Holy Psalter Prayer Plans

by | Nov 10, 2022 | Liturgical, Prayer, Spiritual

The Church’s Prayer Book

Note: one of these plans is meant to complement the Advanced Bible Reading plan shown here. 

Audio Psalter

The entire Psalter, Challoner-DR version, is contained in the iPieta app. This is helpful because you can play the Psalter on audio using your phone while doing chores, etc., which helps get through the Psalter. That can be utilised for any of the following plans.

Beginner: Twice Annual Psalter

Begin with Psalm 1 and pray each psalm daily as a preparation for reading the Holy Scriptures with the intention of worshipping God and gaining wisdom. You can easily break up longer ones too, especially Psalm 118 (119).

  • The advantage of this method is that it is easily doable and reads through the whole Psalter twice per year.
  • The downside is it’s disconnected from any liturgical consideration.

Intermediate: Monthly Psalter

If you pray the modern Liturgy of the Hours, which includes a four week Psalter.

  • The advantages are that this is both doable for laity and liturgical. It takes about 30 minutes per day between all the sevens offices of the day and night. You can also skip hours that repeat Psalms, like Terce, Sext and None.
  • The disadvantage is that the four week Psalter does not include all the Psalms, and some verses are “censored” due to being too violent. This is an unfortunate misunderstanding of the spirituality of the Psalter, which is a militant prayer against the world, the flesh and devil. See below for the meaning of each Psalm.

The other thing is that this modern office follows the new calendar and thus excludes things like Embertide and Septuagesima, which might pose difficulties.

Advanced: Weekly Psalter

This plan follows one of the traditional versions of the divine office which prays the entire Psalter every week. This is modified for weeks with feast days, which include different Psalms.

  • The advantage is that praying the weekly Psalter introduces you to the whole spirituality of the Psalter and allows the maximum spiritual benefit from these prayers of Christ. It is also completely liturgical and includes all the traditional feasts and seasons.
  • The disadvantage is it is much more complicated and difficult for a layman. The whole eight hours of night and day take somewhere between 60 to 90 minutes for the entire day, with the morning offices taking up the bulk at 40 to 50 minutes:

Morning

  • 20-25 min. Matins
  • 15 min Lauds
  • 10 min Prime

Daytime

  • 5 min Terce
  • 5 min Sext
  • 5 min None

Evening

  • 10-15 min Vespers
  • 5 min Compline

It will also take longer for those starting out.

To get the proper texts for this, you need to decide between the Roman and Monastic/Benedictine breviary. The Roman is slightly shorter, and also more common among Traditional Catholics, so that is slightly easier. You can try both by going to divinumofficium.com and using “Rubrics 1960” (Roman) or “Monastic” (Benedictine) version.

Once you decide that, you can purchase a hard copy of the Roman from Baronius Press, or try to find one used. You see the disadvantage of the Roman immediately because it is rather expensive. If you want to go Monastic, you can purchase the St. Michael’s Abbey version of the Monastic Diurnal. The downside with this is that is excludes Matins (“Diurnal” refers to the offices of the day, from Lauds to Compline), so you have to access that through the aforementioned website or buy a hard copy new or used. Another downside to this version is that it is the Monastic rubrics of 1963, which removes feasts from the 1955 reform and also reduces commemorations from Vespers.

The best hard copy version of the Monastic Breviary, in my opinion, is the Lancelot Andrewes version (Diurnal and Matins). The plus here is that it has all the old rubrics and old feasts. The downside is it has no Latin, and the Psalter is the Coverdale translation, which can lose Christological references, such as in Psalm 109 (110).

The Byzantine Psalter

Another alternative for the weekly Psalter is to use the Byzantine version. This is the easiest form of the weekly Psalter, because it doesn’t change any week. The Psalter is divided into 20 “kathismata” or sections, which are then divided between morning and evening prayer. The version I have used which is good is the one translated by Holy Transfiguration Monastery (Old Calendarist Orthodox) which has a pocket version but is also available online. In the back of this text it shows the arrangement for the hours of the weeks.

