I am trying to memorize one psalm per month, until I am finished with all 150. This will take over twelve years, but I think it is a reasonable task. So far I have just started (finished 91 and 51), but before I get too deep in this I was wondering if you could give me any advice.
- Do you recommend any particular translations of the psalms? I find the Douay-Rheims versions to sound very classic and poetic, but sometimes are hard to understand and therefore harder to memorize. My two top choices so far are Douay-Rheims and RSV-2CE.
- Do you think it would matter if I picked different translations for each psalm? For example, even if I picked the NAB for all the psalms, I would still really want to memorize Psalm 23 in Douay Rheims.
- Would it be bad to substitute some verbs and adjectives from one translation for another. For example, in Psalm 91:13 I might substitute “asp” and “basilisk” with “lion” and “adder.”
I understand already that this is my own personal devotion, but there may be some good reason to be consistent that I have not thought of.
Hi,
Personally, I remember the Gelineu Psalms, or singing Psalms as it is sometimes called. It is used in the Mass readings I believe in you parishes in the USA, It is used here in Singapore and Malaysia. Even the Divine Office, uses this version. Maybe you would like to consider it.
Some parts of the psalms i’ve committed to memory are below…to give you an inkling of how it sounds like…
(Putting our trust ultimately in God and not our efforts, even as we put in 100% effort.)
If the Lord does not build the house, in vain do its builders labour.
If the Lord does not watch over the city, in vain does the watchman keep vigil.
In vain is your earlier rising, your going later to rest.
You who toil for the bread you eat; while he pours gifts on his beloved while they slumber.
(Our measure of trust in God)
God is for us a refuge and strength;
a helper close at hand in times of distress.
So we shall not fear though the earth should rock,
though the mountains fall into the depths of the sea,
even though the waters rage and foam,
even though the mountains be shaken by its waves.
The Lord of Host is with us, the God of Jacob is our stronghold.
(All other help will and can fail, but God is unfailing)
It is better to take refuge in the Lord, than to trust in men;
It is better to take refuge in the Lord, than to trust in princes.
(The power is in the Word of God)
The words of the Lord are words without alloy, silver from the furnace seven times refined.
(Eucharistic adoration)
One day within your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere,
the threshold of the house of God, I prefer to the dwellings of the wicked.
(Eucharistic adoration)
Blessed are those whom you choose and call,
to dwell in yours courts, forever singing your praise.
(The eucharist adoration, reception)
O God, you are my God,
for you I long,
For you my soul is thirsting,
My body pines for you like a dry weary land without water,
So I gaze on you in the sanctuary to see
your strength and your glory.
For your love is better than life,
My lips will speak your praise,
So I will bless you all my life,
In your name, I will lift up my hands,
My soul shall be filled as with a banquet,
my mouth shall praise you with joy.
On my bed I remember you,
On you I muse through the night,
For you have been my help,
In the shadow of your wings I rejoice,
My soul clings to you,
Your right hand holds me fast.
(When feeling down and weary)
Why are you cast down my soul?Why groan within me?,
Hope in God, I will praise Him still,
My Saviour and my God.
Ultimately, I believe, Our Lord has inspired you to remember the psalms. It is the words of the Spirit to His Bride…May Our Lord grant you the perseverance to keep at it, and may portions of the psalms as the above be a continual source of encouragement and strength on your journey… …
God bless
Yours in the Sacred Hearts
Kentcara2003(SSCC 3rd Order)
That the truth makes us vulnerable… (thats a bit better) and dating them so will continuing with that. Last week was hard because I couldn’t connect it but this week should be easier I think?
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