Prayer to Our Lady of Sorrows EWTN: Essential Guide – 7 Key Steps

Prayer to our lady of sorrows ewtn

If you have searched for prayer to our lady of sorrows ewtn, you are likely looking for a clear, reverent way to honour Mary in her sorrows and to find hope in the midst of suffering. This devotion has supported countless Christians through grief, uncertainty, and difficult seasons, and a little structure can make it easier to begin and to persevere.

In this guide, we explain what prayer to our lady of sorrows ewtn refers to, how the devotion connects with the traditional Seven Sorrows Rosary, and simple steps for praying at home or with a group. You will also find practical tips, a short sample prayer, links to trustworthy resources, and answers to common questions.

Whether you are new to Marian prayer or returning after some time away, prayer to our lady of sorrows ewtn can help you draw closer to Christ through Mary, who stood faithfully at the foot of the Cross.

What is the prayer to our lady of sorrows ewtn?

When people say “prayer to our lady of sorrows ewtn”, they usually mean a devotional practice or set of prayers promoted or broadcast by EWTN (the Eternal Word Television Network) that honours Mary under her title “Our Lady of Sorrows”. This title commemorates Mary’s profound participation in the suffering of her Son, Jesus, and is closely linked to the traditional “Seven Sorrows” devotion. EWTN frequently features the chaplet (also called the Rosary of the Seven Sorrows), novenas, and other related prayers for viewers to follow along at home.

At its heart, the devotion invites us to contemplate seven significant moments of sorrow in Mary’s life, uniting our own sufferings to hers and, through her, to Christ. Prayer to our lady of sorrows ewtn is therefore both a meditation on Scripture and a compassionate act of solidarity with those who suffer, including ourselves.

A brief history and meaning of the devotion

Honouring Mary’s sorrows emerged in the Church’s life over many centuries and was fostered especially by the Servite Order. The devotion focuses on seven events (or “dolours”) in Mary’s life that express her intimate union with Jesus’ mission and passion. The Church celebrates the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows on 15 September, the day after the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, reminding us that Mary’s faithful love is inseparable from Christ’s redemptive sacrifice.

Reflecting on these sorrows is not about remaining in sadness. Rather, we learn from Mary how to trust God in the darkest moments, to persevere in love, and to allow suffering to be transformed by grace. Our Lady of Sorrows shows us a mother’s steadfastness and a disciple’s courage. Through this devotion, many people experience consolation, patience, and renewed hope.

How to pray the prayer to our lady of sorrows ewtn at home

There are several ways to make prayer to our lady of sorrows ewtn part of your routine. The most common is the Seven Sorrows Rosary (or chaplet), which uses a specific structure, but you can also pray in a simpler format if time is short. Below is a step-by-step approach you can adapt for personal or family use.

Simple step-by-step guide

1. Find a quiet place. You may wish to place an image of Mary or a crucifix nearby. Light a candle if it helps you focus.
2. Begin with the Sign of the Cross and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and peace.
3. State your intention. You might pray for someone who is grieving, for healing of a family wound, for perseverance in a trial, or in thanksgiving for answered prayer.
4. If praying the Seven Sorrows Rosary:
   • Announce the first Sorrow and slowly read or recall the relevant Scripture moment.
   • Pray one Our Father and seven Hail Marys, meditating on that Sorrow.
   • Conclude with a short aspiration, such as: “Mother of Sorrows, pray for us.”
   • Repeat for all seven Sorrows (listed below).
5. If you prefer a shorter devotion, reflect on one or two Sorrows, pray an Our Father and three Hail Marys for each, and end with a heartfelt personal prayer.
6. Finish with a closing prayer of trust in Jesus and the Sign of the Cross.

Prayer to our lady of sorrows ewtn often follows this traditional pattern, but do not worry if you do not have a special chaplet. Ordinary rosary beads can be adapted, or you can simply pray with your fingers and a sincere heart.

The Seven Sorrows traditionally contemplated

• The Prophecy of Simeon (Luke 2:25–35)
• The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13–15)
• The Loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41–50)
• Mary Meets Jesus on the Way to Calvary (tradition; cf. Luke 23:27–31)
• The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus (John 19:25–30)
• Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross (Mark 15:42–46)
• The Burial of Jesus (John 19:40–42)

Suggested intentions and moments to pray

• For those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
• For parents and children experiencing estrangement or misunderstanding.
• For courage to carry a heavy cross: illness, unemployment, or loneliness.
• In reparation for sin and in solidarity with the suffering Church.
• On Fridays, during Lent, or on the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows (15 September).

Where you will encounter prayer to our lady of sorrows ewtn on air and online

EWTN regularly includes Marian devotions in its programming. You may find live or recorded broadcasts of the Seven Sorrows chaplet, seasonal novenas, and reflections on Mary’s role at the Cross. The value of following prayer to our lady of sorrows ewtn on air or online is that it gives you a gentle pace, familiar words, and a sense of community—especially if you are praying alone at home.

Many viewers make this devotion part of their daily or weekly rhythm, setting a reminder to join a broadcast or streaming replay. Others print a simple guide or keep notes in a prayer journal, so they can move through the Sorrows without rushing.

Spiritual fruits and reasons to pray

Devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows cultivates Christian virtues that sustain us when life is difficult. As you persevere, you may notice:

• Deeper compassion for others, especially those who suffer quietly.
• Greater patience with yourself and with circumstances you cannot control.
• Closer union with Jesus’ Passion, leading to gratitude for his mercy.
• Hope: not a feeling, but a firm trust that God is at work even when you cannot see it.

Because Mary’s sorrows touch family life, illness, injustice, fear, and grief, this devotion speaks to every season. While fruits vary from person to person, many testify that focusing on one Sorrow each day brings peace without overwhelming the mind.

