The features of the “Prayer for Divine Mercy” include:
1. Acknowledgment of God’s mercy: The prayer begins with a recognition of God’s infinite mercy and emphasizes the belief that his mercy is greater than human sinfulness. It expresses
The 3 o’clock Prayer for Divine Mercy, also known as the “3 o’clock Prayer,” is a powerful Christian prayer rooted in the message of Divine Mercy revealed to St. Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun who experienced mystical visions and conversations with Jesus Christ in the early 20th century. This prayer holds special significance for those who follow the Divine Mercy devotion, as it commemorates the moment of Jesus’ death on the cross, which is believed to be the moment of God’s greatest mercy for humanity.
The Divine Mercy Message
Before delving into the specifics of the 3 o’clock Prayer, it’s essential to understand the broader context of the Divine Mercy message. St. Faustina Kowalska received a series of revelations from Jesus, who conveyed a message of God’s boundless love and mercy for all people. He emphasized the need for repentance, trust, and the practice of acts of mercy in one’s life. The devotion to Divine Mercy aims to spread this message of love, forgiveness, and redemption.
What is the Prayer for Divine Mercy greatly merciful God?
The “Prayer for Divine Mercy” is a central component of the Divine Mercy devotion, and it is often recited by the faithful as an expression of their trust in God’s mercy. The prayer begins with the words, “Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.” This prayer acknowledges the infinite value of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and asks for mercy for all of humanity.
Key Elements of the Prayer
- Eternal Father: This title acknowledges God as the source of all existence and mercy.
- Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus: By offering the entirety of Jesus, the prayer highlights the depth of His sacrifice and the divine gift of His presence in the Eucharist.
- Atonement for Sins: The prayer seeks forgiveness and reconciliation for one’s own sins and those of the entire world, emphasizing the universality of God’s mercy.
What is the scriptural Prayer for mercy?
While the specific “Prayer for Divine Mercy” associated with the Divine Mercy devotion may not be found verbatim in the Bible, the concept of seeking God’s mercy and forgiveness is deeply rooted in Scripture. Numerous passages throughout the Old and New Testaments emphasize God’s merciful nature and the importance of seeking His forgiveness.
Scriptural Foundation for Mercy Prayers
- Psalm 51:1-2: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.” This psalm expresses a heartfelt plea for God’s mercy and forgiveness.
- Luke 18:13: In the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, the tax collector prays, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” This simple yet profound prayer exemplifies the attitude of humility and repentance.
- 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” This verse underscores the importance of acknowledging one’s sins and seeking God’s mercy.
What prayers are said on Divine Mercy Sunday?
Divine Mercy Sunday is a special day in the Catholic calendar that celebrates God’s abundant mercy, as revealed to St. Faustina. On this day, several prayers are commonly recited as part of the Divine Mercy devotion, including the following:
Chaplet of Divine Mercy
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is a powerful and widely recognized prayer in the Divine Mercy devotion. It is recited on rosary beads and includes the repetition of prayers such as the “Our Father,” “Hail Mary,” and the “Eternal Father” prayer. This chaplet is a beautiful expression of devotion and trust in God’s mercy.
Novena Prayers
Leading up to Divine Mercy Sunday, many devotees participate in a Divine Mercy Novena. This novena consists of nine days of special prayers, including the “Chaplet of Divine Mercy.” It is a time of focused prayer, reflection, and seeking God’s mercy and forgiveness.
The Divine Mercy Image
Devotees often venerate the Divine Mercy image, which features an image of Jesus with the words “Jesus, I trust in You” beneath it. This image serves as a reminder of the message of Divine Mercy and the call to trust in Jesus’ love and mercy.
In conclusion, the 3 o’clock Prayer for Divine Mercy, the Prayer for Divine Mercy, and the prayers on Divine Mercy Sunday all play vital roles in the Divine Mercy devotion. They are expressions of faith, trust, and the recognition of God’s abundant mercy as revealed to St. Faustina Kowalska. These prayers serve to strengthen the spiritual connection of the faithful with God and to spread the message of Divine Mercy throughout the world.
Prayer for Divine Mercy
The “Prayer for Divine Mercy” is a central component of the Divine Mercy devotion, and it is often recited by the faithful as an expression of their trust in God’s mercy. The prayer begins with the words, “Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.” This prayer acknowledges the infinite value of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and asks for mercy for all of humanity.
Key Elements of the Prayer
- Eternal Father: This title acknowledges God as the source of all existence and mercy.
- Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus: By offering the entirety of Jesus, the prayer highlights the depth of His sacrifice and the divine gift of His presence in the Eucharist.
- Atonement for Sins: The prayer seeks forgiveness and reconciliation for one’s own sins and those of the entire world, emphasizing the universality of God’s mercy.
Praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet
The Divine Mercy Chaplet is a cherished and widely recited prayer in the Divine Mercy devotion. It is traditionally prayed on rosary beads and is composed of specific prayers and meditations that reflect the profound message of Divine Mercy. Praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet is a way for believers to participate in this devotion and seek God’s mercy for themselves and the world.
The Structure of the Divine Mercy Chaplet
The Divine Mercy Chaplet consists of several components:
- Opening Prayer: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” This prayer invokes the Holy Trinity, acknowledging God’s presence and unity.
- Optional Opening: Some people add the prayer, “You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.”
- The Chaplet: The core of the chaplet involves the repetition of specific prayers on the beads of a rosary:
- The “Our Father” prayer.
- The “Hail Mary” prayer.
- The “Apostles’ Creed.”
- Eternal Father Prayer: After completing the chaplet portion, the following prayer is recited: “Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.”
- Closing Prayer: “Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.” This final prayer calls upon God’s holiness and mercy for humanity.
The Three O’Clock Hour
The Divine Mercy Chaplet is often recited at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, which is believed to be the “hour of great mercy.” This tradition stems from the moment of Jesus’ death on the cross, which, according to Christian belief, is the moment of God’s greatest mercy for humanity. Praying the chaplet at this specific hour is considered a powerful act of devotion.
1. Make the Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
2. Optional Opening Prayers
St. Faustina’s Prayer for Sinners
O Jesus, eternal Truth, our Life, I call upon You and I beg Your mercy for poor sinners. O sweetest Heart of my Lord, full of pity and unfathomable mercy, I plead with You for poor sinners. O Most Sacred Heart, Fount of Mercy from which gush forth rays of inconceivable graces upon the entire human race, I beg of You light for poor sinners. O Jesus, be mindful of Your own bitter Passion and do not permit the loss of souls redeemed at so dear a price of Your most precious Blood. O Jesus, when I consider the great price of Your Blood, I rejoice at its immensity, for one drop alone would have been enough for the salvation of all sinners. Although sin is an abyss of wickedness and ingratitude, the price paid for us can never be equalled. Therefore, let every soul trust in the Passion of the Lord, and place its hope in His mercy. God will not deny His mercy to anyone. Heaven and earth may change, but God’s mercy will never be exhausted. Oh, what immense joy burns in my heart when I contemplate Your incomprehensible goodness, O Jesus! I desire to bring all sinners to Your feet that they may glorify Your mercy throughout endless ages (Diary of Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, 72).
You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.
(Repeat three times)
O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You!
3. Our Father
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, Amen.
4. Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen.
5. The Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from there He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.
6. The Eternal Father
Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.
7. On the 10 Small Beads of Each Decade
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
8. Repeat for the remaining decades
Saying the “Eternal Father” (6) on the “Our Father” bead and then 10 “For the sake of His sorrowful Passion” (7) on the following “Hail Mary” beads.
9. Conclude with Holy God (Repeat three times)
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
10. Optional Closing Prayers
Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion — inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself.
O Greatly Merciful God, Infinite Goodness, today all mankind calls out from the abyss of its misery to Your mercy — to Your compassion, O God; and it is with its mighty voice of misery that it cries out. Gracious God, do not reject the prayer of this earth’s exiles! O Lord, Goodness beyond our understanding, Who are acquainted with our misery through and through, and know that by our own power we cannot ascend to You, we implore You: anticipate us with Your grace and keep on increasing Your mercy in us, that we may faithfully do Your holy will all through our life and at death’s hour. Let the omnipotence of Your mercy shield us from the darts of our salvation’s enemies, that we may with confidence, as Your children, await Your [Son’s] final coming — that day known to You alone. And we expect to obtain everything promised us by Jesus in spite of all our wretchedness. For Jesus is our Hope: through His merciful Heart, as through an open gate, we pass through to heaven (Diary, 1570).
In conclusion, the Divine Mercy Chaplet is a significant prayer within the Divine Mercy devotion, emphasizing the themes of trust in God’s mercy and atonement for sins. Whether recited at 3 o’clock or at any other time, it serves as a heartfelt expression of faith in God’s boundless love and forgiveness, as revealed to St. Faustina Kowalska.