The Meaning of Every Psalm

  1. Psalm i.Beatus vir. The happiness of the Church and the evil state of the wicked.
  2. Psalm ii.Quare fremuerunt. The vain efforts of the persecutors against Christ and His Church.
  3. Psalm iii.Domine, quid multiplicati. The passion and resurrection of Christ.
  4. Psalm iv.Cum invocarem. Christ teaches us to flee to God in tribulation, with confidence in him.
  5. Psalm v.Verba mea auribus. Christ’s prayer to God against the iniquities of men.
  6. Psalm vi.Domine, ne in furore. Christ in His Body prays under the scourging of God
  7. Psalm vii.Domine, Deus meus. Christ in His Body prays for God’s help against His enemies.
  8. Psalm viii.Domine, Dominus Noster. God is wonderful in His works; especially in mankind, singularly exalted by the incarnation of Christ.
  9. Psalm ix.Confitebor tibi, Domine. The Church praises God for His protection against her enemies.
  10. Psalm x.In Domino confido. The confidence of Christ in the Father in the midst of persecutions.
  11. Psalm xi.Salvum me fac. Christ calls for God’s help in the midst of persecutions.
  12. Psalm xii.Usquequo, Domine. A prayer of the Church in tribulation.
  13. Psalm xiii.Dixit insipiens. The general corruption of man before our redemption in Christ.
  14. Psalm xiv. Domine, quis habitabit. What kind of men shall dwell in the heavenly sion.
  15. Psalm xv. Conserva me, Domine. Christ’s future victory and triumph over the world and death.
  16. Psalm xvi. Exaudi, Domine, justitiam. Christ’s prayer in tribulation against the malice of His enemies.
  17. Psalm xvii. Diligam te, Domine. The triumph of the Christian Church over all enemies.
  18. Psalm xviii. Coeli enarrant. The works of God show forth His glory: the spread of the Gospel.
  19. Psalm xix. Exaudiat te Dominus. Supplication of the Christian for deliverance in Christ.
  20. Psalm xx. Domine, in virtute. Praise to God for Christ’s exaltation after His Passion.
  21. Psalm xxi. Deus Deus meus. Christ’s Passion, Resurrection, and the conversion of the Gentiles.
  22. Psalm xxii. Dominus regit me. God’s spiritual benefits for faithful souls.
  23. Psalm xxiii. Domini est terra. Who are they that shall ascend to heaven: Christ’s triumphant ascension thither.
  24. Psalm xxiv. Ad te, Domine, levavi. Christ’s prayer for His Church against her enemies.
  25. Psalm xxv. Judica me, Domine. Christ’s prayer during His passion for the triumph of his Church.
  26. Psalm xxvi. Dominus illuminatio. Christ’s prayer before His passion.
  27. Psalm xxvii. Ad te, Domine, clamabo. Christ’s prayer during His passion with confidence in his resurrection.
  28. Psalm xxviii. Afferte Domino. Exhortation to worship God commemorating His mighty works.
  29. Psalm xxix. Exaltabo te, Domine. Christ’s thanksgiving in His resurrection.
  30. Psalm xxx. In te, Domine, speravi. Christ’s prayer in His passion.
  31. Psalm xxxi. Beati quorum. The repentance of the Church and the words of comfort from Christ.
  32. Psalm xxxii. Exultate, justi. Exhortation to praise God and trust in Him.
  33. Psalm xxxiii. Benedicam Dominum. Exhortation to the praise and service of God.
  34. Psalm xxxiv. Judica, Domine, nocentes me. Christ prays against His persecutors, prophesying their punishment.
  35. Psalm xxxv. Dixit injustus. The malice of sinners and the goodness of God.
  36. Psalm xxxvi. Noli aemulari. An exhortation to despise this world. The short prosperity of the wicked and the trust in God’s providence.
  37. Psalm xxxvii. Domine, ne in furore. Christ prays for the remission of sins for His Church.
  38. Psalm xxxviii. Dixi custodiam. Christ in His passion before His death, intercedes for the sins His Church.
  39. Psalm xxxix. Expectans expectavi. Christ’s coming and redeeming mankind.
  40. Psalm xl. Beatus qui intelligit. The happiness of him that shall believe in Christ; notwithstanding his humble poverty: the malice of Christ’s enemies, especially the traitor Judas.
  41. Psalm xli. Quemadmodum desiderat. The prayer of the Church for union with Christ.
  42. Psalm xlii. Judica me, Deus. The prayer of the Church for resurrection.
  43. Psalm xliii. Deus auribus nostris. The Church commemorates former favors and present afflictions, under which she prays for deliverance.
  44. Psalm xliv. Eructavit cor meum. The excellence of Christ’s kingdom, the endowments of His Church and the glory of the Mother of God.
  45. Psalm xlv. Deus noster refugium. The Church in persecution trusts in the protection of God.
