# The Prayer of St. Gertrude the Great
*2014-12-01*

> Bill Young introduces the traditional prayer of St. Gertrude the Great, which is said to release a thousand souls from purgatory each time it is recited, and shares the full text of the prayer.

## Introducing St. Gertrude’s Prayer

Hi, this is Bill Young, and welcome to Prayer and Lunch. Today I want to share a beautiful prayer I found at church, attributed to St. Gertrude the Great. Tradition holds that this prayer can release a thousand souls from purgatory each time it is said, extending its benefits to the living as well.

## The Prayer

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the most precious blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal Church, for those in my home and within my family.

## Reflection

St. Gertrude reminds us that our prayers for the dead are a powerful act of charity. By offering the sacrifice of Christ’s blood on our behalf, we join the communion of saints and participate in the Church’s mission of intercession. Each time we pray this prayer, we unite our own petitions with the great mystery of the Eucharist, opening a channel of grace for those who have not yet attained the beatific vision.

*Our prayers for the souls in purgatory unite us with the sacrifice of Christ and can bring great mercy to the departed.*