The St. Gertrude prayer for holy souls is one of the most powerful and beloved prayers in Christian tradition, especially within the Catholic Church. This sacred prayer is believed to release a thousand souls from Purgatory each time it is prayed with devotion, bringing comfort to the departed and mercy to souls undergoing purification.
Rooted in Christ’s redemptive sacrifice, this prayer echoes the biblical truth that “it is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins” (2 Maccabees 12:46). Through the Precious Blood of Jesus, offered on every altar around the world, believers intercede for souls who can no longer pray for themselves.
St. Gertrude the Great received this prayer as a divine revelation, reminding us that love does not end at death. When we pray for the holy souls, we participate in God’s mercy, shorten their suffering, and gain powerful intercessors in heaven.
This devotion is not just a prayer—it is an act of compassion, faith, and eternal charity.
Scripture of the Day
“The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment shall touch them.” — [Wisdom 3:1]
Prayer for the Release of Souls in Purgatory
2 Maccabees 12:46 – “It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins.”
Prayer:
Eternal Father, in obedience to Your holy Word, I lift before You the souls detained in Purgatory. Look upon them with eyes of mercy and compassion. Through the merits of the Passion of Your Son, release them from every remaining stain of sin and every debt of justice. May the fire that purifies them be softened by Your love, and may they soon be welcomed into the joy of Your eternal presence. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer Through the Precious Blood of Jesus
Hebrews 9:14 – “How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.”
Prayer:
O Eternal Father, I offer You the Most Precious Blood of Your Divine Son, Jesus Christ, poured out for the salvation of the world. Let that Blood flow upon the holy souls in Purgatory, cleansing them completely and hastening their entrance into heaven. May the sacrifice renewed on every altar speak mercy on their behalf. Accept this offering as an act of love and reparation, and grant them eternal rest. Amen.
Prayer for Forgotten and Abandoned Souls
Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Prayer:
Compassionate Lord, I commend to You the souls who are forgotten, abandoned, and unloved by the world. Those who have no one left to remember them, no one to call their name in prayer—I remember them now before You. Draw close to them in their suffering and assure them that they are never alone in Your presence. May Your nearness console them and bring them swiftly into eternal peace. Amen.
Prayer for Souls with No One to Pray for Them
Isaiah 49:15 – “Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you.”
Prayer:
Faithful and loving God, You never forget any soul created by Your hands. I entrust to You the souls who died without family, friends, or anyone to intercede for them. Where human love failed, let Your divine mercy abound. Remember them, Lord, according to the greatness of Your compassion, and bring them safely into the light of Your eternal kingdom. Amen.
Prayer for the Most Suffering Souls in Purgatory
Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Prayer:
Jesus, gentle Savior, I bring before You the souls who suffer most intensely in Purgatory. Their longing for You is great, and their pain is deep. Speak Your words of comfort over them and grant them relief according to Your mercy. Shorten the time of their purification and draw them quickly into Your Sacred Heart, where true rest is found. Amen.
Prayer for Souls Nearest to Heaven
Revelation 21:4 – “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain.”
Prayer:
Glorious God, I pray for the souls who are closest to entering heaven. Complete in them the work of purification You have begun. Wipe away their final tears and open wide the gates of paradise for them. May they soon behold Your face and rejoice forever in the fullness of eternal life. Amen.
Prayer for Mercy to Triumph Over Judgment
James 2:13 – “For judgment is merciless to one who has not shown mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.”
Prayer:
God of infinite mercy, I beg You to let compassion triumph over judgment for the holy souls in Purgatory. Do not look upon their weaknesses, but upon the wounds of Christ who died for them. Let Your mercy speak louder than their failings, and grant them the grace of eternal joy in Your presence. Amen.
Prayer for the Souls of Our Loved Ones
1 Thessalonians 4:13–14 – “We do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, about those who have fallen asleep, so that you may not grieve like the rest, who have no hope.”
Prayer:
Loving Father, I place into Your merciful hands the souls of my departed loved ones. Those I miss, those I still mourn, and those whose faces live in my heart I entrust them all to You. Forgive their sins, purify their souls, and grant them the joy of eternal life. Let our hope of reunion strengthen my faith until we meet again in Your kingdom. Amen.
