Psalm 85

Psalm 85 is a prayer for peace and healing. It comes from a people who have seen trouble and are asking God for help again. The psalm begins by remembering how God forgave and blessed them in the past. This gives them hope that God will help them again now.

The people are hurting. They know they have made mistakes. But they believe God is loving and patient. They ask God to turn back to them and to give them joy again. They do not hide their sin. They ask for mercy and new life.

This psalm also looks forward. It speaks of a time when peace, justice, and love will meet. These words give us a picture of the world as God wants it to be. The psalm teaches us to hope for that kind of world and to pray for it.

Psalm 85 reminds us that God is faithful. Even when we are lost or afraid, we can trust Him to guide us. He has helped before, and He will help again. This message is still true for us today.

This psalm comes from Book III of the Book of Psalms. That section includes Psalms 73 through 89. These psalms often reflect hard times for the people of Israel. Many speak about pain, loss, or exile. But they also show faith and trust in God’s help.

The author of this psalm is not named in the text. Some scholars believe it may have been written by the sons of Korah. They were a group of temple singers. Several other psalms are also linked to them.

The time this psalm was written is not clear. But many think it was written after the people returned from exile in Babylon. They had come back to their land, but things were still not easy. The temple was ruined, and the people felt discouraged. This prayer asks God to bring peace and help once again.

Even without knowing the exact writer, the message is strong. The people are calling out for renewal. They remember how God saved them before. And they believe He can do it again.

One main theme in this psalm is mercy. The people know they have sinned. But they trust that God will forgive them. Catholics also believe in the mercy of God. We turn to Him in sorrow and ask for a clean heart. This psalm is like a prayer of confession and hope.

Another theme is peace. The psalm speaks of peace coming to the land when people follow God. Catholics believe true peace comes from God. It grows when we live in love, justice, and truth. This psalm reminds us to work for peace in our homes and in the world.

The psalm also speaks of salvation. It says God’s help is near for those who turn to Him. Catholics believe Jesus brings that help. He is the Savior who brings us back to the Father. This psalm points us toward that hope.

Finally, the psalm shows how love and truth, justice and peace, can come together. This is what we long for in the Kingdom of God. It’s also what we pray for every time we ask, “Thy kingdom come.” This psalm helps us keep that hope alive.

This psalm still speaks to us today. Many people feel tired, worried, or far from God. This prayer reminds us that it’s okay to ask for help. We can cry out to God when life feels hard. He hears us and stays close.

We also live in a world that needs peace. There is so much hurt, fighting, and fear. This psalm calls us to trust in God’s mercy. It also reminds us to seek justice and truth. These are the things that bring lasting peace. Here are some simple ways we can help bring peace and justice to the world:

• Learn about the issues. Try to understand problems like poverty, racism, and unfair treatment. When we know what’s going on, we can help better.
• Speak up. Use your voice to stand with people who are hurting. You can post online, write letters, or join peaceful events that call for fairness.
• Listen to others. Talk to people who see the world differently. Try to understand their stories. This helps bring people together.
• Help good causes. Find groups that work for peace and fairness. You can give your time, share supplies, or join their projects.
• Forgive and make peace. In your own life, try to fix broken friendships. Be kind and say sorry when needed. This spreads peace.
• Shop with care. Support companies that treat workers fairly and care for the Earth.

In the Church, we often pray for renewal. We ask God to make our hearts new. This psalm is a good one to pray when we want to start again. It helps us remember that God has forgiven before and will forgive again.

This prayer fits well in times of trouble or change. It gives hope to people who feel lost. It tells us that God is not finished with us yet. He still wants to lead us to something better.

A Prayer to the God of Peace and Justice

You forgive me Lord,
Not once but many times.
Your words are mercy.

Your mercy brings me joy
And renews my spirit.
Your words bring me new life.

Your salvation shows me the truth
That peace and justice go together.
Your words are peace and justice.

Your justice brings abundance
For you provide enough for everyone.
Your words tell me to share.

Take my hand my Lord
And help me follow your voice
To build your Kingdom of peace.

Amen.

Psalm 85 is used in the Catholic Mass as a responsorial psalm. It comes up during different times of the Church year. It often matches readings that speak of God’s mercy, healing, and peace. The words of the psalm help us reflect on God’s care and our hope for renewal.

This psalm reminds us that God wants to restore us. It fits well with Gospel readings where Jesus heals, forgives, or brings peace. When we hear it at Mass, we are invited to trust in God’s love and faithfulness.

The Church also uses this psalm during Advent. That season is a time of waiting and preparing. Psalm 85 helps us look forward to Jesus coming into the world. It speaks of peace, justice, and salvation—all things we hope for.

