Litany of the Divine Mercy
The Litany of the Divine Mercy, also called the Litany of Divine Mercy, draws the heart toward Jesus, whose mercy is greater than every sin, fear, and wound. Through its petitions, the faithful praise the mercy of God, seek His help, and place their lives and the needs of others into His loving care. This page presents the full prayer, explains its meaning, and offers guidance for praying it with faith, humility, and trust.
What Is the Litany of Divine Mercy?
The Litany of Divine Mercy is a Catholic prayer of praise, trust, and petition centered on the mercy of God revealed through Jesus Christ. Like other litanies, it is formed from a series of brief invocations followed by a repeated response. Each invocation names a different way Divine Mercy is made known, while the faithful answer with the words, “I trust in You.”
The prayer presents Divine Mercy as active throughout the whole work of salvation. It recalls God’s mercy in creation, in the coming of Christ, in His Passion and death, in the Church, in the sacraments, and in the conversion of sinners. It also calls upon Divine Mercy for those who suffer, those nearing death, and the souls being purified for Heaven.
The repeated response is more than a spoken refrain. Each “I trust in You” becomes a personal act of faith in Jesus. The person praying places sin, fear, weakness, sorrow, and every need into the hands of the Savior, trusting that His grace is greater than human misery.
Divine Mercy does not excuse sin or remove the need for repentance. God’s mercy calls the sinner to turn away from sin, receive forgiveness, and begin again with His help. Through this litany, the faithful praise God for His mercy while asking for the grace to trust Him more fully.
Litany of Divine Mercy (Full Text)
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
Divine Mercy, greatest attribute of God, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, incomprehensible mystery, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, fountain gushing forth from the mystery of the Most Blessed Trinity, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, unfathomable by any intellect, human or angelic, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, from which wells forth all life and happiness, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, better than the heavens, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, source of miracles and wonders, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, encompassing the whole universe, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, descending to earth in the Person of the Incarnate Word, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, which flowed out from the open wound of the Heart of Jesus, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, enclosed in the Heart of Jesus for us, and especially for sinners, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, unfathomed in the institution of the Sacred Host, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, in the founding of Holy Church, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, in our justification through Jesus Christ, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, accompanying us through our whole life, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, embracing us especially at the hour of death, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, endowing us with immortal life, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, accompanying us every moment of our life, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, shielding us from the fire of hell, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, in the conversion of hardened sinners, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, astonishment for Angels, incomprehensible to Saints, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, unfathomed in all the mysteries of God, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, lifting us out of every misery, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, source of our happiness and joy, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, in calling us forth from nothingness to existence, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, embracing all the works of His hands, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, crown of all of God’s handiwork, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, in which we are all immersed, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, sweet relief for anguished hearts, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, only hope of despairing souls, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, repose of hearts, peace amidst fear, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, delight and ecstasy of holy souls, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, inspiring hope against all hope, I trust in You.
Let us pray
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. Amen.
Source: Diary of Saint Faustina Kowalska, Entry #949.
How to Pray the Litany of Divine Mercy
The Litany of Divine Mercy may be prayed alone, with family members, or with a larger group. No special materials are required, although having the full prayer in print or on a screen makes it easier to follow. It may be prayed on its own or together with other Divine Mercy prayers, such as the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.
Before beginning, the person praying should become quiet and place a clear intention before Jesus. The litany may be offered for personal needs, the conversion of sinners, someone who is sick or dying, the souls in Purgatory, or any person in need of God’s mercy. The Sign of the Cross may then be made as the prayer begins.
When the litany is prayed in a group, one person reads each invocation, and the others respond. When praying alone, the same person reads both parts. The opening petitions are followed by the invocations of Divine Mercy, with the response, “I trust in You.” The prayer then continues through the Lamb of God petitions and concludes with the closing prayer.
The words should be prayed slowly enough for their meaning to reach the heart. The repeated response, “I trust in You,” should not become a hurried phrase. Each repetition is a new act of surrender in which fear, sin, sorrow, and every need are placed before Jesus.
The litany may be prayed at any time, especially during personal prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, times of trouble, or when someone has a special need for grace. After the closing prayer, the person may remain silent for a moment, thank Jesus for His mercy, and end with the Sign of the Cross.
