How to Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at the 3:00 PM Hour of Great Mercy

1. Origins of the 3:00 PM Hour of Great Mercy

In Catholic devotion revealed through Saint Faustina Kowalska and championed by Saint John Paul II, three o’clock in the afternoon recalls the moment Christ expired upon the Cross for the redemption of the world.

Even when daily work prevents a long retreat, pausing briefly at 3:00 PM—even for thirty seconds of silent trust or the full Chaplet—immerses the soul in Christ’s boundless mercy.

2. Step-by-Step Chaplet Structure on Standard Rosary Beads

Begin with the Sign of the Cross, one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Apostles’ Creed. On each large Our Father bead, offer the Eternal Father prayer (“Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity...”).

On each set of ten small beads, pray ten times: “For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.” Conclude after five decades by repeating the Trisagion (“Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One...”) three times.

3. Praying the Chaplet for the Sick, Dying, and Troubled Families

The Church especially encourages praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet beside the sick, for souls in spiritual distress, and for families seeking reconciliation and peace.

Frequently Asked Questions