# Day Four of the Divine Mercy Novena: Praying for Those Who Have Separated from the Church
*2018-04-03*

> Bill Young leads the fourth day of the Divine Mercy Novena, focusing on praying for souls who have left the Church, and shares the chaplet, prayers, and a heartfelt petition for their return.

## Opening and Context

Good morning, I’m Bill Young, and welcome to Prayer and Lunch. Today we continue the Divine Mercy Novena, specifically the day for the souls who have separated themselves from the Church. Many of us have family members or friends in that situation, so this prayer is especially needed.

## The Chaplet of Divine Mercy

We begin with the traditional chaplet:

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 follows, affirming our belief in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.

## Offering the Eucharistic Prayer

Eternal Father, we offer You the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Your beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and for the sins of the whole world. May the mercy of His Passion reach those who have turned away, that they may be drawn back into the unity of the Church.

## Petition for the Separated Souls

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon those who have separated themselves from Your Church. Do not focus on their errors, but on the love of Your Son, who suffered the bitter Passion for their sake. Draw them into the light of Your compassion, that they may return to the communion of the faithful and share in the endless mercy of Christ. Amen.

## Closing Prayer

Eternal God, whose mercy knows no bounds, look kindly upon us. Increase Your mercy within us so that in difficult moments we do not despair but submit ourselves with confidence to Your holy will, which is love and mercy itself. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

May you have a blessed Wednesday.

*Through prayer we entrust those who have left the Church to Christ’s infinite mercy, hoping they will be drawn back into communion.*