# Eternal Father, Have Mercy on All Souls
*2022-09-24*

> Bill Young shares a brief yet powerful prayer invoking God’s mercy for all souls, reminding us that the time of justice has not yet arrived but the time of mercy is still here.

## Introducing the Prayer

Good afternoon, I’m Bill Young, and welcome to episode 181 of Prayer and Lunch. Today’s lunchtime prayer is titled “Eternal Father, Have Mercy on All Souls.” It’s a short prayer, but it carries a deep reminder that God’s mercy extends to every sinner, even as we await the final day of justice.

## The Meaning Behind the Words

The prayer asks God to have mercy on all souls and to remember that the time of justice has not yet come, while the time of mercy is still present. It urges us to treat each day as if it could be our last, to repent, seek forgiveness, and commit ourselves to living according to God’s commandments.

## The Prayer Itself

Eternal Father, who for the love of mankind gave your only Son to die for us—through His blood, His merits, and His heart—have mercy on the whole world. Forgive all sins that are committed. Receive the humble offering which your chosen souls have presented to you. Unite them with the merits of your Divine Son, that they may obtain great salvation. O Eternal Father, have mercy on all souls, and remember that the time of justice has not yet come, but the time of mercy is still here. Amen.

## Living in Mercy

If the world were to end today, we could ask the Heavenly Father for one more day to repent and do His will. While we do have time, it is not endless. Let us therefore live each day in the awareness of God’s mercy, turning to Him with humility and hope.

*God’s mercy is ever‑present; we are called to repent now, while the time of mercy still lasts.*