Top 35 Catholic Prayers for Souls in Purgatory (Full Prayers)

Eternal Rest Prayer: Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Prayer for the Poor Souls: O God, Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of thy servants departed the remission of all their sins, that through our devout prayers they may obtain that pardon which they have always desired. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for All Souls: Merciful Father, hear our prayers and console the souls in purgatory. Look upon them with the eyes of thy mercy and grant them eternal rest in thy kingdom. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
De Profundis (Psalm 130): Out of the depths I cry to thee, O Lord! Lord, hear my voice! Let thy ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications! If thou, O Lord, shouldst mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? But with thee there is forgiveness, that thou mayest be feared. I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning. O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plenteous redemption. And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
Prayer of St. Gertrude the Great: Eternal Father, I offer thee 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, those in my own home, and within my family. Amen.
Prayer for the Departed: O God, whose mercy is boundless, we beseech thee to grant eternal rest to the souls in purgatory, that they may be purified and join thee in everlasting glory. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Requiem Aeternam: Grant them eternal rest, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
Prayer for Mercy on Souls: O Lord, thou art rich in mercy; look with compassion on the souls in purgatory and bring them to the joys of heaven. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer for Deceased Relatives: Almighty God, we entrust to thy mercy the souls of our departed relatives and friends. Purify them and welcome them into thy eternal embrace. Amen.
Prayer for Forgotten Souls: O merciful God, take pity on those souls who have no one to pray for them. Grant them relief and eternal rest through thy infinite love. Amen.
Prayer for Souls in Need: Heavenly Father, through the merits of thy Son’s Passion, grant relief to the souls in purgatory, especially those most in need of thy mercy. Amen.
Prayer to Our Lady for Souls: O Virgin Mary, Mother of Mercy, intercede for the souls in purgatory, that they may be purified and enter the kingdom of God. Amen.
Prayer of St. Augustine for the Dead: O God, by whose mercy the souls of the faithful find rest, graciously grant to thy departed servants forgiveness of their sins, that they may share in eternal happiness. Amen.
Prayer for the Faithful Departed: O God, who hast commanded us to honor our father and mother, have mercy on the souls of our parents and grant them eternal rest. Amen.
Prayer to St. Michael for Souls: St. Michael the Archangel, defend the souls in purgatory from the powers of darkness and lead them to the light of God’s presence. Amen.
Prayer for the Suffering Souls: O Lord Jesus Christ, King of glory, deliver the souls of the faithful departed from the pains of purgatory and bring them to thy eternal rest. Amen.
Prayer to the Sacred Heart: Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on the souls in purgatory. By thy precious Blood, cleanse them and lead them to eternal life. Amen.
Prayer for the Holy Souls: O God, who dost forgive sins, grant to the souls of thy servants the remission of their offenses and the joy of eternal life. Amen.
Prayer for Deceased Priests: Lord Jesus, Eternal High Priest, have mercy on the souls of thy priests in purgatory and grant them the reward of their labors. Amen.
Prayer for Benefactors: O Lord, reward those who have been kind to us, and grant eternal rest to the souls of our benefactors in purgatory. Amen.
Prayer for Children in Purgatory: Loving Father, embrace the souls of children in purgatory, and through thy mercy, bring them to the joy of thy kingdom. Amen.
Prayer to St. Joseph for Souls: O St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, intercede for the souls in purgatory, that they may find rest in God’s presence. Amen.
Prayer for the Dying: O most merciful Jesus, lover of souls, we beseech thee, by the agony of thy most Sacred Heart, to purify the souls in purgatory who are near their release. Amen.
Prayer for Souls in Agony: O God of compassion, ease the suffering of the souls in purgatory and hasten their entrance into thy eternal joy. Amen.
Prayer for the Lonely Souls: Lord, comfort the souls in purgatory who feel abandoned, and through thy love, bring them to thy heavenly home. Amen.
Prayer for the Recently Deceased: Eternal Father, we commend to thy mercy the souls of those who have recently died, that they may find peace in thy presence. Amen.
Prayer for Soldiers’ Souls: O God, who dost honor those who sacrifice, grant eternal rest to the souls of soldiers in purgatory. Amen.
Prayer for Souls in God’s Mercy: O Lord, whose mercy endures forever, purify the souls in purgatory and grant them a place in thy kingdom. Amen.
Prayer to the Holy Spirit for Souls: Come, Holy Spirit, purify the souls in purgatory with thy divine fire and lead them to eternal rest. Amen.
Prayer for All the Faithful Departed: O God, Creator of all, grant to the souls of thy faithful departed the forgiveness of their sins and eternal life. Amen.
Prayer for the Poor: O Lord, who loves the poor, have mercy on the souls of the poor in purgatory and grant them eternal riches in heaven. Amen.
Prayer for the Afflicted Souls: Merciful Jesus, relieve the suffering of the souls in purgatory and bring them to the glory of thy resurrection. Amen.
Prayer for Souls of the Laity: O God, who calls all to holiness, purify the souls of thy lay faithful in purgatory and grant them eternal rest. Amen.
Prayer for the Unknown Souls: O Lord, thou knowest all hearts; have mercy on the unknown souls in purgatory and bring them to thy light. Amen.
Prayer for Final Purification: Almighty God, complete the purification of the souls in purgatory, that they may behold thy face in eternal glory. Amen.

