Do Anglicans pray the rosary?

[HalupkiMonster]

There is no doubt in my mind that the ancient Christian Church in the British Isles counted their prayers with beads, which evolved into the Roman rosary (and the eastern chotki/lestovka.)

My grandmother was Polish, and very Catholic. She never left the house without her rosary, and used to sit with me in bed when I was little and prayed the rosary for me. I've also loved the story of the children of Fatima, the central message of which is the benefit of meditating on the life of Christ and how beneficial it is for our souls.

My Palestinian friend went to Jerusalem and bought me a wooden rosary. I love it. It is wooden beads strung together, with "JERUSALEM" imprinted on the cross in ink. I've had it for a few years, and I love it.

I was wondering if any other Anglicans pray the rosary? I want to start praying it again, like I did when I was little. When I was Orthodox it was an issue (my priest forbade it ) because of the creed used. I see that the creed in the BCP is identical (or nearly) to the ones used in Roman Catholic Churches. We Anglicans seem to view Mary in a similar way as RC's do, too.

Would there be any danger in me praying the rosary? It would help my faith ever so much. I'm just wondering if it's really unorthodox for Anglicans to do.

 

[ebia]

Some do. Many dont. Some object to it.


(Pretty much the stock answer to any "do Anglicans..." question)

 

[equestria]

If it helps, I don't see why not. I'm new to Anglicanism, hesitant about church again, and the random Hail Mary is what keeps me afloat. Can't you just change the creed to the BCP one?

 

[Albion]

There is no doubt in my mind that the ancient Christian Church in the British Isles counted their prayers with beads, which evolved into the Roman rosary (and the eastern chotki/lestovka.)

It didn't. That practice--even in its primitive beginnings--didn't develop until later.

My grandmother was Polish, and very Catholic. She never left the house without her rosary, and used to sit with me in bed when I was little and prayed the rosary for me. I've also loved the story of the children of Fatima, the central message of which is the benefit of meditating on the life of Christ and how beneficial it is for our souls.

My Palestinian friend went to Jerusalem and bought me a wooden rosary. I love it. It is wooden beads strung together, with "JERUSALEM" imprinted on the cross in ink. I've had it for a few years, and I love it.

I was wondering if any other Anglicans pray the rosary?

Sure. Many Anglo-Catholics do. Some modify the prayers, but they use the same rosary Roman Catholics are familiar with.

I want to start praying it again, like I did when I was little. When I was Orthodox it was an issue (my priest forbade it ) because of the creed used. I see that the creed in the BCP is identical (or nearly) to the ones used in Roman Catholic Churches. We Anglicans seem to view Mary in a similar way as RC's do, too.

Would there be any danger in me praying the rosary?

It's contrary to the Thirty-nine Articles for being a set of prayers directed to the Virgin Mary, but as you know, many Anglicans don't consider the Articles relevant to our era.

It would help my faith ever so much. I'm just wondering if it's really unorthodox for Anglicans to do.

If you have any reservations, why not get a set of Anglican Prayer Beads (also called the Anglican rosary)? They do not pose any theological problems and are, in fact, closer to chotkis than the Dominican (RC) rosary is.

 

[Albion]

If it helps, I don't see why not. I'm new to Anglicanism, hesitant about church again, and the random Hail Mary is what keeps me afloat. Can't you just change the creed to the BCP one?

The Creed is OK, and all you'd have to do to modify the Catholic usage is drop the second part from the Hail Marys. The first part of the prayer is from Scripture but the last part ("Holy Mary....") was added fairly recently by the Pope.

The main issue is whether it is proper to pray to any spirit other than God, and the rosary very definitely is a prayer TO Mary. However, and as Ebia has noted, these things are a matter of personal choice among Episcopalians, so you shouldn't feel uneasy about that, whichever way you go.

 

[HalupkiMonster]

If you have any reservations, why not get a set of Anglican Prayer Beads (also called the Anglican rosary)? They do not pose any theological problems and are, in fact, closer to chotkis than the Dominican (RC) rosary is.

I had no idea that these existed! Do you know where I can learn more about them or purchase them? I'm quite intrigued!

 

[Albion]

I had no idea that these existed! Do you know where I can learn more about them or purchase them? I'm quite intrigued!

I'd suggest that you go to Ebay and enter "Anglican Prayer Beads" there. You'll see a number of sellers about whom I know nothing, but at least you'll see the item and some varieties. You can get simple wood, semi-precious stones, or pretty much whatever materials appeal to you. I'd recommend you also click on the "sponsored results" at the bottom of the page. I like Full Circle Beads' stuff, myself. That's the last entry. Then I'd recommend looking at the APB page on Wikipedia for the story of the beads and suggestions for praying them.

 

[equestria]

The Creed is OK, and all you'd have to do to modify the Catholic usage is drop the second part from the Hail Marys. The first part of the prayer is from Scripture but the last part ("Holy Mary....") was added fairly recently by the Pope.

The main issue is whether it is proper to pray to any spirit other than God, and the rosary very definitely is a prayer TO Mary. However, and as Ebia has noted, these things are a matter of personal choice among Episcopalians, so you shouldn't feel uneasy about that, whichever way you go.

Personal choice? Good

 

[everbecoming2007]

Praying the Rosary or other similar prayers is not a matter of dogma so one may hold various opinions on the matter. As many Anglican liturgies include such prayers, it should not be an issue to pray the Rosary. My sponsor/priest encouraged me to pray it and blessed my rosary.