  46. Psalm xlvi. Omnes gentes, plaudite. The gentiles are invited to praise God for the establishment of the kingdom of Christ.
  47. Psalm xlvii. Magnus Dominus. God is greatly to be praised for the establishment of His Church.
  48. Psalm xlviii. Audite, omnes gentes. The fate of those who live on in sin without thought of death or hell.
  49. Psalm xlix. Deus deorum. The coming of Christ who prefers virtue and inward purity above the blood of victims.
  50. Psalm l. David’s repentance after his sin.
  51. Psalm li. Quid gloriaris. Christ’s prophesy of the future punishment of the wicked and exaltation of His Church.
  52. Psalm lii. Dixit inspiens. The general corruption of man before the coming of Christ.
  53. Psalm liii. Deus in nomine tuo. Prayer of Christ for help in distress.
  54. Psalm liv. Exaudi, Deus. Christ persecuted by the Jews and betrayed by Judas.
  55. Psalm lv. Miserere mei, Deus. Prayer of the Church under distress.
  56. Psalm lvi. Miserere mei, Deus. Prayer in affliction and praise for deliverance.
  57. Psalm lvii. Si vere utique. Christ reproves the wicked and foretells their destruction.
  58. Psalm lviii. Eripe me. Christ persecuted by the Jews.
  59. Psalm lix. Deus, repulisti nos. After many afflictions, the Church of Christ shall prevail.
  60. Psalm lx. Exaudi, Deus. Prayer for the coming of the Kingdom of Christ which shall have no end.
  61. Psalm lxi. Nonne Deo. Encouragement to trust in God and serve Him.
  62. Psalm lxii. Deus, Deus meus ad te. The thirsting of the Church for Christ.
  63. Psalm lxiii. Exaudi Deus orationem. Confidence of Christ that God will bring to naught the machinations of persecutors.
  64. Psalm lxiv. Te decet. God is to be praised in His Church, to which all nations are called.
  65. Psalm lxv. Jubilate Deo. A psalm of the resurrection of Christ.
  66. Psalm lxvi. Deus misereatur. Prayer for the propagation of the Church.
  67. Psalm lxvii. Exurgat Deus. The glorious establishment of the Church prefigured in Israel. The Ascension of Christ.
  68. Psalm lxviii. Salvum me fac, Deus. Christ in His passion declares the greatness of His sufferings and the malice of His persecutors the Jews; He foretells their reprobation.
  69. Psalm lxix. Deus in adjutorium. Prayer of Christ in persecution.
  70. Psalm lxx. In te, Domine. Prayer of the Church for perseverance.
  71. Psalm lxxi. Deus, judicium tuum. The coming of Christ and His kingdom.
  72. Psalm lxxii. Quam bonus Israel Deus. Christ lifts up the weak who are tempted to despair by the contemplation of His justice.
  73. Psalm lxxiii. Ut quid, Deus. The prayer of the Church under grievous persecution.
  74. Psalm lxxiv. Confitebimur tibi. The just judgment seat of Christ.
  75. Psalm lxxv. Notus in Judaea. God is known in His Church and exerts His power in protecting her.
  76. Psalm lxxvi. Voce mea. Prayer of the Church in affliction.
  77. Psalm lxxvii. Christ recalls the mercies of God to Israel, notwithstanding their ingratitude.
  78. Psalm lxxviii. Deus, venerunt gentes. The Church in time of persecution prays for relief.
  79. Psalm lxxix. Qui regis Israel. A prayer for the Church in tribulation, commemorating God’s former favors.
  80. Psalm lxxx. Exultate Deo. Exhortation to the praise of God.
  81. Psalm lxxxi. Deus stetit. The words of Christ the King to the Pharisees and other leaders.
  82. Psalm lxxxii. Deus, quis similis. Prayer against the enemies of Holy Church.
  83. Psalm lxxxiii. Quam dilecta. Longing for eternal life; rejoicing in Holy Communion.
  84. Psalm lxxxiv. Benedixisti, Domine. The coming of Christ, to bring peace and salvation to man.
  85. Psalm lxxxv. Inclina, Domine. Prayer of Christ at His passion.
  86. Psalm lxxxvi. Fundamenta eius. The glory of the Church of Christ.
  87. Psalm lxxxvii. Domine, Deus salutis. Christ’s passion, death, and burial.
  88. Psalm lxxxviii. Misericordias Domini. The perpetuity of the Church of Christ, notwithstanding her most grievous afflictions.
  89. Psalm lxxxix. Domine, refugium. A prayer for the mercy of God considering the shortness of life.
  90. Psalm xc. Qui habitat. The just man is secure under the protection of God.
  91. Psalm xci. Bonum est confiteri. God is praised for His wondrous works.
  92. Psalm xcii. Dominus regnavit. The glory and stability of the Kingdom of God in Christ.
  93. Psalm xciii. Deus ultionum. God shall judge and punish the oppressors of His Church.
  94. Psalm xciv. Venite exultemus. Exhortation to praise God and hear His voice.
  95. Psalm xcv. Cantate Domino. Exhortation to praise God for the coming of Christ.
