Psalm 116

Psalm 116 is a prayer of thanksgiving. It is spoken by someone who has been through a very hard time and believes that God saved them. The person is not a king or a prophet. It could be anyone. This makes the psalm easy to relate to. Many of us have cried out to God during sickness, danger, or fear. This psalm gives us words to say when we want to thank God for helping us.

The psalm begins with a simple line: “I love the Lord.” It is personal and honest. The speaker does not start with big words or grand titles. Instead, they begin with love. They explain that they cried out to God and God listened. That’s why they are thankful. This is not just a prayer for the past. It teaches us that we can also trust God to listen to us now.

As the psalm goes on, we hear more about the danger the person faced. They were close to death and felt trapped. But they called out to the Lord, and the Lord saved them. The psalm calls God “gracious” and “just.” It reminds us that God cares for ordinary people. Even when we feel weak or unimportant, God notices us.

Psalm 116 also talks about promises. The speaker says they will offer thanks and keep their vows. They want to give back to God in public, not just in private. They want to praise God in the middle of the people. This psalm teaches us that our faith is not only personal. It is something we live out with others, especially when we gather to worship.

This psalm comes from Book Five of the Book of Psalms. The whole book of Psalms is made up of five parts. Book Five includes Psalms 107 through 150. These psalms were collected over time. Many of them were used in worship at the Temple in Jerusalem.

We do not know who wrote this psalm. Some psalms are written by David or other named writers, but this one is anonymous. That means we do not know the name of the person who first spoke or wrote it down. Still, it was important enough to be included in the prayers of Israel.

The setting seems to come after some kind of rescue or healing. The person who wrote it was close to death but lived. This kind of psalm may have been prayed after recovering from sickness or being saved from danger. It was likely used at the Temple as a way to give thanks to God in front of others.

Psalm 116 also became part of a group of psalms called the Hallel. These psalms, 113 to 118, were sung during Passover and other major feasts. That means Jesus and His disciples may have sung this very psalm at the Last Supper. This gives it special meaning for Christians today.

One main theme in this psalm is trust. The person who prays it trusted God during a very scary time. They called out to God and were helped. Catholics believe that we can also trust God when we are in trouble. We do not have to face fear alone. God listens to our cries, just like in the psalm.

Another theme is thanksgiving. The person does not keep their thanks to themselves. They want to thank God in public. They want others to see what God has done. In the Catholic Church, we also give thanks in community, especially at Mass. The word “Eucharist” means thanksgiving. This psalm reminds us to say thank you to God with others.

The psalm also speaks about offering something back to God. The person says they will keep their promises and offer a sacrifice of thanks. Catholics can relate to this. We offer our lives to God. We pray, go to Mass, and try to live with love. These are our gifts to God in return.

There is also a deep respect for life in this psalm. The person was near death but was saved. In verse 15, we hear that the death of God’s faithful ones is precious. This shows that God sees each life as sacred. The Church teaches the same. Every life matters—from beginning to end. This psalm reminds us that God is close to those who suffer and that He cares deeply for each person.

This psalm still speaks to us today. Life is not easy. People still face sickness, sadness, fear, and even death. Many of us have cried out to God just like the person in this psalm. We can pray these same words when we feel afraid or alone. They remind us that God hears us and cares for us.

It is also helpful when things get better. Sometimes we forget to say thank you. This psalm helps us remember. When God helps us through something hard, we can use this prayer to give thanks. We can share what God has done with others. That can bring hope to someone else who is struggling.

This psalm is also good for times of worship. We can pray it at Mass, in adoration, or during personal prayer. It helps us see how personal faith connects to our life in the Church. We are not just saved for ourselves. We are part of God’s people.

In a world that often feels rushed and busy, this psalm gives us a moment to stop. It gives us space to say, “God, you helped me, and I am thankful.” That message never gets old. We all need it.

A Prayer of Trust and Thanks

Lord, you hear me when I call out to you.
When I feel lost, you are there.
When I am scared, you calm my heart.
Thank you for listening to my prayers.

When life is hard, help me trust in you.
When I face challenges, remind me you are near.
Give me strength to keep going.
Help me remember that you always care.

I want to thank you for your help.
For the times you have saved me,
For the moments you gave me peace,
I am grateful, Lord.

Help me show my thanks through my actions.
Help me stay true to my promises.
Let my life reflect your love.
Guide me to live in a way that honors you.

Lord, I pray with others who trust in you.
Together, we lift up our voices.
We are grateful for your goodness,
And we praise your name. Amen.

Psalm 116 shows up several times in the Roman Catholic lectionary. This means we hear it at Mass during the Church year. It often comes up when we are thinking about Jesus’ sacrifice and the gift of salvation.

One of the main times we hear it is on Holy Thursday, during the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper. This is the night when Jesus shared His Last Supper with the disciples. Since this psalm is part of the Passover Hallel, it fits well. Jesus may have sung this psalm with His disciples before going to the garden.

We also hear this psalm during some funeral liturgies. Verse 15 says that the death of God’s faithful ones is precious. This reminds us that every life matters to God. When someone we love dies, these words bring comfort. They remind us that God never forgets His people.