Prayer for Priests and Religious Souls
Malachi 2:7 – “For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.”
Prayer:
Lord of the harvest, I pray for the souls of priests, religious men, and women who served You on earth. Purify them completely from every imperfection and reward their sacrifices and labors. May those who brought Your Word and Sacraments to others now receive the fullness of eternal life. Welcome them into the joy prepared for Your faithful servants. Amen.
Prayer for Souls Who Died Suddenly and Unprepared
Luke 12:40 – “You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.”
Prayer:
Merciful Jesus, I commend to You the souls who died suddenly, without time to prepare or repent fully. In Your great compassion, supply what was lacking in their final moments. Cover them with Your Precious Blood and grant them the grace of purification and peace. Bring them safely into Your eternal embrace, where fear and sorrow are no more. Amen.
Prayer for Souls Who Had Devotion to the Eucharist
John 6:54 – “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day.”
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I pray for the souls who loved You in the Most Holy Eucharist while on earth. Those who adored You, received You with faith, and longed for Your presence remember their devotion now. Through the power of Your Body and Blood, complete their purification and raise them into the fullness of eternal life. May their earthly love for the Eucharist lead them swiftly into heavenly glory. Amen.
Prayer for Souls Who Loved the Blessed Virgin Mary
Luke 1:48 – “For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I entrust to You the souls who loved and honored the Blessed Virgin Mary. Through her maternal intercession, obtain mercy for them and shorten their time of purification. May she, our gentle Mother, lead them by the hand into the presence of her Son. Grant them eternal joy in the kingdom prepared for Your faithful children. Amen.
Prayer for Souls Who Practiced Charity on Earth
Matthew 25:40 – “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”
Prayer:
God of love, remember the souls who served You by serving others. Those who fed the hungry, clothed the poor, comforted the sorrowful, and loved sacrificially reward their works of mercy. Purify them of all remaining imperfections and welcome them into eternal joy, where love never ends. Amen.
Prayer for Souls Who Died After Long Suffering
Romans 8:18 – “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory to be revealed in us.”
Prayer:
Compassionate Lord, I pray for the souls who endured long illness, pain, and hardship before death. Accept their sufferings as a final offering united to the Cross of Christ. May their earthly trials now give way to eternal comfort and peace. Reveal to them the glory prepared for those who persevere in faith. Amen.
Prayer for Souls Who Struggled with Fear and Doubt
Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear: I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God.”
Prayer:
Faithful God, I lift up the souls who struggled with fear, doubt, and weakness in faith during their earthly lives. In Your mercy, heal every wound caused by uncertainty and anxiety. Let Your perfect love now cast out all fear and fill them with everlasting peace. Draw them confidently into Your eternal embrace. Amen.
Prayer for Souls Who Died Young
Wisdom 4:7 – “The righteous one, though he die early, shall be at rest.”
Prayer:
Loving Father, I commend to You the souls who left this world at a young age. Though their lives seemed short in human eyes, they are complete in Your eternal plan. Receive them gently, purify them fully, and grant them rest in Your presence. May their innocence and trust hasten their entrance into heaven. Amen.
Prayer for Souls Who Were Burdened by Regret
Psalm 103:12 – “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our sins from us.”
Prayer:
Merciful Father, I pray for the souls who carried regret, remorse, and sorrow at the end of their lives. Assure them now of Your forgiveness and healing love. Remove from them every lingering pain of guilt and replace it with peace. Let them rejoice in the fullness of Your mercy forever. Amen.
Prayer for Souls Who Died Without the Sacraments
John 3:17 – “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.”
Prayer:
Jesus, Savior of the world, I entrust to You the souls who died without the comfort of the sacraments. In Your boundless mercy, supply what was lacking and apply to them the merits of Your Passion. Let Your saving will be fulfilled in them, and bring them safely into eternal life. Amen.
Prayer for Souls Most Devoted to Prayer
Psalm 145:18 – “The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth.”