  96. Psalm xcvi. Dominus regnavit. Exhortation to rejoice at the coming of Christ.
  97. Psalm xcvii. Cantate Domino. Praises for the victories of Christ.
  98. Psalm xcviii. Dominus Regnavit. The reign of Christ.
  99. Psalm xcix. Jubilate Deo. The Church rejoices in the mercies of God.
  100. Psalm c. Misericordiam et judicium. The perfection and judgment of Christ.
  101. Psalm ci. Domine, exaudi. Prayer in affliction.
  102. Psalm cii. Benedic, anima. Thanksgiving to God for His mercies.
  103. Psalm ciii. Benedic, anima. God is to be praised for His mighty works and wonderful providence.
  104. Psalm civ. Confitemini Domino. Thanksgiving to God for His benefits to the Church.
  105. Psalm cv. Confitemini Domino. A confession of the manifold sins and ingratitude of Israel.
  106. Psalm cvi. Confitemini Domino. Thanksgiving to God for His mercies.
  107. Psalm cvii. Paratum cor meum. Praise to God for benefits received.
  108. Psalm cviii. Deus, laudem meum. Christ against His persecutors, foretelling the just punishment for the traitor Judas.
  109. Psalm cix. Dixit Dominus. Christ’s exaltation and everlasting priesthood.
  110. Psalm cx. Confitebor tibi, Domine. God is praise for His graces to His Church.
  111. Psalm cxi. Beatus vir. The happiness of the just man.
  112. Psalm cxii. Laudate, pueri. God is praised for His regard for the poor and humble.
  113. Psalm cxiii. In exitu Israel. God has shown His power in delivering Israel. The vanity of idols.
  114. Psalm cxiv. Prayer of Christ in affliction with confidence in God.
  115. Psalm cxv. Christ praises the Father and confesses He is the son of Mary.
  116. Psalm cxvi. Laudate Dominum. All nations praise the Lord.
  117. Psalm cxvii. Confitemini Domino. Praise to God for His mercies and the coming of Christ.
  118. Psalm cxviii. Beati immaculati. The perfection of Christ.
  119. Psalm cxix. Ad Dominum. Prayer of Christ in tribulation.
  120. Psalm cxx. Levavi oculos. The voice of Christ speaks to comfort His Church.
  121. Psalm cxxi. Laetatus sum in his. The desire of the Church for union with Christ in eternal life.
  122. Psalm cxxii. Ad te levavi. Prayer in affliction with confidence in God.
  123. Psalm cxxiii. Nisi quia Dominus. The Church gives glory to God for deliverance from enemies.
  124. Psalm cxxiv. Qui confidunt. The just are always under the protection of God.
  125. Psalm cxxv. In convertendo. The Church rejoices at her deliverance from Christ.
  126. Psalm cxxvi. Nisi Dominus. The absolute necessity of the grace of God.
  127. Psalm cxxvii. Beati omnes. The fear of God is the way of beatitude.
  128. Psalm cxxviii. Saepe expugnaverunt. The Church of God is invincible; all her enemies come to nothing.
  129. Psalm cxxix. De profundis. The sinner trusting in the mercy of God.
  130. Psalm cxxx. Domine, none est. The humility of Christ.
  131. Psalm cxxxi. Memento, Domine. Prayer for the coming of Christ.
  132. Psalm cxxxii. Ecce quam bonum. The happiness of fraternal charity in the Church.
  133. Psalm cxxxiii. Ecce nunc benedicite. Exhortation to praise God continually.
  134. Psalm cxxxiv. Laudate nomen. Exhortation to praise God. The vanity of idols.
  135. Psalm cxxxv. Confitemini Domino. God is praised for His wonderful works.
  136. Psalm cxxxvi. Super flumina. Lamentation in this valley of tears; the need to immediately banish evil thoughts against the rock of Christ.
  137. Psalm cxxxvii. Confitebor tibi. Thanksgiving to God for His deliverance in tribulation.
  138. Psalm cxxxviii. Domine, probasti. The providence of God governing the Church to eternal life.
  139. Psalm cxxxix. Eripe me, Domine. Prayer for deliverance from the old man.
  140. Psalm cxl. Domine, clamavi. Prayer of the just man against the malice of the old man.
  141. Psalm cxli. Voce mea. Prayer in the extremity of danger.
  142. Psalm cxlii. Domine, exaudi. Prayer of Christ in His passion.
  143. Psalm cxliii. Benedictus Dominus. David against Goliath. Christ against the world, the flesh, and the devil.
  144. Psalm cxliv. Exaltabo te, Deus. Praise to the infinite majesty of God.
  145. Psalm cxlv. Lauda, anima. We are not to trust in man, but God alone.
  146. Psalm cxlvi. Laudate Dominum. Praise God for His benefits.
  147. Psalm cxlvii. Lauda, Jerusalem. The Church praises God for His graces to His people.
  148. Psalm cxlviii. Laudate Dominum de caelis. Let all things praise the Lord.
  149. Psalm cxlix. Cantate Domino. The Church is bound to praise the Lord and will triumph over her enemies.
  150. Psalm cl. Laudate Dominum in sanctis. Let all things praise the Lord.

