Psalms – Chapter 114

Old Testament • 9 Verses

Chapter Summary

Psalms 114 opens with the words: "I have loved, because the Lord will hear the voice of my prayer." Across its 9 verses, two threads run through the text: God's protection and deliverance and prayer. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1I have loved, because the Lord will hear the voice of my prayer.

2Because he hath inclined his ear unto me: and in my days I will call upon him.

3The sorrows of death have compassed me: and the perils of hell have found me. I met with trouble and sorrow:

4And I called upon the name of the Lord. O Lord, deliver my soul.

5The Lord is merciful and just, and our God sheweth mercy.

6The Lord is the keeper of little ones: I was humbled, and he delivered me.

7Turn, O my soul, into thy rest: for the Lord hath been bountiful to thee.

8For he hath delivered my soul from death: my eyes from tears, my feet from falling.

9I will please the Lord in the land of the living.

Important Verses in Psalms 114

“I have loved, because the Lord will hear the voice of my prayer.”

Psalms 114:1

“The Lord is merciful and just, and our God sheweth mercy.”

Psalms 114:5

“I will please the Lord in the land of the living. ”

Psalms 114:9

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Psalms was written with god's people at prayer in every age in view. Chapter 114 of 150 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 9 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The passage starts with these words: "I have loved, because the Lord will hear the voice of my prayer." The chapter ends with: "I will please the Lord in the land of the living. " The wider setting of Psalms is this: The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, the psalmist voices praise, lament, thanksgiving, or petition before God. A pivotal line is verse 1: "I have loved, because the Lord will hear the voice of my prayer." The passage repeatedly touches on God's protection and deliverance.

Catholic exegesis reads Psalms 114 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). St. Cyril of Alexandria and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 2340).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Psalms 114 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • ✓The Lord is a refuge and deliverer for all who call upon Him in trouble.
  • ✓God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.
  • ✓God's mercy is greater than any sin; He calls us to receive His forgiveness and extend it to others.

Reflection for Today

Psalms Chapter 114 belongs to the Old Testament and forms part of the Catholic canon proclaimed in the liturgy of the Word.

Through typology, the Church often reads Old Testament passages as preparing for Christ, while New Testament passages reveal Him explicitly. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). Here the believer is invited to ponder perseverance through trial.

Consider praying with this chapter again at day's end, offering God gratitude for one insight received. The Church encourages daily contact with Scripture (CIC 1095) so that Christ's mind may be formed in us.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 114 about?

Psalms 114 contains 9 verses. It opens with "I have loved, because the Lord will hear the voice of my prayer." and closes with "I will please the Lord in the land of the living. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 114?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "I have loved, because the Lord will hear the voice of my prayer." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Prayers for Protection🙏Prayer to St. Michael🙏The Our Father🙏Morning Offering

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