Prayer:
Lord, I remember the souls who sought You faithfully in prayer during their lives. Those who called upon You in joy and sorrow draw near to them now. Perfect their devotion, purify their hearts, and reward their faithfulness. May their prayers on earth now blossom into eternal praise in heaven. Amen.
Prayer for Souls Awaiting Final Purification
Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Prayer:
God who completes all things, I pray for the souls nearing the end of their purification. Finish in them the good work You began on earth. Remove every remaining imperfection and prepare them fully for eternal glory. May they soon rejoice forever in the light of Your presence. Amen.
Prayer for Souls Who Died in a State of Grace
Romans 5:1 – “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the souls who died reconciled with You and at peace through faith in Jesus Christ. Though saved by grace, they still await full purification. In Your mercy, complete their sanctification and draw them swiftly into the joy of eternal life. Let their peace be perfected in Your glorious presence forever. Amen.
Prayer for Souls Who Loved God but Struggled with Weakness
Psalm 103:14 – “For he knows how we are formed; he remembers that we are dust.”
Prayer:
Compassionate Lord, You know our frailty and remember that we are dust. I bring before You the souls who loved You sincerely yet struggled with human weakness. Look upon their desire to please You rather than their failures. Heal their imperfections and welcome them into the fullness of Your mercy and eternal rest. Amen.
Prayer for Souls Who Repented at the Hour of Death
Luke 23:43 – “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
Prayer:
Merciful Jesus, You promised Paradise to the repentant thief. I entrust to You the souls who turned to You sincerely at the hour of death. Accept their repentance, purify their hearts, and grant them swift entry into Your heavenly kingdom. Let Your mercy triumph and bring them into everlasting joy. Amen.
Prayer for Souls Who Had Great Responsibility
Luke 12:48 – “Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.”
Prayer:
Righteous God, I pray for the souls who bore heavy responsibilities as leaders, parents, teachers, and shepherds of others. Where they fell short, grant forgiveness; where they served well, grant reward. Purify them completely and welcome them into the joy prepared for faithful servants. Amen.
Prayer for Souls Who Offered Their Sufferings to God
Colossians 1:24 – “In my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the church.”
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I remember the souls who united their sufferings with Your Cross. Accept their sacrifices as offerings of love and reparation. May their participation in Your suffering now lead them into the glory of Your resurrection. Grant them eternal rest and unending joy. Amen.
Prayer for Souls Who Practiced Forgiveness
Matthew 6:14 – “For if you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you.”
Prayer:
Merciful Father, I lift up the souls who chose forgiveness over bitterness. As they forgave others, may they now experience the fullness of Your forgiveness. Cleanse them of every remaining wound and bring them into eternal peace, where love reigns forever. Amen.
Prayer for Souls Who Died in Times of War or Disaster
Psalm 46:1 – “God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress.”
Prayer:
God of refuge, I entrust to You the souls who died amid war, violence, or sudden disaster. Receive them with compassion and heal every fear and trauma they endured. Let Your strength and peace surround them now, and grant them eternal rest in Your kingdom. Amen.
Prayer for Souls Who Were Burdened by Loneliness
Psalm 68:6 – “God gives a home to the lonely; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity.”
Prayer:
Loving Father, I pray for the souls who carried deep loneliness during their earthly lives. Where human companionship failed, let Your divine love now surround them fully. Lead them out of isolation into the communion of saints, where they are forever at home in You. Amen.
Prayer for Souls Who Had Devotion to the Sacred Heart
Matthew 11:29 – “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.”
Prayer:
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I commend to You the souls who loved and trusted in Your Heart. Those who sought refuge in Your mercy and humility draw them now into the eternal resting place of Your love. Purify them completely and grant them the joy of heaven. Amen.
Prayer for Souls Who Will Intercede for Us in Heaven
Revelation 5:8 – “The elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp and gold bowls filled with incense, which are the prayers of the holy ones.”
Prayer:
Eternal Father, I pray for the souls who, once purified, will stand before You in heaven. May they remember those who prayed for them and intercede for us before Your throne. Unite us one day in the joy of the heavenly liturgy, where prayer becomes eternal praise. Amen.