Adoration – Worship God for Who He Is

  1. Psalm viii. Domine, Dominus Noster. God is wonderful in his works; especially in mankind, singularly exalted by the incarnation of Christ.
  2. Psalm xxviii. Afferte Domino. Exhortation to worship God commemorating his mighty works.
  3. Psalm xxxii. Exultate, justi. Exhortation to praise God and trust in him.
  4. Psalm xxxiii. Benedicam Dominum. Exhortation to the praise and service of God.
  5. Psalm xliv. Eructavit cor meum. The excellence of Christ’s kingdom, the endowments of his Church and the glory of the Mother of God.
  6. Psalm xlvi. Omnes gentes, plaudite. The gentiles are invited to praise God for the establishment of the kingdom of Christ.
  7. Psalm xlvii. Magnus Dominus. God is greatly to be praised for the establishment of his Church.
  8. Psalm lxv. Jubilate Deo. A psalm of the resurrection of Christ.
  9. Psalm lxxv. Notus in Judaea. God is known in His Church and exerts His power in protecting her.
  10. Psalm xcii. Dominus regnavit. The glory and stability of the Kingdom of God in Christ.
  11. Psalm xciv. Venite exultemus. Exhortation to praise God and hear His voice.
  12. Psalm cix. Dixit Dominus. Christ’s exaltation and everlasting priesthood.
  13. Psalm cxxxiii. Ecce nunc benedicite. Exhortation to praise God continually.
  14. Psalm cxxxiv. Laudate nomen. Exhortation to praise God. The vanity of idols.
  15. Psalm cxliv. Exaltabo te, Deus. Praise to the infinite majesty of God.
  16. Psalm cxlviii. Laudate Dominum de caelis. Let all things praise to the Lord.
  17. Psalm cl. Laudate Dominum in sanctis. Let all things praise the Lord.

Confession and Penance

  1. Psalm vi.Domine, me in furore. Christ in His Body prays under the scourging of God.
  2. Psalm xxiv. Ad te, Domine, levavi. Christ’s prayer for his Church against her enemies.
  3. Psalm xxxi. Beati quorum. The repentance of the Church and the words of comfort from Christ.
  4. Psalm xxxvii. Domine, ne in furore. Christ prays for the remission of sins for His Church.
  5. Psalm xxxviii. Dixi custodiam. Christ in his passion before his death, intercedes for the sins his Church.
  6. Psalm l. Miserere. David’s repentance after his sin.
  7. Psalm ci. Domine, exaudi. Prayer in affliction.
  8. Psalm cxxix. De profundis. The sinner trusting in the mercy of God.
  9. Psalm cxxxix. Eripe me, Domine. Prayer for deliverance from the old man.
  10. Psalm cxl. Domine, clamavi. Prayer of the just man against the malice of the old man.
  11. Psalm cxlii. Domine, exaudi. Prayer of Christ in His Passion.

