Divine Mercy rosary prayer: the chaplet on rosary beads
How to pray the Divine Mercy chaplet on an ordinary rosary, with a closing prayer
Morning Prayer editorial team · Updated: November 2026
The Divine Mercy chaplet is prayed on ordinary rosary beads and takes about ten minutes, which is why many people call it the Divine Mercy rosary prayer. Here is how the beads are used, the prayers said on them, and an original prayer to close with.
Let us pray
The chaplet begins on the crucifix and first beads with the Sign of the Cross, an Our Father, a Hail Mary, and the Apostles' Creed. Then, on each of the five large beads, the Eternal Father prayer is said, and on each of the ten small beads of every decade, the short response. The chaplet ends with the Holy God prayer said three times.
On the large beads: 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 the small beads: For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
To conclude, three times: Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.
Closing prayer: Merciful Jesus, I have passed these beads through my fingers fifty times, and fifty times I have asked for mercy on the whole world. Now I ask for it closer to home. Have mercy on my family, on the one who is sick, on the one who is far from You, on the one I have not forgiven. Have mercy on me, who need it most of all.
You offered Yourself to the Father so that I would never have to stand before Him empty-handed. Let me carry that offering into my day: let me be merciful as You are merciful, slow to judge, quick to forgive, and generous with the mercy I have received. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.
Blessing
May the mercy you have asked for the whole world return to you a hundredfold, and may Jesus honor your trust.
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
How long does the Divine Mercy chaplet take?
About seven to ten minutes. It is much shorter than the Rosary because the prayers on the small beads are a single sentence rather than a Hail Mary.
When is the best time to pray it?
Jesus asked Saint Faustina to pray it especially at three o'clock, the hour of His death, and it is traditionally prayed at the bedside of the dying, on Divine Mercy Sunday, and during the Divine Mercy novena. Any time is good.
Is the chaplet the same as the Rosary?
No. Both use the same beads, but the Rosary meditates on the mysteries of Christ's life with Our Fathers and Hail Marys, while the chaplet offers the Passion of Jesus to the Father and asks for mercy. Many people pray both.
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