Psalm 105

Psalm 105 is a song of praise and remembrance. It tells the story of how God cared for the people of Israel. This psalm helps us look back at what God has done in history. It reminds us that God keeps His promises.

The psalm begins with an invitation to give thanks. It calls on the people to remember God’s works. It says to sing, to rejoice, and to tell others what God has done. This is not just for the past. It is also a reminder for us today to be thankful and joyful.

Much of the psalm retells the story of the Old Testament. It speaks about Abraham, Joseph, and Moses. It recalls how God helped His people when they were in trouble. Even when things were hard, God was always working to lead them and protect them.

Psalm 105 is like a history lesson wrapped in prayer. But it is not only about learning facts. It is about trusting God because of what He has already done. When we pray with this psalm, we remember that God is faithful. His love for His people does not change.

Psalm 105 is found in Book Four of the Psalms, which includes Psalms 90 to 106. This part of the psalter often focuses on God’s power and His rule over all things. It helps the people remember who God is and what He has done for them.

The author of this psalm is not named. Some psalms are clearly linked to David, but this one is not. Still, it fits with the kind of songs used in worship by the people of Israel. It may have been used in the Temple or during special festivals.

Psalm 105 retells the history of Israel in a prayer. It speaks of the early ancestors like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Then it moves to Joseph and Moses. These are key names in the story of God’s people. The psalm shows how God guided and cared for them through each step.

This psalm was likely written during a time when the people needed to remember God’s faithfulness. They may have been facing trouble or living far from their land. Telling the old stories gave them hope. It reminded them that God had helped them before and would help them again.

One of the main themes in this psalm is God’s faithfulness. The psalm reminds us that God made a promise to Abraham. That promise was passed down to Isaac and Jacob. Even when the people were small and weak, God stayed with them. He led them and gave them a land to call home. This connects to the Catholic understanding of God’s covenant. God never breaks His word.

Another theme is remembering. The psalm tells the people not to forget what God has done. In the Catholic Church, memory is important. We remember God’s actions in the Bible. We remember what Jesus did for us. In every Mass, we remember and give thanks. This psalm calls us to live with that same spirit of memory and thanks.

There is also a strong theme of God’s guidance. He led Joseph to Egypt to prepare the way. He sent Moses to bring the people out of slavery. Catholics believe God still guides us today. He works through the Church, the sacraments, and the Holy Spirit. The stories in the psalm remind us that God leads His people with care.

The psalm ends with joy and praise. The people are saved and brought into freedom. As Catholics, we see this as a sign that points to Jesus. He leads us out of sin and into new life. The joy at the end of the psalm reminds us that we are called to live with hope, even in hard times.

This psalm still speaks to us today. Life is not always easy. We go through hard times, just like the people in the psalm. They faced famine, slavery, and fear. But God was with them. He led them step by step. When we feel lost or unsure, we can pray this psalm and remember that God is still leading us.

It also teaches us to say thank you. We can get busy or worried and forget to notice the good things. This psalm tells us to stop and give thanks. It reminds us to praise God with songs and joy. In our Catholic life, we do this every time we go to Mass. We praise God for what He has done and for what He is still doing.

This psalm helps us teach our children too. It tells a story of God’s care over many years. Parents, teachers, and catechists can use it to show that God has always been at work. It helps young people know they are part of something bigger.

Finally, this psalm brings hope. It reminds us that even when things look bad, God’s plan keeps going. He does not forget His people. We are still part of that same story today. God was faithful then, and He is faithful now.

You Never Forget Us

God, thank you for always being with us.
Even when we feel small or lost,
you remember your promises.
You helped your people long ago.
Help us today too.

You called Abraham and gave him a promise.
He trusted you and followed,
even when he didn’t know where it would lead.
Help us to have that kind of faith
when life feels uncertain.

Sometimes we are scared or confused.
School is hard. Friends let us down.
We don’t know what to do next.
But you led Joseph through trouble.
You can lead us too.

You sent people to help, like Moses.
Send people into our lives
who remind us of your love.
Help us to be that kind of person
for someone else.

We want to remember your goodness.
Help us not to forget
all the times you came through for us.
Even little things are gifts from you.
Teach us to say thank you.

We praise you, God.
You are strong, and you care.
You were there in the past,
you are here now,
and you always will be.

Parts of this psalm are used at Mass throughout the year. The Church often includes it when the first reading tells the story of the Old Testament. It helps us pray with the same trust and joy as the people of Israel.

We hear verses about Abraham, Joseph, and Moses. These names are part of our family story. When we hear their names in the readings, this psalm helps us respond with praise. It helps us say, “Thank you, Lord, for guiding your people.”

