The Psalms 101: The Catholic Guide to the Sacred Songs of the Church

Embark on a powerful journey through the Psalms. The Book of Psalms is perhaps the greatest work of prayer ever written, and it is foundational to the Catholic liturgy and individual prayer. Under the guidance of Sr. Bergant,, Ph.D., the former President of the Catholic Biblical Association of America, you will experience the timeless power of the psalms. In these twelve superb lectures, you will explore Scripture, theology, prayer, and the life of the Church. You will begin by looking first at the Second Vatican Council's constitution Dei Verbum, which outlines the vitality of Sacred Scripture for believers. Then, you will look closely at the apostolic exhortation Verbum Domini, which contains a framework for exploring the Psalms. Thomas Merton writes, "The Church loves the Psalms because in them she sings of her experience of God, of her union with the incarnate Word, of her contemplation of God in the Mystery of Christ." As you journey through the Psalms, you will see how they are essential both in Scripture and the life of the Church. After exploring the theology of the Psalms, you will examine such vital topics as the sacraments, the Liturgy of the Hours, and Lectio Divina. The Psalms exemplify the core themes of biblical faith: the holiness of God, Divine mercy, and the character of covenant. An essential prayer that nourished Jesus, they continue to provide believers with a path to faith, gratitude, praise, and joy. Renew your spirituality with the life-giving power of the Psalms today.