The order of prayers
On the crucifix — make the Sign of the Cross, and say the Apostles’ Creed.
On the first bead — the Our Father.
On the next three beads — a Hail Mary on each, for faith, hope and love.
On the following bead — the Glory Be.
Then, for each of the five decades: announce the mystery, say the Our Father, say ten Hail Marys while considering that mystery, and end with the Glory Be.
Many add this prayer after each Glory Be:
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of hell,
and lead all souls to heaven,
especially those in most need of thy mercy.
At the end — the Hail, Holy Queen.
The mysteries
Which set is prayed on which day is custom, not law. The days below are the usual arrangement.
The Joyful Mysteries — Monday and Saturday
The Annunciation
The Visitation
The Nativity
The Presentation in the Temple
The Finding of Jesus in the Temple
The Luminous Mysteries — Thursday
The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan
The Wedding at Cana
The Proclamation of the Kingdom
The Transfiguration
The Institution of the Eucharist
The Sorrowful Mysteries — Tuesday and Friday
The Agony in the Garden
The Scourging at the Pillar
The Crowning with Thorns
The Carrying of the Cross
The Crucifixion
The Glorious Mysteries — Wednesday and Sunday
The Resurrection
The Ascension
The Descent of the Holy Spirit
The Assumption of Our Lady
The Coronation of Our Lady