Meaning of the Litany of Divine Mercy
The Litany of Divine Mercy reveals how God’s mercy reaches every part of human life. Each invocation points to a gift of grace flowing from the Heart of Jesus, while the repeated response, “I trust in You,” calls the soul to place itself fully in His care. Understanding these words can help the faithful pray the litany with greater faith, love, and confidence in Christ.
Opening Petitions to the Holy Trinity
The litany begins with the prayers, “Lord, have mercy,” and “Christ, have mercy.” These opening petitions place the person praying before God with humility. They acknowledge that every soul needs Their forgiveness, healing, and grace. Before praising the many works of Divine Mercy, the faithful first ask the Lord to look upon them with compassion.
The prayer then calls upon God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Each divine Person is named, yet the prayer closes these invocations with the words, “Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.” This expresses the Catholic faith that there is only one God in three distinct Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
These petitions also show that Divine Mercy comes from the one Triune God. The Father sent His Son for the salvation of the human race. The Son offered Himself upon the Cross and rose from the dead. The Holy Spirit brings the grace of Christ into souls, strengthens faith, and leads the sinner toward repentance and new life.
By beginning with the Holy Trinity, the litany places every petition that follows within the heart of the Christian faith. The person praying approaches God with reverence, admits the need for mercy, and prepares to answer each invocation with trust.
Divine Mercy as the Greatest Attribute of God
When the litany calls Divine Mercy the greatest attribute of God, it points to the way God reveals His love toward sinful and suffering humanity. Every divine attribute is perfect and without limit. God is equally holy, just, wise, powerful, loving, and merciful. His mercy is called the greatest because it is the highest expression of His love as it reaches down to forgive, heal, and raise those who cannot save themselves.
Divine Mercy is not separate from God’s justice. Mercy does not pretend that sin is harmless or that repentance is not needed. Rather, God’s mercy meets the sinner in misery, offers forgiveness through Christ, and gives the grace needed to turn away from sin. At the Cross, divine justice and mercy meet: Jesus bears the price of sin and opens the way for sinners to return to the Father.
Scripture shows that God’s mercy extends over all He has made: “The Lord is sweet to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works” (Psalm 144:9, Douay-Rheims). His mercy is seen in creation, in His patience with sinners, in the Incarnation, in the Passion of Christ, and in the forgiveness offered through the sacraments.
The response, “I trust in You,” is therefore an answer to God’s merciful love. The faithful acknowledge their weakness without falling into despair. They place their hope in Jesus, confident that no repentant sinner is beyond the reach of His mercy and that His grace is stronger than every wound, fear, and failure.
Divine Mercy in Creation and Human Life
Divine Mercy is present from the first moment of creation. God did not create because He lacked anything or needed the human race. He freely gave existence out of love, forming every person in His image and calling each soul to share eternal life with Him. Scripture says, “And God saw all the things that he had made, and they were very good” (Genesis 1:31, Douay-Rheims).
Human life remains a gift of God’s mercy from conception until natural death. Every person has worth that does not depend upon health, age, ability, wealth, or the approval of others. The unborn child, the poor, the sick, the disabled, the elderly, and the dying all bear the image of their Creator. God’s mercy calls the faithful to recognize this dignity and to care for human life with patience, compassion, and love.
Divine Mercy is also seen in God’s daily care. He sustains life, provides the gifts of creation, gives strength in hardship, and places other people along the path to offer help and comfort. Many of these gifts may seem ordinary, yet each breath, each new day, and every chance to love or begin again comes from His generous hand.
After sin entered human life, God did not abandon His children. He continued to seek them, call them to repentance, and prepare the way for salvation through Jesus Christ. Even human weakness can become a place where mercy is received, because it teaches the soul to depend upon God rather than upon its own strength.
When the litany praises Divine Mercy in creation and human life, it invites the faithful to see all life as a gift. The response, “I trust in You,” becomes an act of gratitude for the life God has given and an act of surrender to His care through every joy, trial, and stage of the human journey.
Divine Mercy Flowing from the Wounds and Sacred Heart of Jesus
Divine Mercy flows from the wounds of Jesus because His Passion reveals the full measure of God’s saving love. Christ freely accepted suffering and death for the forgiveness of sins. His pierced hands, feet, and side show that mercy is not only a kind feeling toward sinners; it is love that accepts the cost of rescuing them.
