1O Praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.
2For his mercy is confirmed upon us: and the truth of the Lord remaineth for ever.
Psalms – Chapter 116
Old Testament • 2 Verses
Chapter Summary
Chapter 116 of Psalms begins: "O Praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people." Across its 2 verses, two threads run through the text: worship and praise and God's mercy and forgiveness. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.
Important Verses in Psalms 116
“For his mercy is confirmed upon us: and the truth of the Lord remaineth for ever. ”
Psalms 116:2
Historical Context
Psalms belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for god's people at prayer in every age. Chapter 116 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 2 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The passage starts with these words: "O Praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people." The chapter ends with: "For his mercy is confirmed upon us: and the truth of the Lord remaineth for ever. " In terms of historical background, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Psalms around 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
The poem's language was meant to be prayed aloud, giving voice to the full range of human experience before the Lord. A pivotal line is verse 2: "For his mercy is confirmed upon us: and the truth of the Lord remaineth for ever. " The passage repeatedly touches on worship and praise.
According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 113).
For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.
Main Teachings
- ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
- ✓God's mercy is greater than any sin; He calls us to receive His forgiveness and extend it to others.
Reflection for Today
The late section of Psalms—Chapter 116 of 150—opens a particular moment in the story of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God.
According to Catholic teaching, the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). This chapter especially highlights Mary and the communion of saints, a theme the Catechism develops in relation to the whole of revelation (CIC 74).
Let Psalms Chapter 116 deepen your love for the Eucharist, where the Word made flesh continues to feed His people. The same Christ who speaks in Scripture offers Himself sacramentally on the altar.
💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Psalms Chapter 116 about?
Psalms 116 contains 2 verses. It opens with "O Praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people." and closes with "For his mercy is confirmed upon us: and the truth of the Lord remaineth for ever. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.
What is a key verse in Psalms 116?
One of the most significant verses is verse 2: "For his mercy is confirmed upon us: and the truth of the Lord remaineth for ever. " 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
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