Practical tips, common mistakes, and gentle remedies

When beginning prayer to our lady of sorrows ewtn, do not be discouraged by distractions or by a sense that you are “not doing it right”. Here are a few practical suggestions:

• Start small. One Sorrow prayed well is better than seven rushed.
• Use Scripture. Read a few verses before each Sorrow to anchor your meditation.
• Set a specific time. Habit grows when prayer has a home in your day.
• Pray with others occasionally. A parish group, a friend, or a broadcast can help you learn the rhythm.
• Do not treat the devotion as a mechanical checklist. The goal is to grow in love, not to “earn” results.
• Write intentions. Keeping a short list focuses your heart and helps you notice answered prayers.

Sample wording inspired by the prayer to our lady of sorrows ewtn

If you would like a short text to begin, here is a simple, reverent prayer you can use before or after meditating on one or more sorrows. It is not a substitute for the traditional form, but a companion when you need a few words to get started.

O Mother most sorrowful, at the Cross you stood with steadfast love. Teach me to remain with Jesus in every trial. Through your tears and your faith, lead me to trust the Father’s mercy. I offer you my worries and the needs of those I love. Present them to your Son, that he may heal, strengthen, and save.

Mary, our gentle guide, share with me your courage. Intercede for the afflicted, protect the vulnerable, and console the broken-hearted. May the hope of the Resurrection lift our hearts, now and always. Amen.

Understanding the structure: chaplet, novena, and liturgical context

The devotion has several expressions. The chaplet (Seven Sorrows Rosary) follows a set pattern of prayers for each Sorrow. A novena is nine days of focused prayer, often leading up to a feast day such as 15 September. There are also litanies and shorter invocations drawing on the same themes. In parish settings, you might find the devotion paired with Stations of the Cross or Eucharistic Adoration, particularly during Lent.

In the liturgy, readings and prayers on the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows emphasise Mary’s presence at Calvary and her maternal care for the Church. Participating in Mass on or near this day can deepen your personal practice.

How to make the devotion a habit

Many people begin enthusiastically and then lose momentum. Consider these gentle, sustainable approaches:

• Choose one Sorrow per day, cycling through the week. This keeps the focus manageable.
• Link the devotion to a daily anchor—your morning tea, a midday walk, or bedtime.
• Keep a small card in your Bible with the list of Sorrows and a brief intention for each.
• On especially busy days, pray a single decade or simply the name of the Sorrow with one heartfelt Hail Mary.

A meaningful practice grows steadily through consistency, not intensity. Let the simpler days carry you through the more contemplative ones.

Recommended external resources

For additional context, background, and practical helps related to prayer and devotion, these resources are recognised and trustworthy.

• EWTN overview of Catholic devotions – a starting point to explore televised and online devotions, including Marian prayers.
• Wikipedia overview of Our Lady of Sorrows – concise background on the title, history, and the Seven Sorrows.
• Vatican Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy – guidance on how devotions harmonise with the Church’s worship, including Marian practices.
• Catholic Encyclopedia entry on the Seven Sorrows of Mary – historical insights and theological reflections.

Related articles

• How to pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet
• Devoción a Nuestra Señora de los Dolores (en español)

Frequently asked questions about prayer to our lady of sorrows ewtn

What is the difference between the Seven Sorrows Rosary and the prayer to our lady of sorrows ewtn?

The Seven Sorrows Rosary (or chaplet) is a traditional structure with specific prayers for each of Mary’s sorrows. The phrase “prayer to our lady of sorrows ewtn” usually refers to this devotion as presented or broadcast by EWTN, along with related novenas and reflections. In practice, they overlap: one names the form, the other describes the context where you might pray along.

Do I need special beads to pray?

Special chaplet beads help, but they are not necessary. You can use an ordinary rosary and adapt the counting, use your fingers, or keep a simple note card to track your prayers. The key is a prayerful heart and focused meditation on the Sorrows.

How long does it take to pray the Seven Sorrows?

At a calm pace, the full chaplet might take 15–25 minutes, depending on whether you add brief Scripture readings and pauses for reflection. A shorter version (one or two Sorrows) can be prayed in just a few minutes when time is limited.

Is this devotion only for Lent or times of grief?

It is particularly meaningful in Lent and during personal trials, but it can be prayed at any time of year. Many people use it weekly or in the lead-up to the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows on 15 September. Over time, it becomes a steady source of consolation and strength.

Can I combine prayer to our lady of sorrows ewtn with other devotions?

Yes. Some pair it with the traditional Rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, or a brief time of Scripture reading. If you are following prayer to our lady of sorrows ewtn via a broadcast, you can add your personal intentions before or after the programme.

What if I become emotional while reflecting on the Sorrows?

That is normal. The devotion touches deep places of the heart. Let any tears or emotions become part of your prayer, and ask Mary to bring your feelings to Jesus. If you need to pause, do so, and resume when you are ready.

Conclusion on prayer to our lady of sorrows ewtn

Accessible, scriptural, and profoundly compassionate, prayer to our lady of sorrows ewtn offers a reliable way to stand with Mary at the Cross and to unite your own sufferings with Christ. By contemplating each Sorrow, you learn to trust as Mary trusted, to persevere as she persevered, and to love as she loved.

Whether you pray the full Seven Sorrows Rosary or a simple daily reflection, the grace lies in faithfulness rather than perfection. With a few minutes of quiet, a short intention, and a steady rhythm, prayer to our lady of sorrows ewtn can become a wellspring of consolation in your life.

As you continue, consider inviting a friend or family member to join you, or follow a broadcast to learn the cadence. Over time, you will find that hope grows even in hardship, and that Mary’s maternal care gently leads you closer to her Son.

May Our Lady of Sorrows intercede for you, and may the peace of Christ guard your heart now and always.