After Jesus died upon the Cross, “one of the soldiers with a spear opened his side, and immediately there came out blood and water” (John 19:34, Douay-Rheims). The Church has long seen the blood and water flowing from His side as signs of the grace given through Christ, especially in Baptism and the Holy Eucharist. From the wounded side of the Savior comes the life of the Church and the sacramental grace that cleanses, nourishes, and heals souls.
The Sacred Heart of Jesus represents His true human heart and His burning divine love for the human race. It is a heart wounded by sin, yet always ready to forgive the repentant sinner. From this Heart flow compassion for the suffering, pardon for those who return to God, strength for the weak, and hope for those tempted to despair.
When the litany praises Divine Mercy flowing from the wounds and Sacred Heart of Jesus, it draws the person praying close to the Cross. The response, “I trust in You,” becomes an act of faith in the love of Christ, whose wounds remain the lasting sign that no sacrifice was too great for the salvation of souls.
Divine Mercy in the Incarnation and Redemption
Divine Mercy is made visible in the Incarnation, when the eternal Son of God took on human nature and entered the history of the human race. Jesus Christ did not remain distant from human weakness, sorrow, and suffering. He became truly man while remaining truly God, so that He could draw fallen humanity back to the Father.
The birth of Christ shows that salvation begins with God’s loving initiative. Humanity could not repair the wound of sin by its own strength, so the Father sent His Son. As Scripture teaches, “God so loved the world, as to give his only begotten Son; that whosoever believeth in him, may not perish, but may have life everlasting” (John 3:16, Douay-Rheims).
The Incarnation leads directly to the work of Redemption. Jesus accepted hunger, rejection, suffering, and death, offering Himself upon the Cross as the perfect sacrifice for sin. Through His obedience, Passion, death, and Resurrection, He broke the power of sin and opened the way to eternal life.
Redemption is offered to every person, but it calls for a response of faith, repentance, and love. Christ does not force His mercy upon the soul. He invites the sinner to turn back to God, receive forgiveness, and live a new life through His grace.
When the litany praises Divine Mercy in the Incarnation and Redemption, it praises God for coming near to save His people. The response, “I trust in You,” becomes an act of faith in Jesus Christ, who took on human flesh, gave His life upon the Cross, and rose from the dead so that sinners might be forgiven and brought home to the Father.
Divine Mercy in the Church and the Sacraments
Divine Mercy remains present in the Church because Jesus continues His saving work through the community He founded. The Church does not possess mercy apart from Christ. She receives it from Him and carries it to the faithful through the preaching of the Gospel, the care of souls, works of charity, and above all, the sacraments.
The sacraments are visible signs instituted by Christ to give grace. Through them, God meets people at the main moments of Christian life, cleanses them from sin, strengthens them in weakness, nourishes them with divine life, and prepares them for eternity.
In Baptism, the soul is freed from original sin, born into new life, and made a member of the Church. In the Sacrament of Penance, the sinner who approaches with sorrow and a desire to turn away from sin receives forgiveness through the ministry of the priest. This sacrament is one of the clearest signs of Divine Mercy because Christ welcomes the repentant sinner and restores the grace that sin has wounded or destroyed.
In the Holy Eucharist, Jesus gives Himself as spiritual food under the appearances of bread and wine. The faithful receive the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ, who strengthens them in grace and unites them more closely to Himself. In the Anointing of the Sick, Christ draws near to those suffering from serious illness or the weakness of old age, offering strength, peace, courage, and, when it serves their salvation, physical healing.
The other sacraments also reveal God’s merciful care. Confirmation strengthens the baptized through the Holy Spirit. Holy Orders provides the Church with ministers who teach, sanctify, and shepherd God’s people. Matrimony gives a husband and wife the grace to love faithfully and raise their family in the Christian life.
When the litany praises Divine Mercy in the Church and the sacraments, it reminds the faithful that Christ has not left them alone. He continues to forgive, heal, feed, strengthen, and guide His people. The response, “I trust in You,” becomes an act of faith that Jesus still pours His mercy into souls through the life and ministry of His Church.
Divine Mercy in the Conversion and Sanctification of Souls
Divine Mercy calls sinners back to God and then continues to work within them as they grow in holiness. Conversion begins when a person recognizes sin, turns toward the Lord, and receives His offer of forgiveness. This change of heart is made possible by grace, because no one can return to God through human effort alone.
