Psalm 72

Psalm 72 is a prayer for a good and faithful king. It asks God to bless the king with justice and wisdom. The psalm looks forward to a time when the ruler will care for the poor and bring peace to all people. It reflects hope for a kingdom that is fair and kind.

This psalm is often seen as pointing to Jesus. He is the true king who brings peace, justice, and healing. While it speaks about an earthly king, many Christians read it with Jesus in mind. It reminds us that Jesus is a king who defends the weak and helps the poor.

Psalm 72 also teaches us what good leadership should look like. A leader should serve, not take. A leader should protect the poor and bring peace. In a world where leaders often fail, this psalm reminds us of what God wants from those in charge.

We usually hear Psalm 72 during Advent or the Christmas season. It shows up in the Liturgy of the Hours and at Mass. It fits well with our longing for Jesus, the Prince of Peace. On the Feast of the Holy Family Year A, it connects with the hope for a world guided by faith, peace, and care for others.

This psalm is near the end of the second part of the Book of Psalms. The book is divided into five sections, and this one is part of Book Two. That group runs from Psalm 42 to Psalm 72. Many of the psalms in this section are about trust, prayer, and God’s help for his people.

Psalm 72 is special because it ends this whole section with a prayer for the king. The title says it is “Of Solomon,” which might mean he wrote it. But it could also mean it was written for him or in his style. Some people think David may have written it as a prayer for his son Solomon before handing over the throne.

At the end of the psalm, there is a short note that says, “The prayers of David, son of Jesse, are ended.” This line seems to close the whole group of prayers and songs from David. That helps us see how important this psalm is. It wraps up a big part of the book.

From a Catholic view, this prayer points ahead to Jesus. He is the king who brings justice and peace forever. So even though the psalm may have started as a prayer for Solomon, we now read it as a hope for the coming of Christ.

This psalm gives us a picture of the kind of king God wants. He is fair and kind. He helps the poor and protects those in need. He stops people who do evil. He brings peace. These are the same things we see in Jesus, who is our King and Shepherd.

The psalm shows that real power should be used to help others. The king is not above the people. He is meant to serve them. This reminds us of Jesus, who came not to be served, but to serve. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and lifted up the poor.

Justice is a big part of this psalm. The king defends the rights of the poor. He makes sure everyone is treated fairly. This matches what the Church teaches. We are called to care for those who are forgotten or pushed aside. God listens to their cries, and we should too.

The psalm also looks forward to a kingdom without end. The king’s rule will stretch from sea to sea. That reminds us of Christ’s kingdom, which has no borders. He is the King of all people and all nations. We are part of that kingdom now and are called to live like it.

This psalm still speaks to us today. It shows what good leaders should be like. We need leaders who care for the poor and protect the weak. We need leaders who seek peace and fairness. The psalm helps us remember what to look for and what to pray for in our world.

It also reminds us to follow Jesus in how we live. He is the king who serves others. If we belong to his kingdom, we should try to live the same way. That means helping people in need, standing up for what is right, and working for peace.

In our homes, schools, parishes, and towns, we all lead in some way. Parents lead their children. Teachers guide students. Pastors care for their people. Psalm 72 reminds us to use our roles to serve, not just to be in charge.

When we pray this psalm, we are asking God to help our world. We are asking for peace, fairness, and care for the poor. And we are also asking for strength to live that way ourselves. It fits well with the call to build homes and families rooted in love and mercy.

A Prayer for Justice and Peace

Jesus, our King,
help us see the people around us who need care.
Open our eyes to the poor, the lonely, and the hurt.
Teach us to listen and to act with kindness.

Give us courage to speak up when things are not fair.
Help us stand with those who are left out.
Show us how to work for peace at school, at home, and online.
Make us builders of your kingdom here and now.

Remind us that real power is not about control.
It is about serving, helping, and lifting others up.
Help us lead by being kind, not by being loud.

When we feel small, remind us you are with us.
You work through small things and quiet hearts.
Help us trust that what we do matters.

Thank you for being a King who cares.
Help us follow your way each day.
Make our lives a sign of your peace and love.

Psalm 72 shows up a few times in the Church’s calendar. It is often used during Advent and Christmas. We hear it when we are waiting for Jesus and when we celebrate his birth. That makes sense, since the psalm points to a king who brings peace and justice.

