How to Pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Prayer

Fr. Mark-Mary of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal and Mother Clare of the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal invite you to pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus with them.

Full Text of the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus 

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
 God the Father of Heaven,
Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God,
Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father,
Have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, Formed by the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Virgin Mother,
Have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, Substantially united to the Word of God,
Have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, Of Infinite Majesty,
Have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, Holy Temple of God,
Have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, Tabernacle of the Most High,
Have mercy on us.
                    Heart of Jesus, House of God and Gate of Heaven,
Have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, Burning Furnace of charity,
Have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, Vessel of Justice and love,
Have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, Full of goodness and love,
Have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, Abyss of all virtues,
Have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, Most worthy of all praises,
Have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, King and center of all hearts,
Have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, In Whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,
Have mercy on us.
                    Heart of Jesus, In Whom dwelleth all the fulness of the Divinity,
Have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, in Whom the Father is well pleased,
Have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, Of Whose fullness we have all received,
Have mercy on us.
 Heart of Jesus, Desire of the everlasting hills,
Have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, Patient and abounding in mercy,
Have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, Rich unto all who call upon Thee,
Have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, Fountain of life and holiness,
Have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, Atonement for our sins,
Have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, Filled with reproaches,
Have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, Bruised for our offenses,
Have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, Made obedient unto death,
Have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, Pierced with a lance,
Have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, Source of all consolation,
Have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, Our Life and Resurrection,
Have mercy on us.
 Heart of Jesus, Our Peace and Reconciliation,
Have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, Victim for our sins,
Have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, Salvation of those who hope in Thee,
Have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, Hope of those who die in Thee,
Have mercy on us.
                    Heart of Jesus, Delight of all the Saints,
Have mercy on us.

 Lamb of God Who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God Who takest away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God Who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.
Jesus, meek and humble of heart,
Make our hearts like unto Thine.

Let us pray.

Almighty and eternal God, look upon the Heart of Thine most-beloved Son, and upon the praises and satisfaction He offers Thee in the name of sinners; and appeased by worthy homage, pardon those who implore Thy mercy, in Thy Great Goodness in the name of the same Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.

 

Why Pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart?

The Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a powerful Catholic prayer that helps us meditate on the love, mercy, and suffering of Christ. Each invocation reveals something about Jesus’ divine and human heart—pierced, burning with love, and full of tenderness for sinners.

This prayer helps deepen your relationship with Jesus by drawing you closer to His Heart, inviting you to make reparation for sin and the indifference He endures. It opens your heart to greater trust and healing, while guiding you to reflect on the profound love Christ pours out—especially through the gift of the Eucharist.

When to Pray the Litany of the Sacred Heart

• On the First Friday of each month
  
  
• On the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Friday after Corpus Christi)
  
  
• During Eucharistic Adoration
  
  
• When experiencing spiritual dryness or emotional struggle
  
  
• As a daily devotion to deepen your love for Christ

A Short History of the Devotion of the Sacred Heart

The devotion to the Sacred Heart was popularized in the 17th century through the revelations of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, a French nun. Jesus showed her his heart—burning with love and wounded by the world’s indifference. He asked for special devotion, including the First Fridays and this litany, which was later approved for public use by Pope Leo XIII in 1899.

How the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Can Help You Grow Closer to Christ

The Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus isn’t merely a list of titles—it’s a spiritual pathway into the emotional, sacrificial, and divine love of Christ. Praying it regularly can bring peace to those struggling with anxiety, strengthen your awareness of being deeply loved and known by God, and help you reflect more profoundly on Christ’s suffering and mercy. It also invites you to unite your personal wounds with his, offering them as a means of healing and deeper intimacy with the Heart of Jesus.

More Information About the Litany of the Sacred Heart 

Unlock a rich, guided experience inside the Ascension App—featuring a full prayer series that helps you understand, reflect on, and pray the Litany like never before!