Inspired by the visions and teachings of Saint Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun who was called to foster devotion to Divine Mercy, the Divine Mercy Prayer at three o’clock is a potent ritual. Known as the “Hour of Mercy,” this prayer is a time to consider the suffering endured by Jesus Christ and to seek His forgiveness for everyone.
Catholics and Christians around the world pause to pray at exactly 3 p.m. in observance of the great significance of Christ’s atoning death on the cross. Christians use the three o’clock hour, sometimes referred to as the “Hour of Great Mercy,” to ask for forgiveness, invoke God’s mercy, and pray for both individual and planetary healing.
The Significance of the Divine Mercy Prayer at 3 o’clock
For Christians, particularly those who adhere to the teachings of St. Faustina Kowalska, the Divine Mercy Prayer at three o’clock has significant spiritual meaning. This particular period, referred to as the “Hour of Mercy,” is thought to have occurred when Jesus Christ offered the world the greatest act of kindness by dying on the cross.
Christians consider Jesus’ sacrifice and invoke God’s boundless mercy for both themselves and others by praying at this hour. The prayer is a potent tool for asking for protection, forgiveness, and healing. It reminds people of God’s unending love and extends an invitation to become closer to Him via prayer and faith.
How to Pray the Divine Mercy Prayer at the Hour of Mercy
Divine Mercy Prayers at 3 o’clock
Prayer for Forgiveness
“Jesus, at this hour of Your death, I ask You to wash me clean in Your precious blood.”
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” – 1 John 1:9
Prayer for Mercy on the World
“Lord, pour out Your Divine Mercy upon the whole world, especially those who do not know You.”
“Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us.” – Psalm 123:3
Prayer for Healing
“Jesus, in Your great mercy, heal my heart, my mind, and my body.”
“By His wounds, we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5
Prayer for the Dying
“Lord, embrace those who are dying this hour with Your mercy and grant them peace.”
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants.” – Psalm 116:15
Prayer for Family Protection
“Cover my family with Your divine mercy and protect us from harm.”
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:15
Prayer for a Pure Heart
“Jesus, cleanse my heart of pride and sin, and fill it with love and mercy.”
“Create in me a pure heart, O God.” – Psalm 51:10
Prayer for Grace to Forgive Others
“Lord, help me to show mercy as You have shown me.”
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” – Matthew 5:7
Prayer for Peace
“In this hour of mercy, fill my heart and this world with Your peace.”
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you.” – John 14:27
Prayer for Faith
“Jesus, help my unbelief. Strengthen my faith through Your mercy.”
“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” – Mark 9:24
Prayer for Trust in God
“Jesus, I trust in You, even when I don’t understand Your ways.”
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” – Proverbs 3:5
Prayer for the Church
“Lord, have mercy on Your Church. Keep it holy and united in You.”
“So in Christ, we, though many, form one body.” – Romans 12:5
Prayer for the Poor and Needy
“Jesus, show Your mercy to those in need. Provide, protect, and bless them.”
“Blessed is he who has regard for the weak.” – Psalm 41:1
Prayer for Guidance
“At this hour, Lord, guide my steps and light my path in Your mercy.”
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” – Psalm 119:105
Prayer for Strength in Trials
“Jesus, strengthen me through Your mercy when I face suffering.”
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
Prayer for Unity in the World
“Bring peace and unity among nations through Your merciful heart.”
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” – Psalm 133:1
Prayer for Repentance
“Lord, break my heart for what breaks Yours. Grant me true repentance.”
“Repent and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out.” – Acts 3:19
Prayer for Deliverance from Evil
“Jesus, deliver me and my loved ones from every evil through Your mercy.”
“Deliver us from evil.” – Matthew 6:13
Prayer for Hope
“At the hour of mercy, renew my spirit and restore my hope.”
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace.” – Romans 15:13
Prayer for Souls in Purgatory
“Have mercy, Lord, on the holy souls in purgatory. May they rest in Your peace.”
“It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead.” – 2 Maccabees 12:46
Prayer of Praise and Thanksgiving
“Thank you, Jesus, for the gift of Your Divine Mercy. I will praise You forever.”
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” – Psalm 136:1
Summary
The Hour of Great Mercy, or the Divine Mercy Prayer, is a holy time designated to commemorate Jesus Christ’s death and call upon His boundless compassion. It is spoken at three o’clock. With the aid of Bible scriptures, these 20 potent prayers are designed to assist believers in seeking God’s grace, forgiveness, protection, and healing—not only for themselves but also for the world, the sick, and the dying.
We line our hearts with God’s kindness and welcome His divine intervention into every aspect of life by turning to these scripture-based prayers every day at 3 PM.