God’s mercy does more than pardon past sins. It heals the wounds caused by sin, strengthens the will, and helps the soul resist temptation. Through prayer, repentance, the sacraments, and faithful obedience, Christ restores what has been damaged and teaches the person to live according to His will.
Sanctification is the lifelong work by which God makes a soul holy. It begins in Baptism and continues as the faithful receive grace and cooperate with it. The Holy Spirit forms the virtues within the soul, purifies selfish desires, and helps the person become more like Jesus in thought, word, and action.
This growth often takes place through daily struggles, acts of charity, patient suffering, and repeated returns to the Sacrament of Penance. God does not abandon those who fall. His mercy raises the repentant sinner and gives renewed strength to continue along the path of holiness.
When the litany praises Divine Mercy in the conversion and sanctification of souls, it acknowledges that every step toward God is a gift of grace. The response, “I trust in You,” becomes a prayer for forgiveness, inner healing, and the strength to become the person Christ calls each soul to be.
Divine Mercy for the Sick, the Suffering, and the Dying
Divine Mercy draws especially near to the sick, the suffering, and the dying. Jesus understands bodily pain, fear, loneliness, grief, and weakness because He willingly endured suffering during His Passion. He does not look upon human misery from a distance. He enters it with compassion and gives strength to those who call upon Him.
Illness and suffering are not signs that God has abandoned a person. Although suffering entered human life through sin, Christ transformed it through the Cross. When suffering is united with His Passion, it can become an offering of love, prayer, and trust. This does not remove the pain, but it allows the suffering person to remain close to Jesus and share in His saving work.
God’s mercy may be shown through healing, medical care, the support of family and friends, or the quiet grace needed to endure a long trial. The Church also brings Christ’s care through prayer, Holy Communion, Confession, and the Anointing of the Sick. Through these gifts, the Lord forgives sin, strengthens hope, calms fear, and prepares the soul to face suffering with faith.
Divine Mercy is especially important as death approaches. The dying person may feel fear, regret, weakness, or uncertainty, yet Jesus continues to call the soul to trust in Him. Prayers for the dying ask that Christ protect them from despair, grant true repentance, and receive them into His mercy. Even when a person can no longer speak or respond, others may pray at the bedside and place that soul into the care of God.
When the litany praises Divine Mercy for the sick, the suffering, and the dying, it reminds the faithful that no moment of pain is hidden from Christ. The response, “I trust in You,” becomes an act of surrender for those who suffer and a prayer of hope for those nearing the end of earthly life.
Divine Mercy for the Souls in Purgatory and the Saints
Divine Mercy continues to care for souls after death. Those who die in God’s grace and friendship but still need purification enter Purgatory. They are assured of salvation, yet they must be cleansed from the remaining effects of sin before entering the perfect holiness and joy of Heaven.
The suffering of Purgatory is joined with hope. These souls love God and long to see Him face to face, but they cannot complete their purification through new earthly acts of penance. God’s mercy allows the prayers and sacrifices of the Church to assist them. The Holy Mass, indulgences, works of mercy, and personal prayers may be offered for their relief and final entrance into Heaven.
Praying for the dead is an act of Christian love. Scripture praises the offering made for the departed, saying, “It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins” (2 Machabees 12:46, Douay-Rheims). The faithful do not know which souls still need purification, so the Church encourages prayer for all the faithful departed.
The saints in Heaven are the lasting witnesses of what Divine Mercy can accomplish in a human soul. They were not saved by their own strength, but by the grace of Christ, which they received and followed with faith. Now purified and united with God, they rejoice in His mercy, praise Him without end, and intercede for the Church on earth.
When the litany praises Divine Mercy in the souls of the just and the saints, it joins the whole Communion of Saints in one prayer. The faithful on earth seek mercy, the souls in Purgatory are purified by mercy, and the saints in Heaven praise the mercy that brought them safely home to God.
Lamb of God Petitions and Closing Prayer
The final petitions turn directly to Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God. This title recalls the words of Saint John the Baptist: “Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29, Douay-Rheims). Jesus is the true Paschal Lamb who freely offered His life upon the Cross to free humanity from sin and restore fallen souls to friendship with God.
The three petitions ask Christ to spare His people, hear their prayers, and have mercy upon them. Together, they express sorrow for sin, confidence in the saving sacrifice of Jesus, and dependence upon His grace. The faithful do not approach Him by claiming to deserve mercy. They approach with humility, trusting in the Blood He shed for their redemption.
