# Fifth Day of the Novena to Divine Mercy
*2022-10-02*

> Bill Young leads the fifth day of the Divine Mercy Novena, praying for those who have drifted away from the Church and asking God to draw them back into His merciful love.

## Opening Prayer

Good afternoon, this is Bill Young, and welcome to Prayer at Lunch. Today we continue the Divine Mercy Novena on its fifth day. We pray for the souls who have separated themselves from the Church—our prodigal sons and daughters—asking that they be immersed in the ocean of God's mercy.

## Petition for the Estranged

Lord Jesus, in your Passion you bore the wounds of our sins. We ask that your merciful heart draw to you those who have turned away from the Church. May your light bring them back into unity with the Body of Christ, so that their wounds may be healed and they may experience the fullness of your goodness.

## Prayer for Compassionate Conversion

Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon those who have left your Son’s Church, who have squandered blessings and persisted in error. Do not focus on their sins, but on the love of your Son and his bitter Passion, which he endured for their sake. May your compassionate heart bring them back to the unity of the Church.

## Closing Reflection

We trust that the Divine Mercy will reach even the most distant hearts, drawing them home to glorify God’s generosity and love.

*May the mercy of Christ bring every{unclear} who has drifted away back into the loving embrace of the Church.*