Prayed on ordinary rosary beads, the Chaplet to the Divine Mercy is an intercessory prayer that extends the offering of the Eucharist, so it is especially appropriate to use it after having received Holy Communion at Holy Mass. It may be said at any time. It is likewise appropriate to pray the Chaplet during the Hour of Great Mercy – Three o’clock each afternoon (recalling the time of Christ’s death on the cross).

Optional Opening Prayers

(said while holding the first bead on the rosary, traditionally used for the Our Father when praying the rosary)
You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.

(O Blood and Water – repeat three times)
O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You!

On the next three beads
The Our Father,
Hail Mary,
Apostle’s Creed.

On the large bead before each decade
Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

Once on each of the ten small beads
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Concluding Prayer
(after five decades, repeat three times)
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and the whole world.

Optional Closing Prayer
Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion — inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself.