ten "Hail Mary's" on the smaller beads. End each ten with a "Glory be to the Father".
Prayers for Protection: In addition to the traditional prayers, add specific prayers for protection. For example, the prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel: "Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle; be our protector against malice and the snares of the devil..."
Conclusion of Prayer: After meditating on all the mysteries or intentions, end your rosary with final prayers.
Salve Regina: Recite the prayer "Salve Regina" or another Marian prayer.
Closing Prayer: You can conclude with a personal prayer or a specific prayer of thanksgiving, asking for the continued protection of God and the saints.
Sign of the Cross: End your prayer by making the sign of the cross.
Daily Use
To get the most out of the Combat Rosary, it is recommended that you make it part of your daily routine. Carry it with you as a constant reminder of divine protection and your spiritual commitment. Use it in times of need, stress or temptation, and take time to pray with it regularly to strengthen your faith.
In conclusion, the Combat Rosary is a powerful way to draw closer to God, ask for his protection and strengthen your faith. By following these steps, you can use this spiritual tool effectively, offering you ongoing support and comfort in your daily life.