# Seeking divine mercy and praying for the sick
*2021-08-30*

> Bill Young and John O'Rourke gather for a series of traditional Catholic devotions, including the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and prayers for the souls in purgatory.

## Prayers for the Souls in Purgatory

We begin our time together with a prayer for the souls in purgatory. We ask the Lord God Almighty, by the precious body and blood of His divine Son, Jesus, to deliver the souls of purgatory—especially those most devoted to this mystery of infinite love—that they may ever praise the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in glory.

## The Chaplet of Divine Mercy

As it is the 3 o'clock hour, we pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. We begin by invoking the ocean of mercy to open up for the whole world, trusting in the blood and water that gushed forth from the heart of Jesus. Following the Our Father, Hail Mary, and the De Profundis (Psalm 130), we recite the Apostles' Creed.

During the Chaplet, we offer the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world, specifically for the sake of His sorrowful passion. We conclude by proclaiming the holiness of God: 'Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.'

## Novena to Divine Mercy: Day Four

Today marks the fourth day of the Novena to Divine Mercy. On this day, Jesus asks us to bring Him those who do not believe in God and those who do not yet know Him. We pray that the rays of grace may enlighten them so that they, too, may exult in His wonderful mercy and find a home in His most compassionate heart.

## Intercessions for the Sick and Suffering

We offer a special intention today for Anna, a friend and fellow member of the Legion of Mary, who is undergoing a medical procedure. We pray for her bodily health to be restored so that she may continue her dedicated service to the Church of St. David and the Blessed Mother.

In times of suffering, we recall the prayer given by Our Lady of Fatima to the children on July 13, 1917: 'O Jesus, this is for the love of You, for the conversion of poor sinners, and in reparation for the offenses committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.' We offer up our own mortifications and sufferings for the conversion of sinners.

## Thanksgiving for the Blessed Sacrament

As part of our Thursday devotion to the Most Blessed Sacrament, we offer a prayer of thanksgiving for Christ's presence on the altar. We thank the Divine Redeemer who, in His love, became like us and continues to present Himself on the altars as the food for our souls. We praise Him for remaining with us forever under the appearance of bread.

*By offering our sufferings and praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, we can intercede for the conversion of sinners and the healing of the sick.*