# Prayer for Priests and Religious – Second Day of the Divine Mercy Novena
*2022-08-03*

> Bill Young and John O'Rourke lead a Chaplet of Divine Mercy, pray the novena for priests and religious, and offer a special prayer for all clergy and religious.

## Opening and Opening Prayer

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young with co‑host John O’Rourke. It’s August 3, a Wednesday, and we’re beginning our 3 o’clock hour with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. We start in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Almighty God, we ask you to pour out your mercy on the souls in purgatory, especially those who have served the Church in America. May your divine light shine upon them and grant them eternal rest. Amen.

## Chaplet of Divine Mercy

We begin with the opening prayer:

“Jesus, source of all souls, open the ocean of your mercy to the whole world. O fountain of life, pour out your blood and water, the fountain of mercy for us. We trust in you.”

We then pray the Our Father, Hail Mary, the Glory Be, and the Apostles’ Creed. Afterward we recite the prayers of the Chaplet, offering the Body and Blood of Christ for the forgiveness of sins and for the whole world. We repeat the invocation of Divine Mercy, “Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood of your beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, for the salvation of the world. Have mercy on us and on the whole world,” several times, as the chaplet beads guide us.

## Novena Prayer for Priests and Religious (Second Day)

We now pray the second day of the Divine Mercy Novena, focusing on priests and religious:

“Most merciful Jesus, from whom all goodness flows, increase your grace in men and women consecrated to your service, that they may perform worthy works of mercy. May all who see them glorify the Father of mercy in heaven. Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon the chosen ones in your vineyard, upon the souls of priests and religious, and strengthen them with your blessings. Grant them the power and life to guide others to salvation, that they may sing praise to your boundless mercy forever. Amen.”

## Special Prayer for All Clergy

Bill offers a heartfelt prayer for every priest, deacon, religious brother or sister, and all who serve the Church:

“Almighty and eternal God, look upon the face of your Christ, our High Priest. Have mercy on our ministers. Remember that they are weak and fragile creatures; keep alive in them the fire of your love. Keep them united to you so that the enemy may not prevail against them, and may they never become unworthy of the calling you have given them. Lord, hear the prayers of the faithful for the devoted pastors, for those who are ill, lonely, or suffering, for the young and the old, for those who have fallen away, and for all who have given you their lives in service. Grant them great graces for this life and eternity. Amen.”

## Litany of Divine Mercy and Closing Prayer

We continue with the Litany of Divine Mercy, responding each time, “I trust in you.” The litany praises God’s infinite mercy, its mystery, and its reach to all creation.

We close with a final prayer:

“Eternal God, whose mercy is endless, look kindly upon us and increase your mercy within us. In moments of difficulty may we not despair, but trust fully in your holy will, which is love and mercy itself. Amen.”

We thank listeners, invite comments via email, and encourage everyone to pray for their priests, deacons, religious, and all who bring the sacraments to the faithful.

*May we always remember to pray for the clergy and religious, whose ministry sustains the Church’s mission of mercy.*