Encouraging the faithful to use the Psalms for daily prayer, Pope Francis shared that he has a very special edition of this book of the Bible.
The Holy Father noted that the New Testament is often published with the Psalms. It is one of these editions that the Pope has as a memento and call to prayer.
He explained:
On my desk I have an edition in Ukrainian of this New Testament [and] Psalms from a soldier who died in the war, which was sent to me. And he prayed on the frontlines with this book.
In every address with the faithful, the Pope urges prayer for the end of the war.
The Pope did note that not all the Psalms have the same resonance today as they did in ancient times.
Not all the Psalms – and not all of every Psalm – can be repeated and made their own by Christians and even less by modern man. They reflect, at times, a historical situation and a religious mentality that are no longer our own. This does not mean that they are not inspired, but in certain aspects they are linked to a time and a temporary stage of revelation, as is also the case with a large part of ancient legislation.
But, the Pope said, “Form the habit of praying with the Psalms. I assure you that you will be happy in the end.”
If there are Psalms, or just verses, that speak to our heart, it is good to repeat them and pray them during the day. The Psalms are prayers “for all seasons”: There is no state of mind or need that does not find in them the best words to be transformed into prayer.
And today we celebrate...