Have Mercy! 42 Ways to Practice the Spiritual Works of Mercy

Take action in your faith and practice the seven spiritual works of mercy. St. Paul instructs us to "pray without ceasing" (1Thessalonians 5:17), and the spiritual works of mercy help us to be mindful of others' emotional and spiritual needs. Jeanette Martino Land writes that "the spiritual works of mercy accompany and complement the corporal works of mercy. They focus more on alleviating the spiritual and emotional needs of others; therefore, prayer and forgiveness are very important. Because they are spiritual in nature, these works of mercy often are more difficult to actualize and put into practice." Here you will find forty-two contemporary ways to nurture the life of others.

We are all in need of love and acts of mercy at every moment. Who is in need of care in your household? Place of employment? Community, country, or globally? What can you do to care for those in need? Choose your way and continue to live the Gospel in your midst.