# The Universal Prayer‑Novena to Divine Mercy for All Mankind
*2022-08-03*

> Bill Young and John O'Rourke lead a day‑by‑day novena of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, offering prayers for all people, especially sinners, and conclude with a powerful universal prayer.

## Opening and Intentions

Bill welcomes listeners and notes that August is dedicated to God the Father. He invites John to join via Zoom and they begin with a brief intention: “Lord God Almighty, we ask for the precious blood of Jesus, shed on the Cross, to deliver the souls of the faithful, especially those who are suffering the most, that they may soon praise You in glory.”

## The Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Bill and John recite the opening prayer of the Chaplet: “You expired, Jesus, but the source of life, the Ocean of Mercy, opens for the whole world. Blood and water flow from the Heart of Jesus, a mercy for us. We trust in You.”

They continue with the Our Father, Hail Mary, and the Apostles’ Creed, followed by the repeated invocation: “Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood of Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, for the sorrowful passion. Have mercy on us and on the whole world.” The phrase is repeated several times, emphasizing the need for divine mercy for all humanity.

After the chaplet, they pray a short closing prayer: “Eternal God, whose mercy is endless, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that we may not despair in difficult moments but trust in Your holy will, which is love and mercy itself. Amen.”

## Day One of the Novena: Prayer for All Mankind

Bill leads the first day’s prayer: “Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind, especially all sinners. Immerse us in the ocean of Your mercy so that we may be consoled in our grief for lost souls. Most merciful Jesus, whose nature is compassion, look not upon our sin but upon the trust we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us into the heart of Your compassion and never let us stray.”

## The Universal Prayer (Pope Clement XI)

John recites the universal prayer attributed to Pope Clement XI: 
“Lord, I believe in You. Increase my faith. Strengthen my trust. Help me love You more each day. I am sorry for my sins; deepen my sorrow. Guide me with Your vision, correct me with justice, comfort me with mercy, protect me with power. Fix my thoughts on You, my words to honor You, my actions to reflect Your love. May my sufferings be offered for Your glory. Enlighten my understanding, strengthen my will, and make me holy. Help me repent, resist temptation, and grow stronger as a Christian. Teach me to love all people, to conquer anger with gentleness, greed with generosity, and to be patient in suffering and prosperous in humility. Keep me attentive in prayer, temperate in food and drink, diligent in work, and firm in good intentions. May my conscience be clear, my speech blameless, my life well‑ordered, and my love for You ever deepening. Amen.”

## Final Thanksgiving and Closing

Bill offers a short thanksgiving prayer: “Thank you, O God, for hearing my prayer. Thank you, Father, for Your kindness and love, for protecting me despite my sinfulness, and for the grace of the Holy Spirit that renews my life. May my life be a sign of gratitude. Amen.”

Bill thanks John for his beautiful prayers, reminds listeners that they can join future Zoom sessions, and provides his email for comments. He closes with a blessing: “God bless you all. Have a great day.”

*May the Ocean of Divine Mercy wash over every sinner, drawing all souls into the love of Christ.*