Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Thirty-three invocations to the Heart of Christ, with the response Have mercy on us
Morning Prayer editorial team · Updated: November 2026
The Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, approved for the whole Church by Pope Leo XIII in 1899, contains thirty-three invocations, one for each year of Christ's earthly life. It is prayed in June, on First Fridays, and on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart. Here are its structure, a selection of invocations, and a closing prayer.
Let us pray
After the Kyrie and invocations of the Trinity, the litany addresses the Heart of Jesus under thirty-three titles, each with the response Have mercy on us. It closes with the Lamb of God, the versicle Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make our hearts like unto Thine, and a prayer. Among its invocations:
Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, burning furnace of charity, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, patient and most merciful, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, fountain of life and holiness, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, bruised for our offenses, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, obedient unto death, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, our peace and reconciliation, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who trust in Thee, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in Thee, have mercy on us.
Closing prayer: Lord Jesus, Your Heart was pierced so that mine could be opened. I have kept it closed in many ways: by nursing grudges, by hiding from You in busyness, by loving comfort more than people. Tonight I lay it beside Yours.
Make my heart like Yours: patient when I am provoked, merciful when I am wronged, generous when I would rather hold back. Let the fire of Your love burn away what is cold in me, and let those who meet me tomorrow meet a little of You. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.
Blessing
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus, pierced for love of you, make your heart gentle, brave, and full of His peace.
How to pray this prayer
- Find a quiet moment and breathe slowly.
- Read the prayer aloud or in your heart.
- Add your own intention before the Amen.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Litany of the Sacred Heart prayed?
Throughout June, the month of the Sacred Heart; on First Fridays; and on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart, which falls on the Friday after the second Sunday after Pentecost. It is also prayed at Benediction and in family devotions.
Why thirty-three invocations?
They recall the thirty-three years of Jesus' earthly life. The litany was compiled from older French litanies and approved for universal use by Pope Leo XIII in 1899, the year he consecrated the world to the Sacred Heart.
What is devotion to the Sacred Heart?
It honors the human and divine love of Jesus, symbolized by His Heart. It grew especially through the visions of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque at Paray-le-Monial in the 1670s, with the practices of First Friday Communion, the Holy Hour, and enthronement of the Sacred Heart image in homes.
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