Praying this psalm in the liturgy helps connect us to those who came before us. Their cry for mercy becomes our own. Their hope becomes our prayer.

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

2nd Sunday of Advent Year B

God’s Peace Is on the Way

Psalm 85:9-10-11-12, 13-14 reminds us that God brings peace to those who turn to Him. It gives us hope as we wait for the Lord. God’s kindness and care are near, and His presence fills the land with goodness. He offers salvation to those who listen and follow His ways.

The psalm paints a picture of a world where peace and justice come together. It shows what happens when people live in truth and love. Blessings will come, and the earth will bear good fruit. This is a message of hope for Advent. It helps us prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus, who brings peace and justice with Him.

15th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Walking the Path of Peace

Psalm 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14 is a prayer for God’s mercy and peace. It reminds us that God speaks to His people and offers salvation to those who follow Him. His presence brings light and glory to the land. The psalm invites us to listen closely and trust that God is near.

It also gives us a picture of what happens when we live in God’s ways. Kindness, truth, justice, and peace come together. Blessings flow from heaven, and the earth produces good things. Justice prepares the way for God’s path. This message fits well with Ordinary Time, reminding us to walk with the Lord and live with love and truth.

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

The Gift of Peace and Justice

Psalm 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14 reminds us that God is near and speaks peace to those who follow Him. His promise of salvation brings hope. It shows that when we listen to God and live in His ways, His blessings will fill the land. We are called to trust His voice and walk in His path.

The psalm also paints a beautiful image of a world filled with mercy, truth, and justice. These gifts come together and prepare the way for God’s blessings. When we live in peace and fairness, good things grow around us. This message is a reminder to stay close to God and help build a better world.

Psalm 85 is also used at weekday Masses:

• Tuesday of the 16th Week in Ordinary Time II – Psalm 85:2-4, 5-6, 7-8: A Plea for Mercy
• Friday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time I – Psalm 85:8 and 10, 11-12, 13-14: Union of Divine Virtues
• Tuesday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time I – Psalm 85:9, 11-12, 13-14: The Lord Promises Peace
• Monday of the 2nd Week of Advent – Psalm 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14: God’s Promise of Salvation
• Wednesday of the 3rd Week of Advent – Psalm 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14 – Justice and Peace Will Come Together
• Thursday of the 10th Week in Ordinary Time I – Psalm 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14: The Lord’s Glory in Our Land
• Saturday of the 13th Week in Ordinary Time II – Psalm 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14: The Lord’s Peace
• Saturday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time II – Psalm 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14: The Lord’s Glory Will Live Among Us
• Tuesday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time II – Psalm 85:9ab-10, 11-12, 13-14: God’s Promise of Peace and Justice

What is Psalm 85 about?

Psalm 85 is a prayer asking God for help and healing. It remembers how God forgave the people before and asks Him to do it again. It speaks about peace, mercy, and hope.

Who wrote Psalm 85?

The writer is not named. Many think it may have been written by the sons of Korah. They were a group of singers and temple helpers.

When was Psalm 85 written?

It was likely written after the people of Israel came back from exile. They had returned to their land, but things were still hard. This psalm is a cry for help and peace.

How is this psalm used in the Catholic Church?

Psalm 85 is read at Mass on different days. It is often used when the readings talk about peace, healing, or God’s mercy. It is also used during Advent.

What does this psalm teach us?

It teaches us to trust God, even in hard times. It reminds us to ask for mercy, pray for peace, and believe that God is near. It gives us hope that better days will come.

Why is this psalm still important today?

Many people still feel lost, sad, or worried. This psalm reminds us that God has helped before and will help again. It is a good prayer for anyone who needs peace and strength.

Psalm 85 is a prayer from people who need help. They remember how God forgave and blessed them before. Now they ask Him to do it again. They know they have sinned, but they also know God is kind and forgiving.

The psalm asks for healing and peace. It speaks of a time when mercy, justice, and truth will come together. These are things we all hope for. The psalm shows us that peace starts when we turn back to God and follow His ways.

It also reminds us to keep hoping. Even when things feel broken, God is still working. He wants to bring new life. He wants to be close to His people again.

Catholics see this psalm as a message of hope. It reminds us that Jesus brings the peace and healing we long for. We are invited to pray, trust, and wait for God to make things right.

Take a moment today to read Psalm 85. It’s a simple but strong prayer for anyone who feels tired, lost, or in need of peace. It can help us ask God for mercy and remember that He never leaves us.

After you read it, think about what lines speak to you the most. What are you asking God for today? Share your thoughts in the comment section. Let others know how this psalm helped you or what it made you feel. We grow when we pray together.