One key time this psalm is used is on the Feast of the Epiphany. On that day, we remember the visit of the Magi. They came to honor Jesus as king. The psalm says kings will bring gifts and bow before him. It fits the story perfectly.

Each time we hear this psalm at Mass, it helps us focus on Christ our King. It also reminds us to live like members of his kingdom. We are called to follow his way of peace, mercy, and love.

Click on the link below for the specific verses and more resources for the particular liturgical date.

The Epiphany of the Lord

A King Who Cares for Everyone

Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 is a prayer for a king who rules with justice and kindness. It asks God to bless the king so he can care for the poor and bring peace. The people hope for a leader who listens, helps the suffering, and treats everyone fairly. The king is not just strong—he is good and caring.

The Church sees this as a picture of Jesus, the true King. His rule reaches all nations, and all people are called to serve him. He brings peace, not by force, but by lifting up the weak and saving the poor. This psalm reminds us what good leadership looks like and points us to the kind of world God wants us to build with him.

2nd Sunday of Advent Year A

A Prayer for Peace and Justice

Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17 describes a leader filled with wisdom and fairness. He helps the poor, listens to the cries of those in trouble, and rules with kindness. His leadership brings peace that never ends and reaches across the whole earth.

For Catholics, this is a reminder of Christ the King. Jesus blesses all people and brings joy to every nation. He is not a ruler who takes, but one who gives and saves. This psalm helps us think about the kind of world God wants—a world shaped by mercy, justice, and care for the weak.

We also hear this psalm during daily Mass, especially when readings talk about justice, mercy, or caring for the poor. The Church uses it to remind us of the kind of world we are called to build.

• Tuesday after Epiphany – Psalm 72:1-2, 3-4, 7-8: The Nations Will Adore You, Lord
• Advent Weekday on December 17 – Psalm 72:1-2, 3-4ab, 7-8, 17: Justice and Peace Will Flourish
• Tuesday of the 1st Week of Advent – Psalm 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17: Prayer for Just Leadership
• Wednesday after Epiphany – Psalm 72:1-2, 10, 12-13: All Nations Will Honor the Lord
• Advent Weekday on December 18 – Psalm 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19: Reign of Just Leadership
• Thursday after Epiphany – Psalm 72:1-2, 14+15bc, 17: A Prayer for the Just King

Who wrote Psalm 72?

The title says it is “of Solomon.” That may mean Solomon wrote it. Or it may have been written for him. Some think King David wrote it as a prayer for his son.

What is Psalm 72 about?

It is a prayer for a good king. It asks God to help the king bring justice and peace. It talks about helping the poor, stopping evil, and ruling with fairness.

Why do Catholics see this as a prayer about Jesus?

Jesus is the true King who brings peace and helps the poor. Psalm 72 matches what we know about him. The Church sees this psalm as a way to look forward to Christ.

When do we hear Psalm 72 at Mass?

We often hear it during Advent and Christmas. It is used on the Feast of the Epiphany. It also comes up at daily Mass when the readings talk about justice or peace.

What does Psalm 72 teach us today?

It reminds us what good leadership looks like. It calls us to care for the weak and work for peace. It helps us remember that Christ is King and we are part of his kingdom.

Psalm 72 is a prayer for a king who leads with justice. It asks God to bless the king with fairness, wisdom, and care for the people. The king in this psalm is not proud or greedy. He helps the poor, defends the weak, and brings peace. This is the kind of leadership God wants.

The psalm points forward to Jesus. He is the true King who brings lasting peace. He does not rule with force. He serves. He heals. He feeds the hungry. He forgives. When we read this psalm, we see how Jesus fits the picture of the good king.

This psalm also reminds us what our world needs. We need leaders who care about justice and who help the poor. It also reminds us to act that way in our own lives. We are all called to serve, not just rule.

Psalm 72 is used during Advent and on the Feast of the Epiphany. It reminds us that Jesus is the King of all nations. He is the one we hope for and the one who brings real peace.

Spend a few minutes reading Psalm 72. Let the words speak to you. Think about how they show us the way Jesus leads.

Then, come back and share your thoughts. How do you see Jesus in this psalm? What line stood out to you? Let’s learn from each other in the comments.