Divine Mercy Novena: 9 Days of Prayer & Intentions
Pray the Divine Mercy Novena with the nine daily intentions given to Saint Faustina, a short prayer for each day, and when to begin.
Opening Prayer for Each Day
Jesus, You opened the ocean of Your mercy for the whole world. For these nine days I come to the fount of that mercy, bringing with me the people You ask me to remember. I do not trust in my own goodness, but in Yours. Receive my prayers, forgive what needs forgiving, and pour out Your grace on those I name. After each day's prayer, I pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.
Day 1: All Mankind, Especially Sinners
Jesus, whose nature is to have compassion and to forgive, do not look at our sins but at the trust we place in You. Today I bring You all people, and especially those who feel far from You. Gather us into Your merciful Heart and do not let us wander from it. Jesus, I trust in You.
Day 2: Priests and Religious
Merciful Jesus, from You comes all that is good. Today I bring You priests, deacons, sisters, brothers and all who have given their lives to Your service. Strengthen them when they are tired, protect them when they are tempted, and let Your mercy flow to others through them. Jesus, I trust in You.
Day 3: All Devout and Faithful Souls
Jesus, You give Your graces in abundance. Today I bring You those who pray, who go to Mass, and who try to love You faithfully. Keep them steady in hope, make them tender toward others, and guard the gift of faith in them. Jesus, I trust in You.
Day 4: Those Who Do Not Believe in God or Do Not Yet Know Jesus
Jesus, Light of the world, You refuse no one who is seeking. Today I bring You those who do not believe and those who have never heard Your name. Meet them where they are, answer their honest questions, and draw them gently toward You. Jesus, I trust in You.
Day 5: Those Separated From the Church
Jesus, goodness itself, You do not turn away anyone who looks for the light. Today I bring You Christians who are divided and those who have left the Church. Heal what has been broken and lead us toward the unity You prayed for. Jesus, I trust in You.
Day 6: The Meek, the Humble and Little Children
Jesus, meek and humble of heart, today I bring You children and all who are gentle and lowly. Protect their innocence, bless their families, and teach me to receive Your mercy with a child's trust. Jesus, I trust in You.
Day 7: Those Who Venerate and Glorify God's Mercy
Merciful Jesus, today I bring You those who honor Your mercy and spread this devotion. Fill them with joy, make them generous with forgiveness, and let their lives point others to You. Jesus, I trust in You.
Day 8: The Souls in Purgatory
Jesus, today I bring You the souls in purgatory, especially those no one remembers. Let Your mercy comfort and cleanse them, and bring them soon into the joy of Your presence. Give rest to my loved ones who have died. Jesus, I trust in You.
Day 9: Souls Who Have Become Lukewarm
Jesus, today I bring You the tired, the distracted and the indifferent, and I include my own cold moments. Stir up in us the love we once had, and do not let us settle for a faith that has gone quiet. Jesus, I trust in You.
What the Divine Mercy Novena Is and How to Pray It
The Divine Mercy Novena is a nine-day prayer that Saint Faustina Kowalska recorded in her Diary, where she described Jesus asking that each day be given to a different group of souls (Diary, entries 1209-1230). It begins on Good Friday and ends on the eve of Divine Mercy Sunday, the Sunday after Easter. Day 1 falls on Good Friday and Day 9 on Easter Saturday.
How to pray it each day:
- Pray the opening prayer above.
- Pray the day's intention and prayer.
- Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy on rosary beads.
The nine intentions above follow the Diary. The traditional wording of each day's prayer is long and is printed in Marian and parish booklets. The short prayers on this page are our own, written for each intention, so you can use them alone or beside the traditional text.
When to pray it: the novena is especially prayed beginning on Good Friday, but it can be prayed at any time of year. If you start on another date, simply pray all nine days in order.
Scripture to Pray With
The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
Psalm 103:8 (KJV)
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
Ephesians 2:4-5 (KJV)
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Divine Mercy Novena start?
It starts on Good Friday and ends the day before Divine Mercy Sunday, the Sunday after Easter. In 2026, Good Friday is April 3 and Divine Mercy Sunday is April 12.
Can you pray the Divine Mercy Novena at any time of year?
Yes. It is especially prayed from Good Friday, but many people pray it on any nine days, for example before a difficult season or for a loved one.
Do you have to pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy with the novena?
The novena is traditionally prayed with the chaplet each day, after that day's intention and prayer. Praying them together is the usual practice.
Who gave us the Divine Mercy Novena?
Saint Faustina Kowalska recorded the nine intentions in her Diary, Divine Mercy in My Soul, as words she received from Jesus.
How long does the Divine Mercy Novena take each day?
The chaplet takes about ten minutes, so the whole daily prayer usually takes fifteen minutes or less.
Last updated 2026-10-17