7 Real Life Stories and Bible Stories

Real Life Story: A Widow’s Prayer
A widow named Clara prayed the St. Gertrude Prayer daily for her late husband. One night, she dreamt of him smiling, surrounded by light, giving her peace that her prayers helped his soul.
Bible Story: The Widow’s Offering (Mark 12:41-44)
A poor widow gave two small coins to the temple treasury, all she had. Jesus praised her sacrifice, teaching that small acts of love, like prayers for souls, have great value.
Real Life Story: A Family’s Rosary
A family prayed the Rosary every November for deceased relatives. One member felt a sense of calm during Mass, believing their prayers aided their loved ones in purgatory.
Bible Story: Lazarus and the Rich Man (Luke 16:19-31)
The rich man, suffering after death, begged for relief, showing the need for mercy. This story inspires prayers for souls in purgatory to ease their purification.
Real Life Story: A Priest’s Vision
A priest offering Mass for the dead saw a vision of souls rising toward heaven during the consecration, strengthening his belief in the power of the Eucharist for purgatory.
Bible Story: Judas Maccabeus’ Offering (2 Maccabees 12:38-46)
Judas made offerings for soldiers who died in sin, showing that prayers and sacrifices for the dead are “holy and pious,” aiding their purification.
Real Life Story: A Child’s Prayer
A young girl prayed the Eternal Rest Prayer for her grandfather. She later told her mother she felt he was “happy now,” comforting the family.

7 Comments by People

“The Prayer of St. Gertrude feels so powerful. I say it daily for my parents, hoping it brings them closer to heaven.” – Anna, 50
“Offering Masses for the souls in purgatory gives me hope that I’m helping my loved ones.” – Robert, 62
“The De Profundis moves me every time. It’s like I’m crying out with the souls in purgatory.” – Lisa, 39
“I pray for forgotten souls, and it feels like I’m doing something meaningful for those who have no one.” – James, 28
“The Requiem Aeternam is short but so comforting. I say it at every funeral.” – Maria, 45
“Praying to Our Lady for the souls in purgatory makes me feel she’s guiding them to her Son.” – Theresa, 53
“The Eternal Rest Prayer is my go-to when I visit a cemetery. It’s simple but heartfelt.” – David, 36

10 Bible Verses

2 Maccabees 12:46: “It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins.”
Psalm 130:1-2: “Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice!”
1 Corinthians 3:15: “If someone’s work is burned up, that one will suffer loss; the person will be saved, but only as through fire.”
Matthew 5:26: “You will not get out until you have paid the last penny.”
Revelation 21:4: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning.”
John 5:25: “The dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.”
Romans 8:38-39: “Neither death nor life… will be able to separate us from the love of God.”
Psalm 23:4: “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for you are with me.”
Hebrews 12:29: “For our God is a consuming fire.”
1 Peter 3:19: “He went and made proclamation to the spirits in prison.”

