Read by David Suchet.

The Penitential Psalms are prayers of sorrow for sin, expressing the soul’s contrition and appealing to God’s mercy. They acknowledge sin, recognize God’s holiness, and ask for mercy to achieve union with Him 

History

• Origin: Jewish tradition attributes Psalm 51 to King David after the prophet Nathan rebuked him for his adultery with Bathsheba and the killing of Uriah.
• Development: Over time, other sinners enriched the psalms, incorporating themes of a “new heart” and the Spirit of God, drawn from the teachings of Jeremiah and Ezekiel.
• Liturgical Use: Innocent III (1198-1216) ordered their recitation during Lent. Pius V (1566-72) later established them as part of the Friday ferial Office of Lent, though this is no longer universally required
• Christian Tradition: The Christian tradition has used these psalms to seek pardon from God for sins. They are part of the Liturgy of the Hours and are often prayed at Lauds.
• Eastern Churches: Eastern Churches also maintain the recitation of the Psalter in their Divine Office.

Reasons for Penitential Psalms

• Expression of Sorrow: They are lyric cries of the sorrowing soul.
• Recognition of Sin: The Psalms include recognition of sin and trust in God’s liberating intervention 5. Confession of sin is seen as essential for starting life anew.
• Seeking Forgiveness: They serve as a means to seek pardon from God 4. Psalm 51, in particular, is a hymn of sin and pardon, meditating on guilt and grace.
• Penitential Attitude: The penitential orientation permeates all Christian worship, requiring acknowledgment of sins and the need for change.
• Trust in God’s Mercy: Despite lamenting suffering, these psalms express trust in God’s mercy and intervention.
• Personal Bond with God: They help express a personal bond with God, especially in times of remorse or guilt. — Magisterium AI