The Decades of Mercy
Prayer has always been the place where I find both my weakness and God’s strength. Saint Paul exhorts us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and the Lord Jesus Himself shows us the way, often withdrawing to pray (Luke 5:16). Like many, I have long found great comfort in the Rosary and the Angelus. They are treasures of the Church that shape the rhythm of each day and keep my heart turned toward Christ. Yet, as much as I love these devotions, I sometimes felt the need for a way of resting longer in prayer, of sitting still with God and letting His Word speak more deeply to my soul.
Out of that desire, I began praying through this form, which grew slowly into what I now share here. It does not replace the Rosary; rather, it accompanies it, offering another doorway into Scripture and prayer. Its shape is familiar — the Creed, the Our Father, the Hail Mary, the Gloria Patri — but at its heart are five simple meditations: on our sinfulness, God’s mercy, our reliance on Christ, the Spirit’s sanctifying work, and the hope of His coming glory. Each meditation flows from a passage of Scripture, because, as the Psalmist says, “On your law I meditate day and night” (Psalm 1:2).
The prayer that repeats through each decade – “Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy upon me, a sinner” – has become for me both a confession and a comfort. It reminds me of who I am, but more importantly of who He is: merciful, faithful, and true. My hope is that this devotion might help others, as it has helped me, to remain longer in God’s presence and to let gratitude, humility, and hope fill our hearts. It is simply one more way to walk with Christ, to dwell on His Word, and to lift our eyes to His redeeming love.
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty creator of heaven and earth and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Our Father
Our Father, who art in heaven hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary x 3
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us sinners, Now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory Be
Glory be to the Father and to The Son and to The Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
1st Meditation (on my sinfulness)
Romans 3:23-24
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
Oh Lord, let me ponder with trembling, the depravity of my heart. For indeed, the Scripture declares, all have sinned; none is righteous, no, not one. By my own deeds I have fallen short of Your glory, and apart from Your grace, my own righteousness cannot stand before You, O Lord. Let me examine myself and confess in humility; let not my pride deceive me. My offenses rise up against me like a flood, and my soul cries out for mercy.
Yet, I hear the gentle word of Your promise, that justification comes freely by grace, not by merit. The crimson stain of sin is blotted out through the redemption found in Christ Jesus. Let me not stand far off, but draw near to Christ who has redeemed me by His blood. By faith, may I receive the cleansing, and thus rejoice because my sin and guilt are absolved, and I am made clean before the throne of heaven.
Bead x 10
Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy upon me, a sinner.
Decade closure
Glory be to the Father and to The Son and to The Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
2nd Meditation (on God’s mercy)
Ephesians 2:4-5
“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)”
Behold the riches of God’s mercy, O my soul weighed down by guilt. I remember Your great goodness for, when I was utterly cast down, dead in trespasses and completely helpless, You oh Lord loved me with surpassing love. The wonders of Your grace shine brightest in the darkness; when all hope was lost, You stretched forth Your hand and made me alive together with Christ. Not by my own striving, nor by my merit, but by the free gift of Your grace You have saved me.
Let my heart overflow with gratitude, for where sin abounded, grace abounded much more. May I not throw away my confidence, for Your mercy endures forever. May I always meditate on the kindness of Christ my Redeemer for He has rescued me from the pit, given me eternal life, and called me His beloved. May I rest in that grace, and let my days always be marked by thankful praise to You oh God who has shown me such compassion.
Bead x 10 (based on 1 Peter 1:3)
Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy upon me, a sinner. Blessed be God, by whose great mercy I have been saved and am kept in His grace, to His glory.
Decade closure
Glory be to the Father and to The Son and to The Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
3rd Meditation (on my reliance on God)
Galatians 2:20-21
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.”
Let me, as a servant of God confess my absolute reliance upon Christ, and not the works of my own hands. The apostle declares, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” Cast all my boasting to the dust for the righteousness that avails is not wrought by law nor work, but by faith in Christ Jesus the Son of God. May I meditate with awe upon this mystery, that even in frailty and weakness, I am accepted in the Beloved, for The Spirit Himself dwells within me.
I cannot establish my own righteousness, but by grace I cling wholly to Christ Jesus. May Your Spirit bring forth in me the good works that flow from faith. Beholding this may my soul rest upon His finished work; may my faith be eager and steadfast. I shall despair not of my insufficiency, for He who loved me and gave Himself for me will surely sustain me and present me spotless before His glory.
Bead x 10 (based on Psalm 28:7)
Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy upon me, a sinner. You are my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in You and I am comforted;
Decade closure
Glory be to the Father and to The Son and to The Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
4th Meditation (on sanctification)
1 Peter 1:2
“Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.”
I am blessed because God has chosen and sanctified me by His Spirit. Let my meditation dwell upon His work within me, that I am sanctified not by my own strength, but by the renewing power of the Holy Spirit. This same Spirit reveals the darkness of my heart and brings its secret sins to light, that I might be healed and purified. May I surrender myself in prayer, that His gracious hands may shape my heart after the likeness of Christ.
Your sanctifying fire burns brightly O Lord, rooting out old affections and drawing me toward obedience. May it please You God to shape my soul to thirst for holiness, for it is the Spirit’s delight to make me fit for glory through Christ. I shall rejoice to be washed, justified, and sanctified by the working of the Spirit and the sprinkling of the precious blood. I know that in this, grace and peace are multiplied unto my soul, and my salvation is made firm in Your eternal purpose.
Bead x 10 (based on 1 Corinthians 6:11)
Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, have mercy upon me, a sinner. I am washed, I am sanctified, I am justified by Your name, through the Holy Spirit, by the grace of God.
Decade closure
Glory be to the Father and to The Son and to The Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
5th Meditation (on His coming glory)
Revelation 19:11
“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.”
I lift up my eyes and behold the hope set before me, Christ, the coming King, the Faithful and True. The clouds shall open, the heavens shall resound, and He shall come in glory with power and great majesty. My longing heart, wearied by the trials of this world, awaits with joy the promised appearing. May my meditation rise above earth’s sorrows to contemplate His victorious return.
I prepare to meet the Lord, for He comes in righteousness to judge and to redeem. May this blessed hope purify my soul and kindle holy anticipation; may I live as those who shall soon behold His face. At His appearing, sorrow shall flee, and every tear be wiped away. I rejoice and shall remain steadfast by the grace and pleasure of the Holy Spirit, for my own eyes shall see the King in His beauty, majesty and glory, and I shall dwell in the fullness of His great glory forevermore.
Bead x 10 (based on Revelation 21:4)
Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy upon me, a sinner. You will come again in glory and wipe away every tear; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain.
Decade closure
Glory be to the Father and to The Son and to The Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end, Amen.
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
End
O most merciful Father, whose lovingkindness is from everlasting to everlasting, I give to You my humble thanks for the manifold blessings of Your grace and tender mercies given to me all my days. I ask you merciful Father that your favour would continually rest upon me and all those dear to my heart; shield me, O Lord, under the shadow of Your mighty wings, and cover me with Your heavenly protection as I journey upon this earthly pilgrimage.
Strengthen me, O Lord, with power from above; grant me perseverance amid life’s trials, and growth in the likeness of Your beloved Son Jesus Christ, that I may serve You with a cheerful and steadfast spirit, and worthily magnify Your holy name. Send forth the Holy Spirit, that He may sanctify my heart, enlighten my mind, and lead me beside the still waters of Your truth, that I may abound in faith and every good work. Receive my praises, O God most high, for Your goodness endures for ever. Through Jesus Christ my Lord, to whom with You and the Holy Spirit be all glory, might, and honour, world without end.
Amen.
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