[Arthur McGowan]

It all works together.

There’s an old saying: The beads are for the sake of the prayers; the prayers are for the sake of the mysteries.

The beads occupy the hands, and help count the prayers, freeing the mind from counting. The prayers occupy the lips and free the mind from “self talk,” the inner monologue we are always carrying on, so that the mind can focus better on the mysteries.

The beauty of vocal prayer is explained by St. Thomas Aquinas: A vocal prayer is “complete” at the instant it starts. That is, the prayer is really located in the INTENTION, which is complete even before the words are said. Thus, there need be no anxiety that a prayer “doesn’t count” if the mind wanders during it. Many people are never able to concentrate, and many elderly people are less able to do so as they age. I have explained this in confession many times, to people who confessed that they were “distracted” during prayer.

[Slyfox]

I don’t remember who said it but supposedly if we fall asleep while saying the rosary our guardian angel finishes it for us.

[defconw]

Thank You for this. Some of us are just easily distracted. I find the beads do become an after thought at least by the middle of the second decade. It is mostly muscle memory. My mind and soul can soar where God wants it to go, but my fingers are keeping track.

Had a holy Sister tell me once, it;'s not like you get zapped if you say 11 Hail Mary's instead of 10. :)