Praying with a Psalm
Introduction
The Psalms are 150 sacred songs and poems in the Bible. Traditionally sung in the temple, the Psalms are recognized as profound expressions of the human heart; many people facing different situations and feelings in their relationship with God.
The Psalms can be very special for individual prayer, but they are also used by the Catholic community over four weeks of daily prayer to share all 150 psalms with God for the needs of the church and the world.
As you pray with a Psalm, it may be helpful to recognize that you are joining in with the world-wide-catholic community constantly at prayer; praying every morning, midday, evening. We are a priestly people, bringing the world and its struggles and hopes to God in prayer.
Some people like the Psalms as it gives them something to say and pray when they don’t have words. Some people hold a particular person who is struggling or hurting or joyful in prayer with a particular Psalm. ..
Practice
Open the Bible: Start by opening the Bible to the book of Psalms.
Choose a Psalm: Notice your feelings and thought, and choose a Psalm title that resonates with you.
Make it Personal: Let the chosen Psalm become personal for you or someone you want to pray for.
A Thanksgiving Psalm: Let your heart and mind be filled with gratitude for the day and all the gifts received.
Sorrowful Psalm: Allow your heart to express true sorrow for the wrongs done in your life and in the world.
Reflective Words: If a word or sentence strikes you deeply, stay with it and rest on it. Praying the Psalms is about bringing your heart to God, so let it happen naturally. Remember Psalms are songs; you may like to find a favorite on the internet and listen to it..
Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd
Psalm 27: The Lord is my light and my salvation
Psalm 51: Create in me a clean heart
Psalm 63: My soul yearns for you
Psalm 103: Bless the Lord my Soul
Reflection
Write what happened in your practice of Praying with a Psalm?