Divine Mercy Chaplet: How to Pray It Step by Step
The prayer Jesus gave to Saint Faustina, with each step explained
Morning Prayer editorial team · Updated: November 2026
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is prayed on ordinary rosary beads and takes about seven minutes. It is especially prayed at three in the afternoon, the hour of Jesus' death. Follow the steps below and pray along.
Let us pray
Begin on the crucifix with the Sign of the Cross. Then pray, as Saint Faustina did: 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.
On the first three beads, pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Apostles' Creed.
Then, on each of the five large beads, pray: 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.
On each of the ten small beads that follow, pray: For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Repeat this for all five decades.
At the end, pray three times: Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Close with this 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.
Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.
Blessing
May the mercy of Jesus, poured out from His pierced heart, cover you and the whole world.
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
What time should I pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet?
Jesus asked Saint Faustina to honor three o'clock in the afternoon, the hour of His death. Many people pray the chaplet then, but it can be prayed at any hour, and often is at the bedside of the dying.
How long does the Divine Mercy Chaplet take?
About seven minutes. It is shorter than the rosary because the prayers on each bead are brief.
What is the Divine Mercy Novena?
It is nine days of praying the chaplet, from Good Friday to the Saturday before Divine Mercy Sunday, with a specific intention each day as given to Saint Faustina.
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