Introduction
The tradition of praying at 3 o’clock in the afternoon is a profound devotion in the Catholic Church, deeply rooted in the events of Good Friday. At this hour, Christ gave up His spirit and accomplished our redemption. This article delves into the significance of 3 o’clock prayers, also known as the Divine Mercy prayers, highlighting their roots in Scripture, the teachings of the Church, and the writings of saints. By following this tradition, Catholics participate in a time-honored form of devotion that brings powerful spiritual benefits.
Why 3 O’Clock?
The 3 o’clock hour has a special significance in Christian tradition because that’s the time Jesus died on the Cross. The Gospel of Matthew states, “About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’).” (Matthew 27:46, NIV)
The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that Jesus’ last words are a fulfillment of the Scriptures: “Jesus died crying out the opening words of Psalm 22” (CCC 603). It’s at this very moment that our salvation was won, making this hour exceptionally sacred.
The Divine Mercy Chaplet: What Is It?
The Divine Mercy Chaplet is a prayer given to St. Faustina Kowalska, a Polish nun, during her mystical encounters with Jesus. Although private revelation, the Divine Mercy devotion has received the Church’s approval. The prayer involves using rosary beads and is shorter and simpler than the traditional Rosary. It’s a prayer that invokes God’s mercy, not just for ourselves but for the whole world.
Theological Importance of Divine Mercy
The concept of Divine Mercy isn’t new or confined to this prayer; it’s deeply rooted in Church tradition and Scripture. The Catechism refers to God as “rich in mercy” and explains that His love for us is so great that He continuously extends His mercy toward us (CCC 211).
In Scripture, we read about God’s mercy in various instances, such as the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) or Jesus’ words, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36, NIV). Therefore, asking for Divine Mercy is an expression of a universal teaching of the Church.
How To Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet
Step 1: Introduction
First, make the Sign of the Cross. Then, recite the following prayers:
- The “Our Father”
- The “Hail Mary”
- The Apostles’ Creed
Step 2: Main Prayer
On the large bead before each decade, say:
“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 ten small beads, say:
“For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”
Step 3: Conclusion
To finish, recite the following prayer three times:
“Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.”
Optional: 3 O’Clock Prayer
Though not part of the Chaplet, some people like to say a specific 3 o’clock prayer:
“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.”
The Promises Attached to the Prayer
Jesus made promises to those who venerate His mercy, especially at 3 o’clock, through the revelations to St. Faustina. These are not dogmas but are part of approved private revelation:
- The promise of great mercy at the moment of death for those who pray the Chaplet.
- The granting of all good things asked for with trust, if they are in accordance with God’s will.
Why You Should Pray It
The Church teaches that devotional practices, including this one, help us grow in our relationship with God. Devotions such as the Divine Mercy Chaplet enrich our spiritual life and can aid us in receiving the sacraments more fruitfully (CCC 1674-1675).
Conclusion
The 3 o’clock Divine Mercy prayers provide us with a unique opportunity to engage with the Passion of Christ daily. This practice, though rooted in private revelation, is in perfect alignment with the teachings of the Catholic Church. As we seek to grow closer to Christ, taking a few minutes out of our day at this sacred hour is a small but significant way to invite God’s abundant mercy into our lives.
Remember, this devotion is not a magic formula but an expression of faith and trust in God’s mercy, which the Church universally affirms. So, set your alarms for 3 o’clock and partake in this miraculous and transformative prayer.