O My Jesus
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins,
save us from the fires of hell;
lead all souls to heaven especially those who are in most need of
Thy mercy.
Amen.
The “O My Jesus” Prayer: A Plea for Mercy and Salvation
The “O My Jesus” prayer, often called the Fatima Prayer, is a short but powerful intercession added to the Rosary by request of the Blessed Virgin Mary during her apparitions to three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal in 1917. Though brief, this prayer encapsulates the heart of the Gospel message—mercy, salvation, and the universal call to holiness. It is a prayer of hope, love, and profound compassion, not only for ourselves but for every soul created by God.
A Cry for Forgiveness and Deliverance
The prayer begins with a deeply personal address:
“O my Jesus…”
This phrase expresses intimacy and humility. The use of “my” signifies not ownership but relationship. It’s the language of one who knows Christ not as a distant figure but as Savior, Redeemer, and Friend. This personal invocation sets the tone for the heartfelt petitions that follow.
“…forgive us our sins…”
At the heart of the Christian life is the need for repentance and forgiveness. This line is a confession of human weakness and a profession of divine mercy. It recalls the Lord’s Prayer—“forgive us our trespasses”—and acknowledges that sin separates us from God and from one another. In this plea, we recognize Jesus as the one who has the power to forgive, who bore the weight of our sins on the Cross, and who continues to offer reconciliation through His mercy.
“…save us from the fires of hell…”
This line, stark and sobering, reaffirms Catholic belief in eternal consequences. The fires of hell are not meant to be invoked lightly or as threats but as reminders of the seriousness of sin and the real possibility of separation from God. Yet, this is not a despairing line—it’s a plea for deliverance. It reflects trust in Christ’s power to save and hope in His desire that none should be lost (cf. 2 Peter 3:9).
A Universal Prayer for All Souls
“Lead all souls to heaven…”
This is the most expansive part of the prayer—a call not only for personal salvation but for the salvation of all humanity. It reflects the missionary heart of the Church, echoing Christ’s command to preach the Gospel to all nations. In praying this, we unite ourselves with the desires of Christ, who said:
“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” (John 12:32)
This line transforms prayer into an act of charity. We intercede for those we know and those we don’t—for our family, friends, enemies, and strangers—for the dying, the forgotten, the hardened, and the lost.
“…especially those who are in most need of thy mercy.”
Here, the prayer reaches its most compassionate note. We ask Jesus to extend mercy first to the most desperate, the most spiritually wounded, and the most distant from grace. It echoes Mary’s own heart, who, at Fatima, showed the children a vision of hell not to frighten them but to call for prayer and reparation for those most in danger of damnation.
This is the essence of Divine Mercy: God's grace is not earned but freely offered—especially to those who are furthest from Him. The line embodies what Pope Francis often calls the “preferential option for the sinner”—that we are to seek out and pray for the lost, not condemn them.
The Role of the Prayer in the Rosary and Catholic Life
The O My Jesus prayer is traditionally added at the end of each decade of the Rosary. Its inclusion is fitting—it brings a reflective moment of petition after meditating on the mysteries of Christ’s life. As we recall the joy, sorrow, and glory of Jesus and Mary, we are moved to ask for mercy—not only for ourselves but for the world.
This prayer helps shape the missionary spirit of those who pray it. It invites every Catholic to become an intercessor, standing in the gap for those who do not pray, do not believe, or are on the edge of despair. In just a few lines, we are reminded of the urgency of prayer, the reality of eternity, and the infinite depth of Jesus’ mercy.
Conclusion
The “O My Jesus” prayer is a tender, urgent cry born from the heart of a loving God, delivered through the gentle words of His Mother. Though short, it encompasses the entirety of the Gospel: repentance, mercy, salvation, and love for every soul. It reminds us that our prayers matter, that no one is beyond hope, and that heaven is not only real but worth striving and praying for.
As we whisper these words at the end of each Rosary decade, may we do so with burning hearts that echo Mary’s own, aflame with love for Jesus and for the salvation of souls.
Credits
May God bless you.