3 Stories of Random Catholic Saints

St. Faustina Kowalska (1905-1938)
A Polish nun, St. Faustina received visions of Jesus, who taught her the Divine Mercy Chaplet. She prayed fervently for souls in purgatory, believing her prayers and Jesus’ mercy hastened their release.
St. Nicholas of Tolentino (1245-1305)
An Augustinian friar, Nicholas was known for his devotion to the souls in purgatory. He offered Masses and fasted for them, and souls reportedly appeared to thank him for their deliverance.
St. Odilo of Cluny (962-1049)
As abbot of Cluny, Odilo instituted All Souls’ Day on November 2, encouraging prayers and Masses for the dead. His devotion helped spread this practice throughout the Church.

5 Stories of Jesus Christ’s Encounters with People

The Widow of Nain (Luke 7:11-17)
Jesus, moved with compassion, raised a widow’s only son from the dead, showing His power over death and care for the grieving, inspiring hope for the departed.
The Woman Caught in Adultery (John 8:1-11)
Jesus forgave a woman facing death by stoning, saying, “Neither do I condemn you.” His mercy reflects hope for souls seeking purification in purgatory.
The Thief on the Cross (Luke 23:39-43)
Jesus promised the repentant thief, “Today you will be with me in Paradise,” showing that even late repentance can lead to salvation, encouraging prayers for the dead.
Martha and Mary at Lazarus’ Tomb (John 11:1-44)
Jesus raised Lazarus, saying, “I am the resurrection and the life.” His power over death gives hope that prayers can aid souls toward eternal life.
The Canaanite Woman (Matthew 15:21-28)
A woman’s persistent faith led Jesus to heal her daughter. Her trust inspires us to persevere in praying for the souls in purgatory.

10 Prophetic Declarations

By God’s mercy, the souls in purgatory will be purified and welcomed into heaven.
The precious Blood of Jesus will cleanse the souls in purgatory and grant them rest.
I declare that my prayers will bring relief to the suffering souls in purgatory.
Through the intercession of Mary, the souls in purgatory will find peace.
God’s infinite love will hasten the release of the holy souls into His glory.
The forgotten souls in purgatory will be remembered through my prayers.
The light of Christ will shine upon the souls in purgatory, leading them home.
By the power of the Eucharist, the souls in purgatory will be purified.
The Holy Spirit will comfort the souls in purgatory with divine fire.
All souls in purgatory will one day rejoice in God’s eternal kingdom.

10 Prayer Points

Pray for the souls in purgatory to receive God’s mercy and purification.
Ask for Masses to be offered for the relief of the holy souls.
Seek the intercession of Our Lady of Mercy for the souls in purgatory.
Pray for forgotten souls who have no one to intercede for them.
Ask St. Gertrude to offer her powerful prayer for the souls’ release.
Pray for the souls of deceased priests, that they may enter God’s glory.
Seek relief for souls suffering the most in purgatory.
Pray for the souls of your family and friends, entrusting them to God.
Ask the Holy Spirit to purify the souls with His divine fire.
Pray for perseverance in offering daily prayers for the souls in purgatory.

Meditation Writeup

Meditation: Praying for the Souls in Purgatory
Find a quiet place, perhaps with a candle lit to symbolize the light of Christ. Begin by breathing deeply, asking the Holy Spirit to guide your heart. Picture the souls in purgatory, longing for God’s presence, enveloped in His purifying love.
Read 2 Maccabees 12:46: “It is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead.” Reflect on how your prayers can aid these souls, uniting you with the communion of saints. Ask: Who in my life might need my prayers? How can I offer small sacrifices for them?
Imagine presenting your prayers to Jesus through Mary, trusting they reach the souls in need. Offer the Prayer of St. Gertrude, feeling its power. Spend a moment in silence, sensing your connection to the Church suffering. Resolve to pray daily for the souls, ending with the Eternal Rest Prayer.