The Rosary, part 2
Yesterday I spoke with Pastor Ledic about the use of the Rosary in personal devotions. I was pleased when we came to the mutual conclusion that it's use is not by any means forbidden. The cautions being that I understand that it is not something that gains me any merit or attention from God, and that I not address Mary in it.
I told him that I was not comfortable using prayers or even praises of the Blessed Virgin while praying anyway. I told him that I thought it's benefit was as method of meditation, a calming influence when I am upset, and a help in focusing on the life of our Lord Jesus Christ through meditating on the "mysteries". I then felt I needed to confess that there is yet another reason I like to use the rosary. That secondary reason is that it tweaks the Protestants around me and confuses the Roman Catholics! This might seem petty but I think any opportunity to speak of the true gospel to these works oriented folks is a good thing.
While I have found dozens of versions of the rosary for use on line I have decided to put together one of my own, since it is a purely private devotional matter. At some point, maybe even today, I'll post what I settle on.