Psalm 147

Psalm 147 is a song of praise. It reminds us that God is close to His people. He cares for the world and each one of us. The psalm shows how God takes care of creation and also heals those who are hurting.

This psalm is often used in prayer and worship. It helps us remember that God is active in our lives. He feeds the animals, brings peace, and helps those who are in pain. It’s a good psalm to pray when we feel thankful or when we need comfort.

Psalm 147 also tells us that God’s word is strong and lasting. He sends His word to the earth, and things happen. Snow falls. Rain waters the ground. The seasons change. These are signs that God is in control and always working in the world.

This psalm is split into three parts. Each one has a reason to praise God. We praise Him for healing, for caring for the earth, and for sharing His word. Psalm 147 invites us to notice the ways God is at work all around us.

This psalm is part of the last section of the Book of Psalms. It is found near the very end, in what many call the “Hallelujah Psalms.” These psalms all begin and end with the word “Hallelujah,” which means “Praise the Lord.” Psalm 147 is one of five psalms that close the book with songs of joy and praise.

The time after the return from exile is likely when this psalm was written. The people of Israel had been taken away to Babylon. After many years, they were allowed to return to Jerusalem. They began to rebuild the city, the walls, and the temple. This psalm may have been used to give thanks during that time.

The author of this psalm is not named. Many psalms are linked to King David, but this one is probably from a later time. It may have been written by someone who helped lead worship in the rebuilt temple.

This song was a way to give thanks for God’s help. The people had been through hard times. Now they could praise God for healing, for protection, and for caring for them as they started again.

This psalm teaches that God cares deeply for His people. He lifts up those who are hurting. He heals the broken and gathers those who are scattered. In Catholic teaching, this reminds us of Jesus, who came to heal and bring people back to God. The Church continues this mission today through the sacraments, especially Reconciliation and the Eucharist.

The psalm also talks about God’s power in nature. He makes the stars, sends rain, and feeds the animals. Catholics believe that creation is a gift from God. We are called to care for the earth and to give thanks for the beauty around us. All creation shows us how good God is.

Another strong theme is the power of God’s word. He speaks, and things happen. Snow falls. Waters flow. In the Gospel of John, we hear that Jesus is the Word made flesh. This psalm points to that truth. When God speaks, His word brings life and change.

Finally, the psalm reminds us that God’s care is not based on strength or power. He delights in those who trust in Him. In Catholic life, we see this in the lives of the saints. It is faith, not fame or strength, that pleases God. This psalm calls us to trust, to worship, and to stay close to the Lord.

This psalm still speaks to us today. Many people feel broken or scattered, just like the people long ago. The psalm reminds us that God is close to the broken. He still heals. He still gathers. He still cares. When life is hard, this psalm helps us trust that God has not forgotten us.

We also see signs of God in the world around us. The rain, the snow, the stars, and the animals all show that God is still at work. In a time when people are worried about the earth, this psalm calls us to thank God for creation and take care of it.

God’s word is still alive. The Church reads His word at every Mass. When we hear it, we are reminded that God still speaks. His word still brings peace and new life. We need to listen with open hearts.

This psalm helps us praise, even when life is not easy. It gives us words to say thank you. It helps us see the good that God is doing. It calls us to trust, to hope, and to praise. Just like the people of old, we still need this song.

You Are Still With Me

God, You are strong when I feel weak.
You see when I’m tired or stressed.
You know when I feel left out or lost.
You lift me up and remind me I matter.

You fix what feels broken inside.
You give me peace when my thoughts race.
You help me stand when I want to give up.
You care even when I don’t say a word.

You feed the birds and water the earth.
You care for the small things, so I know You’ll care for me.
You made the stars, and You still see me.
That makes me feel safe.

Your word speaks through the Bible and in my heart.
Help me to listen when You call.
Even when I don’t understand everything,
Help me trust You are near.

Thank You for staying close.
Thank You for caring about the world and about me.
Help me praise You with my words,
And also with my actions today.

