The Divine Mercy Novena is a powerful nine-day prayer devotion leading up to the Feast of Divine Mercy. Rooted in the revelations of Jesus to Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska, this novena is a profound opportunity to immerse ourselves in God's boundless mercy and intercede for specific intentions each day.If you're seeking to deepen your faith, pray for the world, or understand the core of God's immense love, join us as we explore the Divine Mercy Novena, day by day.
What is the Divine Mercy Novena?
The Divine Mercy Novena is a nine-day prayer sequence given by Jesus Himself to Saint Faustina, as recorded in her Diary. Jesus asked that this novena be prayed before the Feast of Divine Mercy (the First Sunday after Easter) and explicitly outlined the specific groups of souls to be brought to His Merciful Heart each day.
It's a spiritual journey of drawing closer to God's inexhaustible mercy, reflecting on His passion, and interceding for the world, especially for those in greatest need of His compassion.
Why Pray the Divine Mercy Novena?
Praying the Divine Mercy Novena is an act of immense faith and trust in God's promises. Jesus told Saint Faustina:
"By this Novena [of Chaplets] I will grant every possible grace to souls." (Diary, 796)
It's a way to:
Deepen your trust in Jesus: The core message of Divine Mercy is "Jesus, I Trust in You!"
Intercede for the world: Each day focuses on a different group of souls in need.
Prepare for Divine Mercy Sunday: The novena culminates on the eve of this significant Feast.
Receive abundant graces: Jesus promises to grant great graces to those who pray it devoutly.
Grow in holiness: Reflecting on God's mercy transforms our hearts.
How to Pray the Divine Mercy Novena
The traditional way to pray the Divine Mercy Novena involves:
Opening Prayer: Begin each day with a specific intention prayer as given by Jesus to Saint Faustina.
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy: Recite the Divine Mercy Chaplet (often using rosary beads) immediately after the daily intention.
Closing Prayer: Conclude with the general closing prayer for the novena.
Divine Mercy Novena: Day by Day Prayers
The novena begins on Good Friday, nine days before Divine Mercy Sunday.
Day 1: All Mankind, Especially All Sinners
Intention: “Today bring to Me all mankind, especially all sinners, and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. In this way you will console Me in the bitter grief into which the loss of souls plunges Me.”
Prayer:
Most Merciful Jesus, whose nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins, but on the trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love for the Heavenly Father and by the bitter Passion through which You passed for us.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all immersed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy for ever and ever. Amen.
(Follow with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy)
Day 2: The Souls of Priests and Religious
Intention: “Today bring to Me the Souls of Priests and Religious, and immerse them in My unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave Me strength to endure My bitter Passion. Through them as through channels, My mercy flows out upon mankind.”
Prayer:
Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service, that they may perform worthy and zealous acts of mercy; and that the words and example of their lives may be a powerful witness to others in leading them to Divine Mercy.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard—upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages unending. Amen.
(Follow with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy)
Day 3: All Devout and Faithful Souls
Intention: “Today bring to Me all Devout and Faithful Souls, and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. These souls brought consolation to Me on the Way of the Cross. They were that drop of consolation in the midst of a sea of bitterness.”
Prayer:
Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of whose mercy we draw all graces for all eternity, receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your wondrous love for the Heavenly Father, by which You burn so ardently for us.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection, that they may never lose the ardor of love or fail in holy perseverance, but, with the angelic choirs, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for ever and ever. Amen.
(Follow with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy)
Day 4: Non-believers and Those Who Do Not Yet Know Jesus
Intention: “Today bring to Me those who do not believe in God and those who do not yet know Me. I was thinking of them during My bitter Passion, and their future zeal comforted My Heart. Immerse them in the ocean of My mercy.”
Prayer:
Most Merciful Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who do not believe in God and of those who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may praise Your wondrous mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who do not believe in You, and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. For the love of the bitter Passion of Your Son, deliver them from all darkness that they may glorify Your boundless mercy for ever and ever. Amen.
(Follow with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy)
Day 5: Heretics and Schismatics
Intention: “Today bring to Me the Souls of Heretics and Schismatics, and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. During My bitter Passion they tore My Body and Heart, that is, My Church. As they return to unity with the Church, My wounds heal and My Passion is eased.”