The words “The mercy of God is above all His works” gather the whole litany into one statement of praise. Every work of God reveals His goodness, yet His mercy shines with special brightness when He forgives sinners, heals wounded souls, and leads His children toward eternal life. The response promises to praise Divine Mercy forever.
The closing prayer places every need into the hands of the eternal Father. It asks Him to increase His mercy within the faithful so that they will not give way to despair during trials. Instead, they ask for the grace to trust Him and submit themselves to His holy will, knowing that His will is always joined to perfect love and mercy.
The litany therefore ends where true devotion to Divine Mercy must lead: not only to asking God for help, but to surrendering the whole person to Him. The final prayer asks for a trust that remains firm during fear, sorrow, temptation, and uncertainty. It teaches the soul to say with confidence that God’s mercy will never fail those who turn to Him with repentance and faith.
Why Catholics Pray the Litany of Divine Mercy
Catholics pray the Litany of Divine Mercy to praise God for His goodness, seek forgiveness, and place every need into the care of Jesus. Its repeated invocations help the faithful grow in trust, especially during times of sin, fear, suffering, or uncertainty. Through this prayer, the soul turns away from self-reliance and learns to depend more fully upon the mercy of Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Purpose of the Litany of Divine Mercy?
The purpose of the Litany of Divine Mercy is to praise God for His mercy and help the faithful place greater trust in Jesus. It also asks for mercy for sinners, the suffering, the dying, and the souls in Purgatory.
Is the Litany of Divine Mercy the Same as the Chaplet of Divine Mercy?
No. The Litany of Divine Mercy is a series of invocations followed by responses such as “I trust in You.” The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is a separate prayer recited on ordinary Rosary beads, using set prayers offered to the Eternal Father through the Passion of Jesus. Both devotions honor God’s mercy and may be prayed together or separately.
Is the Litany of Divine Mercy Connected to Saint Faustina?
Yes. The Litany of Divine Mercy is closely connected to Saint Faustina Kowalska, whose Diary contains many of its invocations and the repeated act of trust in God’s mercy. Her mission helped spread devotion to Divine Mercy throughout the Church and encouraged souls to approach Jesus with repentance and confidence.
Why Does the Litany Repeat “We Trust in You”?
The repeated response, “We trust in You,” turns each invocation into an act of faith. By saying it again and again, the faithful place every fear, sin, need, and sorrow into the hands of Jesus. The repetition helps trust move from spoken words into a steady habit of the heart.
What Does “Jesus, I Trust in You” Mean?
“Jesus, I trust in You” means placing one’s whole life in the merciful care of Christ. It expresses faith that Jesus will forgive the repentant sinner, give strength during trials, and lead the faithful according to His holy will. This trust does not remove every hardship, but it gives the soul confidence that Christ will never abandon those who turn to Him.
When Should the Litany of Divine Mercy Be Prayed?
The Litany of Divine Mercy may be prayed at any time, especially during personal prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, illness, suffering, or times of fear and need. It may also be offered for sinners, the dying, the souls in Purgatory, or anyone in need of God’s mercy.
Can the Litany Be Offered for a Special Intention?
Yes. The Litany of Divine Mercy may be offered for any special intention, including healing, conversion, family needs, the dying, or the souls in Purgatory. The intention may be placed before Jesus at the beginning of the prayer and entrusted to His merciful will.
Is the Litany of Divine Mercy an Official Liturgical Prayer?
No. The Litany of Divine Mercy is a Catholic devotional prayer rather than part of the Church’s official liturgy, such as the Mass, the sacraments, or the Liturgy of the Hours. It may be prayed privately or in a group, but it should support rather than replace the Church’s liturgical worship.
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Charles Rogers is a resident of South Carolina and a retired computer programmer by trade. Raised in various Christian denominations, he came to faith in Jesus Christ early in life. In 2012, he began experiencing authentic spiritual encounters with the Blessed Virgin Mary, which led him on a seven-year journey at her hands, that included alcohol addiction, a widow maker heart attack and death and conversion to the Catholic Faith. He is the exclusive author and owner of Two Percent Survival, a website dedicated to and created in honor of the Holy Mother. Feel free to email Charles at twopercentsurvival@gmail.com.
May Our Lady of the Rosary lead you deeper into the grace you have been given. Pray always, and trust the mercy of God while the door remains open.
— Two Percent Survival