Thanksgiving to God for His benefits

  1. Psalm ix. Confitebor tibi, Domine. The Church praises God for his protection against her enemies.
  2. Psalm xvii. Diligam te, Domine. The triumph of the Christian Church over all enemies.
  3. Psalm xviii. Coeli enarrant. The works of God show forth his glory: the spread of the Gospel
  4. Psalm xx. Domine, in virtute. Praise to God for Christ’s exaltation after his Passion.
  5. Psalm xxii. Dominus regit me. God’s spiritual benefits for faithful souls.
  6. Psalm xxix. Exaltabo te, Domine. Christ’s thanksgiving in his resurrection.
  7. Psalm lxii. Deus, Deus meus ad te. The thirsting of the Church for Christ.
  8. Psalm lxv. Jubilate Deo. A psalm of the resurrection of Christ.
  9. Psalm lxvii. Exurgat Deus. The glorious establishment of the Church prefigured in Israel. The Ascension of Christ.
  10. Psalm lxxv. Notus in Judaea. God is known in His Church and exerts His power in protecting her.
  11. Psalm lxxx. Exultate Deo. Exhortation to the praise of God.
  12. Psalm lxxxiii. Quam dilecta. Longing for eternal life; rejoicing in Holy Communion.
  13. Psalm lxxxvi. Fundamenta eius. The glory of the Church of Christ.
  14. Psalm xci. Bonum est confiteri. God is praised for His wondrous works.
  15. Psalm xcv. Cantate Domino. Exhortation to praise God for the coming of Christ.
  16. Psalm xcvi. Dominus regnavit. Exhortation to rejoice at the coming of Christ.
  17. Psalm xcvii. Cantate Domino. Praises for the victories of Christ.
  18. Psalm xcviii. Dominus Regnavit. The reign of Christ.
  19. Psalm xcix. Jubilate Deo. The Church rejoices in the mercies of God.
  20. Psalm cii. Bendic, anima. Thanksgiving to God for His mercies.
  21. Psalm ciii. Benedic, anima. God is to be praised for His mighty works and wonderful providence.
  22. Psalm civ. Confitemini Domino. Thanksgiving to God for His benefits to the Church.
  23. Psalm cvi. Confitemini Domino. Thanksgiving to God for His mercies.
  24. Psalm cvii. Paratum cor meum. Praise to God for benefits received.
  25. Psalm cx. Confitebor tibi, Domine. God is praise for His graces to His Church.
  26. Psalm cxii. Laudate, pueri. God is praised for His regard to the poor and humble.
  27. Psalm cxv. Credidi. Christ praises the Father and confesses He is the son of Mary.
  28. Psalm cxvi. Laudate Dominum. All nations praise the Lord.
  29. Psalm cxvii. Confitemini Domino. Praise to God for His mercies and the coming of Christ.
  30. Psalm cxxiii. Nisi quia Dominus. The Church gives glory to God for deliverance from enemies.
  31. Psalm cxxv. In convertendo. The Church rejoices at her deliverance from Christ.
  32. Psalm cxxxv. Confitemini Domino. God is praised for His wonderful works.
  33. Psalm cxxxvii. Confitebor tibi. Thanksgiving to God for His deliverance in tribulation.
  34. Psalm cxlv. Lauda, anima. We are not to trust in man, but God alone.
  35. Psalm cxlvi. Laudate Dominum. Praise God for His benefits.
  36. Psalm cxlvii. Lauda, Jerusalem. The Church praises God for His graces to His people.