Testimony
Theresa, a quiet parish volunteer in her early forties, never imagined how deeply the St. Gertrude prayer for holy souls would change her spiritual life. Years earlier, she had lost her grandmother, Agnes, a woman of faith who suffered greatly at the end of her life. Though Theresa trusted in God’s mercy, she often wondered if her grandmother was truly at peace.
One November evening, during a Mass for the dead, the priest spoke about praying for the souls in Purgatory and mentioned the St. Gertrude prayer. Moved by a sudden urgency in her heart, Theresa began praying it daily offering the Precious Blood of Jesus for her grandmother and for all forgotten souls.
Weeks later, while praying quietly before the Blessed Sacrament, Theresa felt an overwhelming sense of peace and gratitude flood her heart unlike anything she had experienced before. There were no visions, no voices, just a deep inner assurance that her prayers were heard and that mercy had been poured out.
From that day on, Theresa made it her mission to pray daily for the holy souls. She says, “I realized that prayer doesn’t stop at the grave. Love continues beyond death, and mercy travels where our eyes cannot see.”
This is why the St. Gertrude prayer for holy souls matters. It reminds us that even after death, souls are not forgotten—and that God invites us to participate in His eternal work of mercy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the St. Gertrude prayer for holy souls?
Q: I keep hearing about this prayer. What exactly is the St. Gertrude prayer for holy souls?
A: The St. Gertrude prayer is a powerful Catholic prayer revealed to St. Gertrude the Great, in which the faithful offer the Precious Blood of Jesus for the souls in Purgatory. According to tradition, Our Lord promised that each time this prayer is devoutly prayed, a thousand souls are released from Purgatory. It is a prayer of deep mercy, love, and intercession for souls who can no longer help themselves.
Is praying for the dead supported by the Bible?
Q: Does Scripture really support the idea of praying for souls who have died?
A: Yes, praying for the dead is clearly supported in Scripture. 2 Maccabees 12:46 states, “It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins.” This verse shows that intercession for the departed is pleasing to God and beneficial for the purification of souls.
How often should I pray the St. Gertrude prayer?
Q: Is this a prayer I should say once in a while, or can it be prayed daily?
A: The St. Gertrude prayer can be prayed daily, and many people include it in their Rosary, after Mass, or during personal prayer time. It is especially encouraged during November, the month dedicated to the holy souls. The more often it is prayed with faith and devotion, the more souls are helped.
Can I pray the St. Gertrude prayer for a specific loved one?
Q: Can I offer this prayer for a particular family member or friend who has died?
A: Yes, you may offer the St. Gertrude prayer for a specific loved one. While the prayer benefits many souls, God in His wisdom applies its graces according to the needs of souls. You can confidently entrust your loved ones to God’s mercy, knowing that no sincere prayer is ever wasted.
Do the holy souls in Purgatory pray for us in return?
Q: If I pray for the holy souls, will they intercede for me once they reach heaven?
A: Yes. The Church teaches that once souls are released from Purgatory and enter heaven, they become powerful intercessors. Many believers testify that after praying faithfully for the holy souls, they experience unexpected graces. As Scripture reminds us in Revelation 5:8, the saints in heaven present our prayers before God.
Final Encouragement
The St. Gertrude prayer for holy souls is more than a devotional formula it is a profound act of mercy that reaches into eternity. Every time you pray it, you participate in Christ’s saving work, offering His Precious Blood for souls who can no longer help themselves.
Do not underestimate the power of this prayer. Heaven listens when love speaks, and God responds generously to hearts moved by compassion. As you remain faithful in praying for the holy souls, you may never know on this side of eternity how many were helped but one day, you will be welcomed by grateful souls who will say, “Your prayer brought me home.”
Call to Action
Don’t let this prayer stop with you.
Make the St. Gertrude prayer for holy souls a daily act of mercy in your spiritual life. Pray it after the Rosary, after Mass, or during quiet moments of reflection and trust that heaven responds.
Share this devotion with your family, prayer group, or parish. Encourage others to pray for the forgotten souls who depend on our intercession.
Start today. One prayer can shorten suffering, release souls, and draw countless blessings into your own life.
Pray with faith. Pray with love. Pray for the holy souls and let mercy echo into eternity