#lenten

While there is a very muddy timeline on when the Seven Penitential Psalms became arranged together into a Lenten devotion, with some sources citing Cassiodorus, a sixth century contemporary of Saint Benedict, as the leader of the devotion, while others focus on Saint Augustine of Hippo's influence, we do know that Pope Innocent iii at some point between 1198 and 1216, officially endorsed the scripture based meditation for use in Lent.

While originally intendent to be used daily, the psalms are often only recited on Fridays, usually at 3o'clock pm. The seven psalms are recited one right after the other, broken up only by a short 'Glory Be', and the practice is often used as a form of Lectio Divina. While the prayer is sometimes combined with a reflection on the seven deadly sins or prayer of contrition, this will not include them, and will only be a simple introduction to the prayer.

Below is a break down of how to easily pray the seven psalms, with the NRSVU translation used for the psalms:

*Kneel while making the sign of the Cross*

Antiphon (recited at the beginning of the prayer and at the very end as a closing prayer)

Remember, not O Lord our or our parents' offences: neither take vengeance of our sins.

Psalm 6

(after each psalm, a Glory Be is recited)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. Even as it was in the beginning, and now, and ever: and world without end. Amen. Alleluia.

Psalm 32Psalm 38Psalm 51

(Known also as the Miserere, the defining scripture of the Lenten season and the spiritual height of the prayer)

Psalm 102Psalm 130 Psalm 143

Antiphon

Remember, not O Lord our or our parents' offences: neither take vengeance of our sins.

Closing 'Our Father'

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. (For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever.) Amen.

Antiphon

The fish that catches people, Lenten Special

Who struggled with the idea of repentance and sacrifice and death for so long as they faced their churches. Who looked into what was supposed to be the mirror of Christ but instead was just another reflection of broken people crying shards of glass.