What are the Psalms, and how do Catholics use them?

The Psalms are a collection of 150 inspired prayers, hymns, and sacred poems in the Old Testament. Catholics pray them because they give God-given words for every part of human life.

What they contain. The Psalms include praise, thanksgiving, lament, repentance, trust, royal songs, pilgrimage songs, and prayers for deliverance. Some speak with quiet confidence, while others cry out from fear, grief, anger, or apparent abandonment. They teach us to bring our whole heart before God rather than hiding pain or pretending to feel peaceful. The Psalter is both the prayer book of Israel and a central prayer book of the Church (CCC 2585-2589).

Who wrote them. Many psalms are associated with King David, whom Scripture presents as a musician and poet (1 Sam 16:16-23). Others are attributed to Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and additional figures. Some have no named author. The collection took shape over centuries. David has a foundational place in the Psalter, but Catholic teaching does not require that he personally composed all 150 psalms.

How they point to Christ. Jesus prayed the Psalms. On the cross He used their words: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Ps 22:1; Mt 27:46), and, "Into your hands I commend my spirit" (Ps 31:5; Lk 23:46). The New Testament repeatedly applies the Psalms to His identity, Passion, Resurrection, and kingship. After rising from the dead, Jesus explained that what was written about Him in the Psalms had to be fulfilled (Lk 24:44). Christians therefore pray the Psalms with Christ and in Christ.

How Catholics use them. A psalm is normally proclaimed or sung between the readings at Mass. The Psalms also form the heart of the Liturgy of the Hours, the Church's official daily prayer offered by clergy, religious, and laypeople (CCC 1174-1178). Catholics use them for personal prayer as well. Psalm 51 is a prayer of repentance, Psalm 23 expresses trust, Psalm 130 cries for mercy, and Psalm 139 praises God's intimate knowledge of us.

Choose a psalm that fits your present need. Read it slowly, speak it to God, and pause over one phrase. When a psalm contains anger or calls for judgment, bring that emotion honestly to God and read it in the light of Christ's command to love enemies. The Psalms teach the heart to pray while gradually conforming it to God's heart.