# First Day of the Divine Mercy Novena
*2018-03-30*

> Bill Young introduces the first day of the Divine Mercy Novena, offering the prescribed prayers and reflecting on God's boundless compassion for all sinners.

## Opening and Context

Good morning, I’m Bill Young, and welcome to Prayer & Lunch. Today is Good Friday of Lent, and we begin the first day of the Divine Mercy Novena. The Church recommends praying the novena together with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, especially before the Feast of Divine Mercy.

## Invocation of Mercy

Lord Jesus, bring all mankind, especially all sinners, into the ocean of Your mercy. May we console You in the bitter grief caused by the loss of souls. Most merciful Jesus, whose nature is compassion and forgiveness, do not look upon our sins with condemnation but replace them with Your infinite goodness. Receive us into the abundance of Your most compassionate heart and never let us stray from it. We ask this through Your love, which unites You with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

## Prayer to the Father

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind, especially upon poor sinners, enfolded in the most compassionate heart of Jesus. For the sake of His powerful Passion, show us Your mercy so that we may praise You, the source of mercy, forever and ever.

*May the mercy of Christ draw every soul into His loving embrace.*