Praying the Psalms with Christ and His Mystical Body
Lawrence Gerard Fox
Completed Licentiate in Sacred Theology (STL) on June 12, 2021 (Magna Cum Laude), International Theological Institute, Austria. Living in Texas.
It is a beautiful treasure (no longer buried in a field) knowing and recognizing that Jesus Christ “christened” each Psalm as He prayed them. The Eternal WORD made Flesh gave His voice to the Psalms. Through the Power of the Holy Spirit, we can hear his voice.
As such, when one prays the Psalms, one is (in reality) praying with Jesus Christ and His Mystical Body. God is outside of time.
The Saints and Mystics listened for the voice of Christ while praying the Psalms.
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. (John 10:27)
Such an approach to the Psalms turns the focus away from “self” and "towards" Christ dwelling in one’s soul. “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20)
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Praying the Psalms, by its very nature (being christened), also unites one's voice with all of God's People.
Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; deliver us and atone for our sins, for the sake of Your name. (Psalm 79:9-10)
It is a work of charity to be at peace and yet pray a Psalm which speaks of sadness and suffering. Why? Because others may be enduring such sadness and suffering -- and vice versa.
An elderly person said to me: "Praying the Psalms is so hard."
I responded: "It is not good for the man to be alone. Look for ways to pray the Psalms with others. Consider downloading a Psalm App on your phone. Be a part of a prayer group which prays the Psalms together. Or just simply remain attentive and learn to participate when the Psalms (and responses) are prayed or sung after the 1st Reading at every Mass. Let the words and melody linger within."