Prayer:
Most Merciful Jesus, You are Goodness Itself; You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of heretics and schismatics. Draw them by Your light into the Church’s unity, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, but bring them to glorify the generosity of Your mercy.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of heretics and schismatics, who have squandered Your blessings and abused Your graces by obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but on the love of Your own Son and on His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they also are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Grant that they may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.
(Follow with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy)
Day 6: The Meek and Humble Souls and the Souls of Little Children
Intention: “Today bring to Me the Meek and Humble Souls and the Souls of Little Children, and immerse them in My mercy. These souls most closely resemble My Heart. They strengthened Me during My bitter agony. I saw them as earthly Angels, who would keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them torrents of grace. Only a humble soul is able to receive My grace. I favor humble souls with My confidence.”
Prayer:
Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said, “Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart.” Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls delight all heaven, and they are the Heavenly Father’s favorites. They are a fragrant bouquet before the throne of God, whose fragrance gladdens God Himself. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek souls, upon humble souls, and upon little children who are enfolded in the abode of the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth to Your very throne. Father of Mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight You take in them, bless the whole world, that all souls may together sing out the praises of Your mercy for ever and ever. Amen.
(Follow with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy)
Day 7: The Souls Who Especially Honor and Glorify Jesus' Mercy
Intention: “Today bring to Me the Souls who especially venerate and glorify My Mercy, and immerse them in My mercy. These souls sorrowed most over My Passion and entered most deeply into My spirit. They are living reflections of My Compassionate Heart. These souls will shine with a special brightness in the next life. Not one of them will go into the fire of hell. I will particularly defend each one of them at the hour of death.”
Prayer:
Most Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Your mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God. In all afflictions and adversities, they go forward, confident of Your mercy; and united to You, O Jesus, they carry all humanity on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but Your mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your greatest attribute—Your fathomless mercy—and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy, and their spirit, overflowing with joy, sings a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High! I beg You for Your great mercy: Show them mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You. Let the promise of Jesus, who said that souls who venerate His boundless mercy would be saved, be fulfilled in them. Amen.
(Follow with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy)
Day 8: The Souls in Purgatory
Intention: “Today bring to Me the Souls who are in Purgatory, and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are greatly loved by Me. They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only knew the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them alms of the spirit and pay off their debt to My justice.”
Prayer:
Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet, who must make retribution to Your justice. Let the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart extinguish the flames of Purgatory, that there, too, the power of Your mercy may be praised.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded, manifest Your mercy to those souls who are now making retribution to Your justice. Do not look upon them other than through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen.
(Follow with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy)
Day 9: Lukewarm Souls
Intention: “Today bring to Me Lukewarm Souls, and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. These souls wound My Heart most painfully. My soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls. It was on account of them that I said: ‘My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass Me by.’ The last hope of salvation for them is to flee to My mercy.”
Prayer:
Most Merciful Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your pure love, let these tepid souls who, like corpses, fill You with such deep revulsion, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love, and grant that they may be consumed with love for You, for You are all Holy Love.
Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross, let them glorify the abyss of Your mercy. Amen.
(Follow with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy)
When to Pray the Divine Mercy Novena
The Divine Mercy Novena officially begins on Good Friday and concludes on the Saturday before Divine Mercy Sunday. However, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and the spirit of the novena can be prayed at any time during the year for various intentions.
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy
The Chaplet is a key component of the Novena, but it can also be prayed independently. Jesus dictated the Chaplet to Saint Faustina, promising great graces to those who recite it. It is typically prayed using rosary beads, meditating on the Passion of Jesus and offering His Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity in atonement for sins.
"Jesus, I Trust in You!"
This simple yet profound phrase is the core of the Divine Mercy message. It's a prayer of complete surrender and confidence in God's infinite love and mercy, especially in times of trial. As you pray the novena, let this spirit of trust permeate your heart and mind.
Conclusion
The Divine Mercy Novena is a timeless devotion, inviting us to draw closer to the heart of Jesus, who is Mercy Incarnate. By praying it day by day, we not only intercede for the world but also open ourselves to receive the profound graces and limitless compassion that flow from His Divine Mercy. Embrace this spiritual journey and experience the transformative power of God's love.