Psalm 147 is used often in the Church’s liturgy. It comes up on different feast days and during the seasons of Christmas and Ordinary Time. When we hear it at Mass, it helps us remember that God is active in our lives.

One part of this psalm is used for the Feast of the Holy Family in Year A. On that day, we think about how God blesses families and cares for them. The psalm reminds us that God heals the broken and brings peace to His people. This fits well with the Gospel stories about Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

Another part is read during daily Mass on certain weekdays. It is often paired with readings that speak of healing, mercy, or the power of God’s word. When we hear the psalm, we are invited to praise God for all that He does, both in the world and in our own lives.

The psalm’s simple words of praise help us pray. Whether we are joyful or hurting, it gives us a way to speak to God. In the lectionary, it works with the readings to teach, guide, and comfort us. It reminds us that God is always near.

Click on a link below for more information about a specific responsorial psalm.

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

God Heals and Lifts Us Up

Psalm 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 reminds us to praise God for His kindness and care. He brings people back together and helps those who are hurting. God sees the pain in our lives and helps us heal. Even though He is great and powerful, He is also gentle and close to us.

God knows everything, even the stars in the sky, yet He still watches over the humble. He gives strength to those who are low or forgotten. At the same time, He brings down those who choose to do wrong. This psalm helps us trust that God sees all and acts with mercy and justice.

Corpus Christi Year A

A Song of Thanks for God’s Care

Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20 is a call to praise God for all He gives to His people. He keeps them safe, blesses their families, and fills them with good things. God brings peace and provides what they need, showing that He is both strong and caring.

It also reminds us that God has shared His word and His ways with His people. This is a special gift not given to everyone. As we celebrate the Body and Blood of Christ, this psalm helps us remember that God feeds us and teaches us. We are called to thank Him and stay close to His word.

Psalm 147 is also used at weekday Masses:

• Saturday of the 1st Week of Advent – Psalm 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6: God’s Faithful Care
• Christmas Weekday on January 6 – Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20: Jerusalem’s Blessing and Peace
• Friday after Epiphany – Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20: Praise the Lord, Jerusalem
• Wednesday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time II – Psalm147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20: Honoring God’s Favor on Jerusalem
• Monday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time I – Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20: Praise God, Jerusalem
• Friday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time I – Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20: Praise to God for His Blessings
• Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Lent – Psalm 147:12-13, 15-16, 19-20: Jerusalem’s Joy in the Lord

Why is Psalm 147 important in the Church?

It teaches us to praise God. It shows us that God heals, helps, and provides. The Church uses it in prayer and worship because it reminds us that God is always caring for us.

Who wrote Psalm 147?

We don’t know for sure. Many psalms are linked to King David, but this one was likely written after the people returned from exile in Babylon. It may have been written by someone leading worship in the rebuilt temple.

What does this psalm say about God?

It tells us that God is strong and kind. He heals the broken. He feeds the animals. He brings peace. He also gives His word to guide us. It shows that God is always at work in the world.

What can I learn from this psalm today?

You can learn to praise God in every season. It teaches us to notice how God helps us and the world around us. It also reminds us to trust Him, even when things are hard.

Psalm 147 is a psalm of praise. It tells us to give thanks to God for His care and love. God heals the broken, gathers the lost, and helps those in need. He is not far away. He is close to His people.

The psalm also shows how God cares for the world. He sends rain, gives snow, and provides food for animals. All of nature is in His hands. When we look at creation, we can remember that God is always working.

It also speaks about the power of God’s word. When He speaks, things happen. Snow falls. Ice forms. Water flows. In the Church, we know that Jesus is the Word made flesh. This psalm reminds us to listen to Him.

Psalm 147 helps us see that God’s love is not based on strength or success. He loves those who trust in Him. This message is still true today. We are called to praise, trust, and remember all that God does for us every day.

If you have not read Psalm 147 before, take a few minutes to read it today. It’s not long, and the words are simple. Let it remind you how much God cares for you and the world around you.

Have you ever felt like God helped you when you were feeling low or lost? Or maybe you’ve seen His work in nature? Share your experience in the comments. Your story might help someone else notice God’s care in their own life.