Click on a link below for more information and resources for a specific responsorial psalm:

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

God Listens and Saves

Psalm 116:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 is a prayer of thanks from someone who cried out to God in a time of trouble. They were scared and close to death, but God heard their prayer. God saved them, gave them peace, and helped them keep going. Now they want to walk with God and live for Him.

The psalm reminds us that God listens to those who are weak or afraid. He does not forget us when we suffer. Even when things feel dark, we are never alone. God brings us back to life and gives us a reason to keep moving forward in faith.

2nd Sunday of Lent Year B

Faith That Stays Strong

Psalm 116:10, 15, 16-17, 18-19 is a prayer from someone who kept their faith even during great suffering. They trusted God when things were hard. They knew that God cares about the lives of His people, even in death. The prayer shows deep trust, even in pain and loss.

The person has been set free and now wants to give thanks. They speak of offering a gift to God and keeping their promises in front of others. Their faith is not hidden. It is shared in the community. This reminds us that even when life is hard, we can still praise God and live our faith out loud.

Holy Thursday: Mass of the Lord’s Supper

Thanksgiving for the Cup of Life

Psalm 116:12-13, 15-16bc, 17-18 is a prayer of thanks for all the good things God has done. The speaker wants to respond with love and action. They lift the cup of salvation and call on God’s name. This shows a deep desire to stay close to God and honor Him.

The psalm also points to freedom. God has taken away the speaker’s burdens. Now they are ready to give thanks and keep their promises. This moment is shared with others, not kept alone. On Holy Thursday, this psalm helps us think about Jesus’ gift in the Eucharist and our part in that promise.

Corpus Christi Year B

A Grateful Response to God’s Mercy

Psalm 116:12-13, 15-16, 17-18 is a simple prayer of thanks. The speaker remembers all the good that God has done and wants to give something back. They choose to lift the cup of salvation and call on God’s name. This act shows trust, love, and a desire to stay faithful.

The prayer also talks about freedom and public praise. God has broken the chains of suffering, and now the person is ready to offer thanks and keep their promises. On the feast of Corpus Christi, these words remind us of the Eucharist. We share the cup and give thanks together as God’s people.

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Psalm 116 is also used at weekday Masses:

• Friday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time I – Psalm 116:10-11, 15-16, 17-18: Sacrifice of Praise
• Saturday of the 3rd Week of Easter – Psalm 116:12-13, 14-15, 16-17: Gratitude for God’s Kindness
• Wednesday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time I – Psalm 116:12-13, 14-15, 18-19: Offering Praise to the Lord
• Monday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time II – Psalm 116:12-13, 14-17, 18-19: A Sacrifice of Praise to the Lord
• Friday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time I – Psalm 116:12-13, 15 and 16bc, 17-18: The Cup of Salvation
• Saturday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time II – Psalm 116:12-13, 17-18: Offering Praise to the Lord

A Psalm Close to Every Priest’s Heart

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz shares how Psalm 116 holds special meaning for priests. He explains that every priest prays it regularly. The psalm asks what we can give back to God for all He has done. Fr. Mike points out the line about lifting the chalice of salvation. He connects this to what happens at every Mass when the priest lifts the chalice during the Eucharist.

Fr. Mike also reminds us that the word for “thanksgiving” in Greek is Eucharistia. So when we offer the Eucharist at Mass, we are doing what the psalm says—offering a sacrifice of thanks and calling on God’s name. He says that baptized people also share in this offering because we are part of the priestly people of God. We all take part in offering thanks and prayer, especially when life is hard or confusing.

Who wrote Psalm 116?

We do not know the author. Some psalms were written by King David, but this one has no name listed. It could have been written by any faithful person.

What is Psalm 116 about?

It is a prayer of thanks. The person praying was in trouble and called out to God. God helped them, and now they want to give thanks.

Why is this psalm important for Catholics?

It reminds us to trust God and to say thank you. It also shows that God listens when we pray. Catholics can use this psalm in personal prayer or at Mass.

What does it mean when it says “precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of His faithful ones”?

It means that every life matters to God. When someone faithful dies, God sees it. He does not forget them. Their life and death are important to Him.

Can I pray this psalm today?

Yes. You can pray it any time you want to thank God. It is good for times when you are recovering, feeling grateful, or remembering someone who has died.

Psalm 116 is a simple and personal prayer. It is spoken by someone who went through a very hard time. They were close to death and cried out to God. God heard their voice and helped them. Now they want to give thanks.

This psalm is full of trust. It reminds us that God listens when we call. It also shows that God cares for people who are weak or in trouble. The person praying is not a king or a great leader. They are someone like us.

It also teaches us to say thank you to God. The person in the psalm wants to keep their promises. They want to praise God in public. Catholics do this too. We give thanks at Mass and in our daily lives.

Psalm 116 is part of the Hallel, which is used at Passover. That means Jesus may have prayed it at the Last Supper. This helps us see it as a prayer of trust in hard times. It still speaks to us today.

Take a moment today to read Psalm 116. Let the words speak to you. If you’ve ever been through a hard time and felt God’s help, this psalm might feel very real. If you’re going through something now, it can give you words to pray.

Have you ever prayed this psalm before? What part stood out to you the most? Share your thoughts in the comment section. Your words might help someone else find comfort or hope.