# Praying for Orlando: A Novena to Divine Mercy
*2016-06-12*

> Bill Young leads a heartfelt novena prayer for the victims of the Orlando tragedy, reflecting on the Our Father, Hail Mary, and the Apostles’ Creed while asking for God’s mercy and healing.

## Opening Prayer

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among 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.

## The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the power of 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, ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father. He will come again 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.

## Personal Petition and Novena Prayer

My Jesus, my sorrow is great. I have offended You many times, yet with the heart of the Father you have forgiven me. You promised, “Ask, and it will be given to you.” I turn to Your merciful love, asking for the grace to change my life, to bear witness to my faith through works, and to be set afire with Your love.

Lord, give us this day our daily bread—not only the physical food we need, but the blessed sacrament, the Eucharist, which nourishes our souls. May we receive it with humility, trusting wholly on God for body and soul.

In this time of tribulation, grant clemency to the poor and suffering. Forgive my faults, and, if it be for Your glory, grant the desires of my heart. We especially pray for those killed and injured in Orlando, and for their families and friends. May God’s love and mercy cover them.

## Prayer for Healing and Renewal

Jesus, source of life, grant that I may drink the living water of Your love, that I may never thirst again. Flood me with Your mercy, cleanse me with the water from Your side, and renew me by the blood of Your sacrifice. Fill me with the Holy Spirit, purifying my body and soul.

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done; give us this day our daily bread; forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

*May the prayers of this novena bring comfort to the wounded and hope to all who suffer.*