The Divine Mercy Chaplet
The Divine Mercy Chaplet is a special prayer given by Jesus to Saint Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun, to help the world know and trust His mercy. It focuses on the Passion of Jesus and asks God to pour out mercy on us and the whole world.
It is prayed on regular rosary beads, but with different prayers. Many people pray it at 3 p.m., the hour Jesus died, but it can be prayed at any time. It is especially powerful when prayed for the dying or as a novena from Good Friday to Divine Mercy Sunday.
The chaplet begins with the Sign of the Cross, an opening prayer, and the “O Blood and Water” prayer said three times. Then, on the large beads, we offer Jesus to the Father. On the small beads, we pray for mercy for us and the whole world. It closes with the “Holy God” prayer and a final prayer of trust in God’s will.
A Gift of Mercy Through Time
The Chaplet of Mercy began in the 1930s when Jesus spoke to Saint Faustina Kowalska, a humble nun in Poland. He gave her a mission to spread trust in His mercy and to pray for the whole world. Saint Faustina wrote about these experiences in her diary. She shared that Jesus taught her the exact prayers and asked her to use a rosary to say them.
The format is simple but meaningful. It starts with the Sign of the Cross and an opening prayer. Then comes a short prayer said three times, followed by the Our Father, Hail Mary, and the Apostle’s Creed. On each large bead, we offer Jesus to the Father. On each small bead, we ask for mercy for everyone. The chaplet ends with a prayer of praise and trust in God’s will.
Mercy in Scripture and Faith
The Chaplet of Mercy points us to many Bible themes. It reminds us of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, as in John 19:34, when blood and water flowed from His side. It also echoes the call in Luke 6:36 to “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” This prayer helps us remember that mercy is not just received but shared.
In Catholic catechesis, the chaplet teaches about Christ’s Passion, forgiveness, and trust. It can help young people see mercy as part of daily life, not only a church practice. It invites them to pray for others, especially those in need.
The Catechism says, “The Gospel is the revelation in Jesus Christ of God’s mercy to sinners” (CCC 1846). In youth ministry, praying the chaplet can build compassion, deepen trust in God, and inspire acts of mercy in school, home, and community.
How to Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet
Make the Sign of the Cross
Say the opening 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.
Then repeat this prayer three times:
O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fountain of Mercy for us, I trust in You!
Next say an Our Father, a Hail Mary, and the Apostle’s Creed
On the large bead before each decade say
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.
On the ten small beads of each decade say
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Repeat for the remaining decades
After the five decades are complete, say this prayer three times:
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Then close with this prayer:
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.
More Resources
More Catholic Prayers
If you enjoyed learning about the Divine Mercy Chaplet, you can discover many other beautiful prayers on our Catholic Prayers page. This collection includes traditional prayers, short daily prayers, and special devotions for different times of the year. It is a helpful place to find words to guide your own prayer life.
Our Catholic Prayers page is easy to use and has something for everyone. Whether you want to pray alone, with your family, or with a group, you can find prayers for many needs and occasions. Visit the page to explore and grow in your conversation with God.
Social Media Graphics and Bulletin Artwork
Beads of Mercy and Light
This inspiring image of the Chaplet of Mercy is perfect for reminding parishioners of the beauty of prayer and trust in God’s mercy. Use it to highlight special devotions, promote parish prayer groups, or encourage participation in the 3 p.m. Hour of Mercy.
It is available for download to use in bulletins, newsletters, and other parish materials to help spread the message of God’s mercy to your community.
Paid subscribers may download a large copy this digital artwork without watermarks, suitable for use in bulletins, social media, newsletters, etc., free of charge by clicking here. You must be logged in as a paid subscriber to access the file.
Only current paid subscribers have the rights to use the artwork.
Questions and Answers about the Divine Mercy Chaplet
What is the Divine Mercy Chaplet?
The Divine Mercy Chaplet is a prayer given to Saint Faustina Kowalska by Jesus in the 1930s. It is prayed on regular rosary beads and focuses on asking God for mercy for the whole world.
When should I pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet?
Many people pray it at 3 p.m., the hour Jesus died. This time is called the Hour of Mercy. You can also pray it at any time of day.
Can I pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet alone?
Yes. You can pray it by yourself or with others. It is a good prayer for families, small groups, or youth ministry.
Why is the Divine Mercy Chaplet important?
It helps us remember Jesus’ sacrifice and teaches us to trust in His mercy. It also encourages us to pray for others, especially those who are sick or dying.
Can the Divine Mercy Chaplet be used as a novena?
Yes. Many people pray it for nine days, especially from Good Friday to Divine Mercy Sunday.
A Prayer of Mercy for All
The Divine Mercy Chaplet is a prayer that came to the Church through Saint Faustina Kowalska in the 1930s. Jesus asked her to share this prayer so that people everywhere could call on His mercy. It is a reminder that God’s love is for all people, no matter their past.
The prayer is said on regular rosary beads, but it uses different words than the traditional rosary. The main focus is on offering Jesus to the Father and asking for mercy for the whole world. Each decade asks for mercy “for us and on the whole world.”
Many pray the chaplet at 3 p.m., the hour Jesus died. It can be prayed alone or with others. It is especially meaningful for the dying or for those in great need. It is also prayed as a novena from Good Friday to Divine Mercy Sunday.
In youth ministry, the chaplet is a way to teach about mercy, compassion, and prayer for others. It helps young people think beyond themselves and pray for people they do not know. It also shows how prayer can be part of everyday life.
Your Turn
Have you prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet before? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comment section. Your story might inspire someone else to start praying it.
We would love to hear how this prayer has touched your life or the lives of those you prayed for. Take a moment to let others know what the chaplet means to you.