Psalm 118

Psalm 118 is a song of praise and thanksgiving. It reminds us that God’s love never ends. The psalmist calls on people to trust in God and not be afraid. God is stronger than anything we face.

This psalm was likely sung during religious festivals. It speaks about struggles, but also about victory. The writer thanks God for saving him. He knows that God is always with him.

Psalm 118 also points to Jesus. Some of its verses are used in the New Testament. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, people shouted words from this psalm. It reminds us that Jesus is the Savior.

This psalm gives hope and encouragement. It tells us to rely on God in good times and bad. Even when things are hard, God is faithful. His love lasts forever.

• Prayer Based on this Psalm
• Printable Copy of Prayer
• More Psalms

Psalm 118 is part of the last section of the Book of Psalms. It is in a group called the “Hallel” psalms (Psalms 113–118). These were sung during Jewish festivals, especially Passover. People praised God for His love and protection.

The author of this psalm is not known for sure. Some think it was written after the Jewish people returned from exile. Others believe it may have been written by King David. The psalm speaks about struggles, rescue, and victory.

This psalm was important in Jewish worship. It was sung in the temple and during feasts. When Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, people shouted part of this psalm. The words pointed to Him as the Savior.

For Catholics, this psalm reminds us to trust in God. It shows that His love lasts forever. It also connects to Jesus, who brings salvation.

One main theme in this psalm is God’s never-ending love. The psalm repeats the words, “His mercy endures forever.” This reminds us that God’s love does not change. No matter what happens, He is always faithful.

Another theme is trust in God. The psalmist faced trouble but did not give up. He knew that God was stronger than his enemies. Catholics see this as a call to trust God in all situations. Even when life is hard, we are not alone.

This psalm also speaks about victory. The writer was in danger but was saved. Catholics believe this points to Jesus. He suffered and died but rose again. His victory over death gives us hope.

The psalm also talks about the “stone the builders rejected.” Jesus used this verse to describe Himself. Many rejected Him, but He became the foundation of our faith. This reminds us that God’s plan is greater than we can see.

This psalm is still important today. It reminds us that God’s love never ends. No matter what we go through, He is with us. When life is hard, we can trust Him.

Many people feel fear or worry. This psalm tells us not to be afraid. It says, “The Lord is with me; I am not afraid.” Catholics can turn to these words for comfort. They remind us to rely on God instead of our own strength.

This psalm is also a song of praise. It teaches us to thank God in all things. Even in struggles, we can be grateful. God is always working in our lives.

Jesus Himself prayed words from this psalm. It connects us to Him. When we pray these words, we remember His love and victory. It gives us hope and peace.

A Prayer of Trust and Thanks

Lord, Your love never ends.
When I feel lost or afraid, remind me that You are with me.
Help me to trust You, even when life is hard.

Sometimes I try to handle things on my own.
I rely on people, success, or my own strength.
But You are my refuge. You are the one who saves me.

Thank You for the good things in my life.
Even when I face struggles, You are still guiding me.
Help me to see Your love in every moment.

Jesus, You were rejected, but You became the foundation of faith.
When I feel left out or forgotten, remind me that You understand.
Help me to follow You with confidence.

I praise You, Lord, because You are always faithful.
Your love will never fail.
Today and always, I place my trust in You. Amen.

Psalm 118 is one of the most joyful psalms in the Roman Catholic lectionary. It is used at Mass to give thanks for God’s steadfast love and saving help. The psalm calls the people to praise the Lord together. It is often sung with a strong response from the congregation, “His mercy endures forever.” This makes it a song for all to join in with glad hearts.

At Mass, Psalm 118 is heard in seasons of celebration, especially during Easter. Its words fit moments when the Church rejoices in God’s saving work. The image of the stone rejected becoming the cornerstone is a reminder of Jesus’ death and resurrection. This makes the psalm a powerful choice for liturgies that focus on new life and hope in Christ.

The psalm also appears in other joyful feasts and special celebrations. Each time it is used, it calls the faithful to remember God’s help in times of trouble and His victory over all that stands against us. Psalm 118 at Mass is not just a reading but a shared prayer of trust and thanksgiving to the Lord who saves.

4th Sunday of Easter Year B – Good Shepherd Sunday

Trust in the Lord’s Strength

Psalm 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29 gives thanks for God’s goodness and lasting mercy. It reminds us that trusting in Him is better than relying on people or leaders. God is the one who saves and answers when we call. His help is sure and His shelter is safe.

It also speaks of something amazing that God has done. The stone once rejected is now the most important part of the building. This is His work, and it fills us with wonder. The psalm blesses the one who comes in His name and calls everyone to give thanks for His never-ending kindness.

At Weekday Masses

• Friday in the Octave of Easter – Psalm 118:1-2 and 4, 22-24, 25-27a: Cornerstone of Salvation
• Thursday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time II – Psalm 118:1b-2, 16ab-17, 28: Endless Mercy of the Lord
• Thursday of the 1st Week of Advent – Psalm 118:1 and 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a: Trust and Praise in the Lord
• Saturday in the Octave of Easter – Psalm 118:1 and 14-15ab, 16-18, 19-21: Song of Salvation

The Stone That Endures

Bring the message of Psalm 118 to life with this vivid image. Perfect for bulletins, newsletters, and worship aids, it reminds us of the cornerstone that holds everything firm.

This artwork is available for download to help your parish or ministry share the enduring hope and strength found in God’s steadfast love.

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What is Psalm 118 about?

Psalm 118 is a song of praise and trust in God. It reminds us that His love never ends. It also teaches us to rely on Him in all situations.

Why is Psalm 118 important to Catholics?

This psalm points to Jesus. When He entered Jerusalem, people used words from this psalm to praise Him. Jesus also quoted it to show that He was the Savior.

What does “The stone the builders rejected” mean?

Jesus used this verse to talk about Himself. Many people rejected Him, but He became the foundation of our faith. This verse shows that God’s plan is greater than we understand.

Why does this psalm say, “His mercy endures forever”?

This line is repeated to remind us that God’s love never changes. No matter what happens, He is always faithful.

How can Psalm 118 help me today?

It encourages us to trust God. When life is hard, we can turn to Him for strength. It also reminds us to be thankful and to praise Him in all things.

Psalm 118 is a song of praise and trust in God. It begins and ends with the words, “His mercy endures forever.” This reminds us that God’s love never changes. No matter what we face, He is always with us.

The psalm speaks about struggles and victory. The writer was in danger but was saved by God. This teaches us to rely on God in hard times. We do not need to be afraid because He is our strength.

Psalm 118 also connects to Jesus. When He entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, people used words from this psalm to praise Him. Jesus later quoted it to show that He was the “stone the builders rejected.” This means that even though many people rejected Him, He became the foundation of our faith.

This psalm encourages us to be thankful. It reminds us to praise God in all things. No matter what happens, His love never fails.

Take a few minutes to read Psalm 118. Think about what it means in your life. Do you trust God when things are hard? Do you take time to thank Him?

After reading, share your thoughts in the comments. How has this psalm spoken to you? What verses stand out the most? Let’s reflect together on God’s love and faithfulness.