🙏 Fatima Prayer – Prayer Taught by Our Lady of Fatima
The Fatima Prayer is a powerful prayer taught by Our Lady of Fatima to the three shepherd children (Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta) during her apparitions in 1917. This prayer is often added to the Rosary after each decade and is a beautiful expression of trust in God's mercy and concern for the salvation of souls.
The Fatima Prayer
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of hell,
lead all souls to heaven,
especially those in most need of Thy mercy.
Amen.
Portuguese Version (Original)
Ó meu Jesus, perdoai-nos,
livrai-nos do fogo do inferno,
levai as almas todas para o céu,
e socorrei principalmente as que mais precisarem.
Amém.
Historical Background
The Fatima Prayer was revealed by Our Lady of Fatima during her apparitions to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917. The children were:
- • Lucia dos Santos (1907-2005) - The oldest of the three children
- • Francisco Marto (1908-1919) - Lucia's cousin
- • Jacinta Marto (1910-1920) - Francisco's sister
Our Lady appeared to them six times between May 13 and October 13, 1917, delivering messages about prayer, penance, and the need for conversion. The Fatima Prayer was taught to them as a way to help save souls and bring peace to the world.
The prayer emphasizes God's mercy and our responsibility to pray for the salvation of all souls, especially those most in need of God's mercy.
When to Pray the Fatima Prayer
- • During the Rosary - After each decade (after the Glory Be)
- • As a standalone prayer - When seeking God's mercy
- • For the souls in purgatory - To help them reach heaven
- • For sinners - To pray for their conversion
- • During times of crisis - When the world needs God's mercy
- • As a family prayer - Teaching children about God's mercy
- • On the 13th of each month - In honor of the Fatima apparitions
Meaning and Significance
The Fatima Prayer contains several important spiritual elements:
- • Repentance - "Forgive us our sins" - acknowledging our need for God's forgiveness
- • Fear of Hell - "Save us from the fires of hell" - recognizing the reality of eternal damnation
- • Universal Salvation - "Lead all souls to heaven" - praying for everyone's salvation
- • Special Concern - "Especially those in most need of Thy mercy" - focusing on the most vulnerable
This prayer teaches us to be concerned not only for our own salvation but for the salvation of all souls, especially those who are most in danger of losing their souls.
Spiritual Benefits
God's Mercy
This prayer helps us trust in God's infinite mercy and ask for His forgiveness.
Salvation of Souls
We participate in God's work of saving souls through our prayers and intercession.
Protection from Hell
We ask for protection from eternal damnation for ourselves and others.
Charity
We show love for others by praying for their salvation and spiritual well-being.
Biblical Foundation
The Fatima Prayer is rooted in several biblical themes:
- • Matthew 6:12 - "Forgive us our debts" (Our Father)
- • Matthew 25:41 - "Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire"
- • 1 Timothy 2:4 - God "desires all men to be saved"
- • James 5:20 - "Whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death"
- • Luke 15:7 - "There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents"
The prayer reflects the Church's teaching on the reality of hell, the importance of repentance, and our call to pray for the salvation of all souls.
How to Use the Fatima Prayer
- • In the Rosary - Add it after each Glory Be in every decade
- • Memorize it - Learn it by heart so you can pray it anywhere
- • Pray with intention - Think about specific souls who need God's mercy
- • Teach others - Share this prayer with family and friends
- • Pray regularly - Make it part of your daily prayer routine
- • Reflect on the words - Consider what each phrase means
- • Offer for specific intentions - Pray for particular people or situations
The Three Secrets of Fatima
The Fatima Prayer is connected to the three secrets revealed by Our Lady to the children:
- • First Secret - A vision of hell, showing the reality of eternal damnation
- • Second Secret - The prediction of World War II and the need for devotion to the Immaculate Heart
- • Third Secret - A vision of the persecution of the Church and the Holy Father
The Fatima Prayer directly addresses the first secret by praying for the salvation of souls and protection from the fires of hell.
Related Prayers
How to Pray the Rosary
Complete step-by-step guide to praying the Rosary with all mysteries.
Divine Mercy Chaplet
Chaplet of Divine Mercy devotion, another powerful prayer for God's mercy.
Act of Contrition
Prayer expressing sorrow for sins and asking for God's forgiveness.