Also, while the Hail Mary is addressed to Mary, the other prayers are addressed to God and Mary is clearly not addressed in the same way as God but as one who can aid us by her prayers, and of course the mysteries - the heart of the prayer - direct us to Christ, the ultimate end of all Marian devotion.

 

[Living in the Light]

God will hear your prayers. Go for it.

 

[Albion]

Also, while the Hail Mary is addressed to Mary, the other prayers are addressed to God and Mary is clearly not addressed in the same way as God but as one who can aid us by her prayers, and of course the mysteries - the heart of the prayer - direct us to Christ, the ultimate end of all Marian devotion.

While that argument may be made with regard to some prayers that are directed to Mary, and while they are indeed a doctrinal matter, I appreciate the point. But the rosary--unless amended--is a special item and IS a devotional to Mary, not just a request for her intercession, etc. But there's nothing preventing anyone from using whatever prayers he chooses on the beads, just as with the Anglican Prayer Beads.

 

[everbecoming2007]

I do not dispute that it is a devotion to and veneration of Mary. However, all Marian prayers include Jesus and point to him. I know of no Marian prayer that does not, and I have prayed many of them. Jesus is specifically called blessed in the Hail Mary, as is Mary.

 

[PaladinValer]

There is no doubt in my mind that the ancient Christian Church in the British Isles counted their prayers with beads, which evolved into the Roman rosary (and the eastern chotki/lestovka.)

My grandmother was Polish, and very Catholic. She never left the house without her rosary, and used to sit with me in bed when I was little and prayed the rosary for me. I've also loved the story of the children of Fatima, the central message of which is the benefit of meditating on the life of Christ and how beneficial it is for our souls.

My Palestinian friend went to Jerusalem and bought me a wooden rosary. I love it. It is wooden beads strung together, with "JERUSALEM" imprinted on the cross in ink. I've had it for a few years, and I love it.

I was wondering if any other Anglicans pray the rosary? I want to start praying it again, like I did when I was little. When I was Orthodox it was an issue (my priest forbade it ) because of the creed used. I see that the creed in the BCP is identical (or nearly) to the ones used in Roman Catholic Churches. We Anglicans seem to view Mary in a similar way as RC's do, too.

Would there be any danger in me praying the rosary? It would help my faith ever so much. I'm just wondering if it's really unorthodox for Anglicans to do.

1. I don't recite the filioque clause, but I have no problem with the Marian rosary. Quite honestly, I don't remember the Nicene Creed even being a part of it, but I do recite the Apostle's Creed.

2. Many Anglicans recite the Marian rosary. We also have our own Anglican rosary. Both are fine.

 

[HalupkiMonster]

Thank you, all. I have found a relatively inexpensive Anglican rosary from an Israeli vendor online. I've read about the Anglican rosary, and it seems much like the Eastern chotki that I'm used to. Thank you all for your help in this.

 

[JamesBates]

There is no doubt in my mind that the ancient Christian Church in the British Isles counted their prayers with beads, which evolved into the Roman rosary (and the eastern chotki/lestovka.)

My grandmother was Polish, and very Catholic. She never left the house without her rosary, and used to sit with me in bed when I was little and prayed the rosary for me. I've also loved the story of the children of Fatima, the central message of which is the benefit of meditating on the life of Christ and how beneficial it is for our souls.

My Palestinian friend went to Jerusalem and bought me a wooden rosary. I love it. It is wooden beads strung together, with "JERUSALEM" imprinted on the cross in ink. I've had it for a few years, and I love it.

I was wondering if any other Anglicans pray the rosary? I want to start praying it again, like I did when I was little. When I was Orthodox it was an issue (my priest forbade it ) because of the creed used. I see that the creed in the BCP is identical (or nearly) to the ones used in Roman Catholic Churches. We Anglicans seem to view Mary in a similar way as RC's do, too.

Would there be any danger in me praying the rosary? It would help my faith ever so much. I'm just wondering if it's really unorthodox for Anglicans to do.

Pray the Rosary and return to the original church...the one that existed for 1500 years before King Henry VIII rebelled...

 

[Albion]

Pray the Rosary and return to the original church...the one that existed for 1500 years before King Henry VIII rebelled...

THIS is what you chose to make as your first post on Christian Forums, James?

Allow me to direct you to one of the three competing Roman Catholic forums here on CF. They're listed under "Forums" and can be accessed with the tab at the top of this page.

 

[everbecoming2007]

Pray the Rosary and return to the original church...the one that existed for 1500 years before King Henry VIII rebelled...

Or one of the pre-reformation Eastern schisms who all claim to be the one true and original church. Or the SSPX. Or the sedevacantists.

Yeah -- ultimately it comes down to a personally discerned choice which one to obey. Can't avoid it.

In any case this is not the subforum to vent such sentiments as expressed in your rather condescending post.

 

[gordonhooker]

Pray the Rosary and return to the original church...the one that existed for 1500 years before King Henry VIII rebelled...

Not only is your first post extremely rude given you are in another denominations forum where we respect the doctrine of those forums, you are factually wrong in your statement about King Henry VIII. The Anglican Church (Church of England) was started by Queen Elizabeth I. King Henry VIII may have been the catalyst and may have started the process but he did not start it.