Sometimes only a few verses are used. Other times, longer parts are read. But no matter how much is used, the message is the same. God is faithful. He remembers His promises. He brings His people through hard times.

When this psalm is prayed at Mass, it connects us to the past and also points to our future. It helps us trust in God again and again. It teaches us to be people of praise.

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

Feast of the Holy Family Year B

God Keeps His Promise Forever

Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 calls us to thank God and praise Him for all He has done. It tells us to sing, rejoice, and always look to God for strength. God is faithful and always close to those who seek Him. His people are called to remember His great works and trust in His care.

It reminds us that God made a lasting promise to Abraham and Isaac. That covenant still matters. It shows that God never forgets His people. Even after many generations, He stays true to His word. This is a good reminder for families today. Just like God stayed with His people long ago, He stays with us too.

Psalm 105 is also heard at weekday Masses throughout the year:

• Saturday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time I – Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7: Rejoice in the Lord
• Wednesday in the Octave of Easter – Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9: Joy in the Lord’s Promise
• Wednesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time I – Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9: Faithfulness of the Lord
• Wednesday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time I – Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8-9: The Lord Keeps His Promise Forever
• Thursday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time I – Psalm 105:1, 5, 8-9, 24-25, 26-27: God Remembers His Covenant
• Wednesday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time II – Psalm 105:2-3, 4-5, 6-7: Seek the Lord Always
• Saturday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time II – Psalm 105:2-3, 4-5, 6-7: The Lord’s Everlasting Covenant
• Thursday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time II – Psalm 105:2-3, 4-5, 6-7: Let Those Who Seek the Lord Rejoice
• Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time I – Psalm 105:2-3, 36-37, 42-43: Rejoice in the Wonders of the Lord
• Thursday of the 5th Week of Lent – Psalm 105:4-5, 6-7, 8-9: Unfailing Divine Covenant
• Saturday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time I – Psalm 105:6-7, 8-9, 42-43: The Lord Remembers His Covenant
• Friday of the 2nd Week of Lent – Psalm 105:5, 16-17, 18-19, 20-21: Joseph’s Journey to Triumph
• Thursday of the 14th Week in Ordinary Time I – Psalm 105:16-17, 18-19, 20-21: The Marvels of the Lord

What is Psalm 105 about?

It tells the story of how God took care of His people. It starts with Abraham and goes through Joseph and Moses. It reminds us that God always keeps His promises.

Why do Catholics pray this psalm?

We pray it to remember God’s faithfulness. It helps us give thanks and trust Him. It is also a way to praise God for all He has done.

How is this psalm used in the Catholic Church?

Parts of it are read during Mass. It often goes with Old Testament stories. It helps us pray and respond to what we hear in the readings.

What can I learn from this psalm?

You can learn that God is always working for good. Even when life is hard, He does not forget His people. This psalm helps us remember that we are part of God’s plan.

Can children understand this psalm?

Yes. The psalm tells stories they may already know—like Joseph in Egypt or Moses in Egypt. It shows that God helps His people in every time and place.

Is this psalm connected to Jesus?

Yes. The psalm shows how God saves His people. Catholics see this as pointing to Jesus, who brings us out of sin and into new life. Jesus is the one who fulfills God’s promises.

Psalm 105 is a prayer of praise that tells the story of God’s care for His people. It starts with a call to give thanks, sing, and remember what God has done. The psalm then takes us through the history of Israel, from Abraham to Moses. Each step shows that God was there, leading and helping.

The psalm talks about the covenant God made with Abraham. It shows how God protected His people, even when they were few and weak. When there was famine, God sent Joseph to Egypt. When the people were slaves, God sent Moses to bring them out. All of this is shared with joy and thanksgiving.

For Catholics, this psalm is a reminder that God keeps His promises. It also teaches us to give thanks in prayer. In our own lives, we can look back and see how God has helped us. Like the people in the psalm, we are called to trust and praise Him.

This psalm is often used in the Mass, especially when the Old Testament readings tell these same stories. It helps us connect the past to our own faith. The message is simple: God is faithful, and we should remember what He has done. Psalm 105 helps us praise God with joy, just like the people of Israel did.

Take a few quiet minutes this week to read Psalm 105. You might notice how the stories feel familiar—Joseph, Moses, and the people of Israel. Think about times in your life when you needed help and God showed up.

After reading, come back and share your thoughts. Did a certain part stand out to you? How do you see God working in your story? Leave a comment and join the conversation. We’d love to hear what this psalm means to you.