Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus

The Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus is a beautiful and powerful prayer that honours the sacred name of our Lord. It expresses deep reverence for Jesus as Saviour, Redeemer, and King, and it reminds the faithful of the spiritual strength, peace, and protection that come from calling upon His Holy Name. It is a prayer of love, trust, and devotion that has been cherished in the Church for centuries.

Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus

  • Origin:
    The devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus became widespread through the work of saints such as St. Bernardine of Siena and the Franciscan tradition. The litany itself was officially approved for public use by Pope Pius IX in 1862.


  • Structure:
    The litany is composed of:

    • Invocations of Jesus’ titles (e.g., “Jesus, Son of the living God…”)

    • Invocations of His attributes (e.g., “Jesus, meek and humble of heart…”)

    • Petitions for mercy and help

    • A concluding prayer asking that all who call on His Name may receive His protection and guidance.


  • Purpose:
    The litany helps Christians meditate on the many titles, virtues, and saving acts of Jesus Christ. It strengthens devotion to His Holy Name, which the Church teaches carries divine power and brings grace to those who call upon it with faith.


  • Spiritual Value:
    Praying this litany:

    • Deepens love for Jesus

    • Strengthens trust in His mercy

    • Invokes His protection against evil

    • Brings peace and consolation

    • Encourages imitation of His virtues


  • When to pray:
    It may be prayed privately any time, especially in moments of need, temptation, fear, or spiritual warfare. It is traditionally associated with the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus (January 3).

 

Prayer:

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.

Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, splendour of the Father, have mercy on us.
Jesus, brightness of eternal light, have mercy on us.
Jesus, King of glory, have mercy on us.
Jesus, sun of justice, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary, have mercy on us.
Jesus, most amiable, have mercy on us.
Jesus, most admirable, have mercy on us.
Jesus, mighty God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Father of the world to come, have mercy on us.
Jesus, angel of great counsel, have mercy on us.
Jesus, most powerful, have mercy on us.
Jesus, most patient, have mercy on us.
Jesus, most obedient, have mercy on us.
Jesus, meek and humble of heart, have mercy on us.
Jesus, lover of chastity, have mercy on us.
Jesus, lover of us, have mercy on us.
Jesus, God of peace, have mercy on us.
Jesus, author of life, have mercy on us.
Jesus, model of virtues, have mercy on us.
Jesus, zealous for souls, have mercy on us.
Jesus, our God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, our refuge, have mercy on us.
Jesus, father of the poor, have mercy on us.
Jesus, treasure of the faithful, have mercy on us.
Jesus, good Shepherd, have mercy on us.
Jesus, true light, have mercy on us.
Jesus, eternal wisdom, have mercy on us.
Jesus, infinite goodness, have mercy on us.
Jesus, our way and our life, have mercy on us.
Jesus, joy of angels, have mercy on us.
Jesus, King of patriarchs, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Master of apostles, have mercy on us.
Jesus, teacher of evangelists, have mercy on us.
Jesus, strength of martyrs, have mercy on us.
Jesus, light of confessors, have mercy on us.
Jesus, purity of virgins, have mercy on us.
Jesus, crown of all saints, have mercy on us.

Be merciful, spare us, O Jesus.
Be merciful, graciously hear us, O Jesus.

From all evil, deliver us, O Jesus.
From all sin, deliver us, O Jesus.
From Your wrath, deliver us, O Jesus.
From the snares of the devil, deliver us, O Jesus.
From the spirit of fornication, deliver us, O Jesus.
From everlasting death, deliver us, O Jesus.
From the neglect of Your inspirations, deliver us, O Jesus.

By the mystery of Your holy Incarnation, deliver us, O Jesus.
By Your nativity, deliver us, O Jesus.
By Your infancy, deliver us, O Jesus.
By Your most divine life, deliver us, O Jesus.
By Your labours, deliver us, O Jesus.
By Your agony and passion, deliver us, O Jesus.
By Your cross and dereliction, deliver us, O Jesus.
By Your sufferings, deliver us, O Jesus.
By Your death and burial, deliver us, O Jesus.
By Your Resurrection, deliver us, O Jesus.
By Your Ascension, deliver us, O Jesus.
By Your institution of the most Holy Eucharist, deliver us, O Jesus.
By Your joys, deliver us, O Jesus.
By Your glory, deliver us, O Jesus.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O Jesus.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Jesus.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, O Jesus.

Jesus, hear us. Jesus, graciously hear us.

Let us pray.
O Lord Jesus Christ, You have said: “Ask and you shall receive; seek and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you.” Mercifully attend to our supplications, and grant us the grace of Your most divine love, that we may love You with our whole heart, and in all our words and actions, and never cease praising You.
Make us, O Lord, to have a perpetual fear and love of Your Holy Name, for You live and reign forever and ever.
Amen.