Supplication in Affliction

  1. Psalm iii.Domine, quid multiplicati. The passion and resurrection of Christ.
  2. Psalm v.Verba mea auribus. Christ’s prayer to God against the iniquities of men.
  3. Psalm vii. Domine, Deus meus. David, trusting in the justice of his cause, prays for God’s help against his enemies.
  4. Psalm xi.Salvum me fac. Christ calls for God’s help in the midst of persecutions.
  5. Psalm xii.Usquequo, Domine. A prayer of the Church in tribulation.
  6. Psalm xix. Exaudiat te Dominus. Supplication for the Christian for deliverance in Christ.
  7. Psalm xxi. Deus Deus meus. Christ’s Passion, Resurrection, and the conversion of the Gentiles.
  8. Psalm xxiv. Ad te, Domine, levavi. Christ’s prayer for his Church against her enemies.
  9. Psalm xxv. Judica me, Domine. Christ’s prayer during his passion for the triumph of his Church.
  10. Psalm xxvi. Dominus illuminatio. Christ’s prayer before his passion.
  11. Psalm xxvii. Ad te, Domine, clamabo. Christ’s prayer during his passion with confidence in his resurrection.
  12. Psalm xxx. In te, Domine, speravi. Christ’s prayer in his passion.
  13. Psalm xxxiv. Judica, Domine, nocentes me. Christ prays against his persecutors, prophesying their punishment.
  14. Psalm xliii. Deus auribus nostris. The Church commemorates former favors and present afflictions, under which she prays for deliverance.
  15. Psalm xlv. Deus noster refugium. The Church in persecution trusts in the protection of God.
  16. Psalm liii. Deus in nomine tuo. Prayer of Christ for help in distress.
  17. Psalm liv. Exaudi, Deus. Christ persecuted by the Jews and betrayed by Judas.
  18. Psalm lv. Miserere mei, Deus. Prayer of the Church under distress.
  19. Psalm lvi. Miserere mei, Deus. Prayer in affliction and praise for deliverance.
  20. Psalm lviii. Eripe me. Christ persecuted by the Jews.
  21. Psalm lix. Deus, repulisti nos. After many afflictions, the Church of Christ shall prevail.
  22. Psalm lxiii. Exaudi Deus orationem. Confidence of Christ that God will bring to naught the machinations of persecutors.
  23. Psalm lxvi. Deus misereatur. Prayer for the propagation of the Church.
  24. Psalm lxviii. Salvum me fac, Deus. Christ in His passion declares the greatness of his sufferings and the malice of his persecutors the Jews; He foretells their reprobation.
  25. Psalm lxix. Deus in adjutorium. Prayer of Christ in persecution.
  26. Psalm lxx. In te, Domine. Prayer of the Church for perseverance.
  27. Psalm lxxiii. Ut quid, Deus. The prayer of the Church under grievous persecution.
  28. Psalm lxxvi. Voce mea. Prayer of the Church in affliction.
  29. Psalm lxxviii. Deus, venerunt gentes. The Church in time of persecution prays for relief.
  30. Psalm lxxix. Qui regis Israel. A prayer for the Church in tribulation, commemorating God’s former favors.
  31. Psalm lxxxii. Deus, quis similis. Prayer against the enemies of Holy Church.
  32. Psalm lxxxv. Inclina, Domine. Prayer of Christ at His Passion.
  33. Psalm lxxxvii. Domine, Deus salutis. Christ’s Passion, Death, and Burial.
  34. Psalm lxxxviii. Misericordias Domini. The perpetuity of the Church of Christ, notwithstanding her most grievous afflictions.
  35. Psalm xciii. Deus ultionum. God shall judge and punish the oppressors of His Church.
  36. Psalm cviii. Deus, laudem meum. Christ against His persecutors, foretelling the just punishment for the traitor Judas.
  37. Psalm cxviii. Beati immaculati. The perfection of Christ.
  38. Psalm cxix. Ad Dominum. Prayer of Christ in tribulation.
  39. Psalm cxxii. Ad te levavi. Prayer in affliction with confidence in God.
  40. Psalm cxxxvi. Super flumina. Lamentation this valley of tears; the need to immediately banish evil thoughts against the rock of Christ.
  41. Psalm cxxxvii. Confitebor tibi. Thanksgiving to God for His deliverance in tribulation.
  42. Psalm cxxxix. Eripe me, Domine. Prayer for deliverance from the old man.
  43. Psalm cxl. Domine, clamavi. Prayer of the just man against the malice of the old man.
  44. Psalm cxli. Voce mea. Prayer in the extremity of danger.
  45. Psalm cxlii. Domine, exaudi. Prayer of Christ in His Passion.
  46. Psalm cxliii. Benedictus Dominus. David against Goliath. Christ against the world, the flesh, and the devil.

