In the Catholic tradition, it is considered a Spiritual Work of Mercy to Pray for the Living and the Dead. Jesus promised Saint Gertrude the Great that 1,000 souls would be freed from purgatory and sent into heaven every time this prayer is said with genuine affect:

Eternal Father, I offer You the most Precious Blood of Your Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for all sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal Church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen.

I love to pray this as an act of solidarity with the communion of saints in heaven and as an act of trust in the way Christ can work through us here on earth. I also love to pray this in humility, realizing the gravity of our human nature being pretty sinful and requiring grace from God for redemption.

Once shortly after a loved one passed away, the name “Saint Gertrude” popped into my mind spontaneously in the silence of prayer, so I googled her name and discovered this beautiful prayer. I wonder if that was the Holy Spirit’s way of informing me that my loved one needed a few extra prayers to complete his journey into our Heavenly Father’s loving arms. Lately, this prayer has come into my mind and heart again, so I’ve been praying it, not knowing exactly who for. If the Spirit moves you, I encourage you to pray it as well! In heaven someday, you may have the joy of meeting those, who were blessed by your faithfulness.

Lord, thank you for the prayerful legacy of all the saints and martyr’s, who have come before us to do Your will and help You light our paths and especially today for Saint Gertrude the Great, who was gifted with this gorgeous prayer for souls to share with us. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, guide us to the words and stories of saints when we need them to move forward on our own spiritual journeys through life, in accordance with Your Divine Plans. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.

What prayers do you use, while praying for those, who have passed away? What are your thoughts and questions about this treasured prayer of Saint Gertrude the Great from the Catholic tradition? Comment below, and I’ll be delighted to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. 

written by Nicky Gant for http://www.uniteinprayer.org 1/23/2020