Hour of Divine Mercy

By Charla Spalluto Misse

Being together at home with our families during this unprecedented time of social distancing gives us many chances to pray together as a family.

As before, our family prays together each morning and night and before all meals.  Among many distractions, however, it can be difficult to come together to pray at times other than these unless a new routine is created.

I have encountered families beginning some beautiful new habits: saying a rosary together each evening, reading a scripture verse and reflection together each morning, watching Mass together daily.

New to our family routine, we have begun to pray the Divine Mercy Prayer together at 3 o’clock each day.  Together, we lovingly and reverently hung the image and prayer of the Divine Mercy in our foyer.  We chose 3 p.m. as our prayer time because it is the “Hour of Divine Mercy” revealed to St. Faustina Kowalska in her apparitions of Jesus Christ, recalling the hour of his death on the cross.   

We have come to plan our day around our new family prayer time. My son will intentionally postpone a play activity till after our Divine Mercy prayer so that he is not distracted. My husband will arrange his work so that he is available.

During this time marked with darkness of uncertainty and loss, the Divine Mercy prayer is especially poignant. With this prayer, we recognize Christ’s most sorrowful passion and ultimate sacrifice for us.  We proclaim that he is our salvation and our hope. We request his mercy on the world and surrender ourselves to him. We place all our trust in Jesus.

After our Divine Mercy prayer, our household makes an effort to keep the hour holy. We keep the house quiet, conducive to prayer, reflection, inspiration and comfort. As blood and water gushed forth from his holy side, he wants to pour down his graces and forgiveness. He is the only light in the darkness of our world.

Jesus, we trust in You.