When was the last time you read the Book of Psalms? Think about it…well? I cordially invite you to open your Bible and turn to this wonderful book filled with hymns, prayers and poems. If you are drawn to a specific psalm, memorize it, meditate on its every word, and turn it into a personal prayer. What a great way to teach ourselves to reach out to Jesus. Below is a list to guide you in your search as well as the link to the USCCB.org website on the Book of Psalms. But…before you do, let us invite the Holy Spirit to dwell in our hearts.
Let us pray:
O Holy Spirit, I receive you, fill my heart with your burning love. Transform me into a light for others to see that I may help them on their paths. Great Advocate, teach us to be faithful to you, bless us with understanding the need to repent for our sins. Help us to console our Lord Jesus Christ and be joyful. Through Him, Our Lord. Amen. Guadalupe Irma Frakes
St Augustine's Prayer to the Holy Spirit (A.D. 354-430)
Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy.
Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy.
Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy.
Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy.
Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. Amen.
PSALMS
LINK: Psalms, THE BOOK OF PSALMS | USCCB
THE BOOK OF PSALMS:
A COLLECTION OF HYMNS, PRAYERS, POEMS
BOOK 1—PSALMS 1-41 (LAMENTATION)
BOOK 2—PSALMS 42-72 (GLORY, CONFIDENCE, OPTIMISIM)
BOOK 3—PSALMS 73-89 (EVILDOERS, NATIONAL LAMENT, DARKNESS, EXILE)
BOOK 4—PSALMS 90-106 (PHILISOPHICAL, DIVINE VIEW, RESTORE FROM EXILE)
BOOK 5—PSALMS 107-150 (THANKSGIVING, PRAISING GOD, HALLELUJAH)
SEVEN PENITENTIAL PSALMS (PSALMS OF CONFESSION):
PSALM 6—EVENING PRAYER FOR GOD’S MERCY
PSALM 32—THE JOY OF BEING FORGIVEN
PSALM 38—PRAYER OF A SINNER IN GREAT PERIL
PSALM 51—THE “MISERERE:” REPENTANCE FOR SIN
PSALM 102—PRAYER OF AN EXILE
PSALM 130—PRAYER FOR PARDON AND PEACE
PSALM 143—PRAYER OF A PENITENT IN DISTRESS
SEVEN PSALMS OF COMMUNAL LAMENT:
PSALM 44—PAST GLORY AND PRESENT NEED OF GOD’S PEOPLE
PSALM 60—PRAYER TO END WARS
PSALM 74—PRAYER IN TIME OF CALAMITY
PSALM 79—PRAYER FOR RESTORATION
PSALM 80—PRAYER FOR THE PERSECUTED PEOPLE
PSALM 85—PRAYER FOR THE PEOPLE’S SALVATION
PSALM 90—PRAYER TO USE TIME WISELY