Wisdom and Confidence in God

  1. Psalm i.Beatus vir. The happiness of the Christ and the Church and the evil state of the wicked.
  2. Psalm ii.Quare fremuerunt. The vain efforts of the persecutors against Christ and his Church.
  3. Psalm iv.Cum invocarem. Christ teaches us to flee to God in tribulation, with confidence in him.
  4. Psalm x.In Domino confido. The confidence of Christ in the Father in the midst of persecutions.
  5. Psalm xiii. Dixit insipiens. The general corruption of man before our redemption in Christ.
  6. Psalm xiv. Domine, quis habitabit. What kind of men shall dwell in the heavenly sion.
  7. Psalm xv. Conserva me, Domine. Christ’s future victory and triumph over the world and death.
  8. Psalm xxiii. Domini est terra. Who are they that shall ascend to heaven: Christ’s triumphant ascension thither.
  9. Psalm xxvi. Dominus illuminatio. Christ’s prayer before his passion.
  10. Psalm xxvii. Ad te, Domine, clamabo. Christ’s prayer during his passion with confidence in his resurrection.
  11. Psalm xxx. In te, Domine, speravi. Christ’s prayer in his passion.
  12. Psalm xxxv. Dixit injustus. The malice of sinners and the goodness of God.
  13. Psalm xxxvi. Noli aemulari. An exhortation to despise this world. The short prosperity of the wicked and the trust in God’s providence.
  14. Psalm xxxix. Expectans expectavi. Christ’s coming and redeeming mankind.
  15. Psalm xl. Beatus qui intelligit. The happiness of him that shall believe in Christ; notwithstanding his humble poverty: the malice of his enemies, especially the traitor Judas.
  16. Psalm xli. Quemadmodum desiderat. The prayer of the Church for union with Christ.
  17. Psalm xlii. Judica me, Deus. The prayer of the Church for resurrection.
  18. Psalm xlv. Deus noster refugium. The Church in persecution trusts in the protection of God.
  19. Psalm xlviii. Audite, omnes gentes. The follow of those who live on in sin without thought of death or hell.
  20. Psalm xlix. Deus deorum. The coming of Christ who prefers virtue and inward purity above the blood of victims.
  21. Psalm li. Quid gloriaris. Christ’s prophesy of the future punishment of the wicked and exaltation of His Church.
  22. Psalm lii. Dixit inspiens. The general corruption of man before the coming of Christ.
  23. Psalm lvii. Si vere utique. Christ reproves the wicked and foretells their destruction.
  24. Psalm lx. Exaudi, Deus. Prayer for the coming of the Kingdom of Christ which shall have no end.
  25. Psalm lxi. Nonne Deo. Encouragement to trust in God and serve him.
  26. Psalm lxiii. Exaudi Deus orationem. Confidence of Christ that God will bring to naught the machinations of persecutors.
  27. Psalm lxiv. Te decet. God is to be praised in His Church, to which all nations are called.
  28. Psalm lxxi. Deus, judicium tuum. The coming of Christ and His kingdom.
  29. Psalm lxxii. Quam bonus Israel Deus. Christ lifts up the weak who are tempted to despair by the contemplation of His justice.
  30. Psalm lxxiv. Confitebimur tibi. The just judgment seat of Christ.
  31. Psalm lxxvii. Attendite. Christ recalls the mercies of God to Israel, notwithstanding their ingratitude.
  32. Psalm lxxxi. Deus stetit. The words of Christ the King to the Pharisees and other leaders.
  33. Psalm lxxxiv. Benedixisti, Domine. The coming of Christ, to bring peace and salvation to man.
  34. Psalm lxxxviii. Misericordias Domini. The perpetuity of the Church of Christ, notwithstanding her most grievous afflictions.
  35. Psalm lxxxix. Domine, refugium. A prayer for the mercy of God considering the shortness of life.
  36. Psalm xc. Qui habitat. The just man is secure under the protection of God.
  37. Psalm c. Misericordiam et judicium. The perfection and judgment of Christ.
  38. Psalm cv. Confitemini Domino. A confession of the manifold sins and ingratitude of Israel.
  39. Psalm cxi. Beatus vir. The happiness of the just man.
  40. Psalm cxiii. In exitu Israel. God has shown His power in delivering Israel. The vanity of idols.
  41. Psalm cxiv. Dilexi. Prayer of Christ in affliction with confidence in God.
  42. Psalm cxv. Credidi. Christ praises the Father and confesses He is the son of Mary.
  43. Psalm cxviii. Beati immaculati. The perfection of Christ.
  44. 1Psalm cxx. Levavi oculos. The voice of Christ speaks to comfort His Church.
  45. Psalm cxxi. Laetatus sum in his. The desire of the Church for union with Christ in eternal life.
  46. Psalm cxxii. Ad te levavi. Prayer in affliction with confidence in God.
  47. Psalm cxxiv. Qui confidunt. The just are always under the protection of God.
  48. Psalm cxxvi. Nisi Dominus. The absolute necessity of the grace of God.
  49. Psalm cxxvii. Beati omnes. The fear of God is the way of beatitude.
  50. Psalm cxxviii. Saepe expugnaverunt. The Church of God is invincible; all her enemies come to nothing.
  51. Psalm cxxx. Domine, none est. The humility of Christ.
  52. Psalm cxxxi. Memento, Domine. Prayer for the coming of Christ.
  53. Psalm cxxxii. Ecce quam bonum. The happiness of fraternal charity in the Church.
  54. Psalm cxxxiv. Laudate nomen. Exhortation to praise God. The vanity of idols.
  55. Psalm cxxxviii. Domine, probasti. The providence of God governing the Church to eternal life.
  56. Psalm cxliii. Benedictus Dominus. David against Goliath. Christ against the world, the flesh, and the devil.