Rosary, Psalms, and Canticles

Sister Margaret Kerry, FSP, suggests a way of praying that combines various forms of prayer into a 'liturgy of the present moment.'

Here is a prayer method that combines a Psalm, a Rosary mystery, and a Canticle. This way of prayer creates a “liturgy of the present moment,” fostering emotional connection, contemplation, and praise throughout daily life.  

During a visit to the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., I picked up a small paperback from Magnificat Press, The Abbey Psalms and Canticles. This booklet inspired me to a new way of prayer. While the Psalms and Canticles prayerfully express emotion in the movement of the human spirit, the Rosary, developed from these, is a prayer of contemplation. 

After fifty years in religious life, I didn’t expect to unearth another way to pray with the Rosary. Lately, I have been trying to feel my emotions so that they don’t go underground and pop up sideways. The Psalms help me in this area. After I pray with an appropriate Psalm, I follow it by sitting with my emotions. Contemplating a Mystery of the Rosary helps me take this time. Closing with a Canticle adds a prayer of praise and gratitude for the promises of God fulfilled.   

How to Pray This Way

As I prepare for sleep, I pray Psalm 143, followed by the mystery of the Visitation. My intention is to remain grounded in God. The foes in the Psalm are thoughts that oppress my soul. I pray that, when I wake up, I may be a witness to all those I meet as Mary was. Then I pray the Canticle of Mary, offering praise for all the promises God has fulfilled.   

A prayer for marriage may combine Psalm 128 with the mystery of the wedding at Cana, followed by the Canticle of Isaiah 61. Pray for your children with Psalm 121, the Fifth Joyful Mystery, Finding Jesus in the Temple, and the Canticle of Daniel 3:53-90, the song of the children. This is an especially helpful prayer practice when you are unable to pray five mysteries of the Rosary or the Liturgy of the Hours. You can also invite your husband and children to this prayer moment for special intentions, occasions, or morning and evening prayer.  

This can be done with any Psalm, Mystery of the Rosary, and Canticle. You may create a go-to combination of your favorites for various times of day or situations. This “liturgy of the present moment” reminds me to be present in prayer in all that the day brings.  

Fill Your Day with a Rhythm of Prayer

Praying this way helps me fill my day with a rhythm of asking, praising, and thanking God — like a personal liturgy. It’s how I live out the priestly, mediating, and shepherding role that all of us receive through Baptism. This kind of prayer also brings emotional healing, eases anxiety, and deepens my trust in our loving and merciful God — the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. As I place my intentions in Mary’s capable hands, I know she carries them to God throughout the day. 

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Copyright 2025 Sister Margaret Kerry, FSP
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