The Prayer of St. Gertrude goes like this:
“Eternal Father, I offer You the most precious blood of thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal Church, for those in my own home, and in my family. Amen.”
According to legend, Saint Gertrude was given this prayer by Jesus himself during one of her visions. In this vision, she saw Jesus surrounded by thousands of souls in Purgatory, and heard him promise to release a thousand of them every time this prayer is recited with devotion.
Purgatory is a state or place where souls go after death to be purified of their sins before they can enter into Heaven. It is believed that the souls in Purgatory are in a temporary state of suffering and need our prayers to help them on their journey to eternal life.
By reciting the Prayer of St. Gertrude, we are offering the most precious thing we have, the blood of Jesus, to help release these souls from their suffering and bring them closer to God. This prayer reminds us of our duty to pray for the souls in Purgatory and to offer up our own sufferings and sacrifices for their sake.
Saint Gertrude’s prayer is not only a powerful tool for releasing souls from Purgatory, but also a reminder of the mercy and love of God. By offering up the blood of Jesus and uniting ourselves with the Masses said throughout the world, we are reminded of the Sacrifice of the Cross and the infinite love of God for all his children.
In today’s world where many people may not believe in the existence of Purgatory or the power of prayer, Saint Gertrude’s prayer serves as a reminder of the spiritual realm and the power of faith. It can be a source of comfort and hope for those who have lost loved ones, and a reminder of the importance of prayer and sacrifice in our daily lives.
In conclusion, Saint Gertrude’s prayer is a powerful and beautiful invocation that reminds us of our duty to pray for the souls in Purgatory and to offer up our own sufferings and sacrifices for their sake. By reciting this prayer with devotion, we are offering the most precious thing we have, the blood of Jesus, to help release these souls from their suffering and bring them closer to God. In doing so, we are reminded of the mercy and love of God and the power of faith in our daily lives.