Common Responsorial Psalms

Introduction

The Common psalms can be found towards the end of Volume I of the Lectionary (pg. 949–963). They are intended to provide a resource for communities that wish to begin singing the psalm and they can replace the psalm given at any Mass. The texts are arranged according to the liturgical seasons. The intention of the compilers of the Lectionary is for communities to have a core repertoire of psalms that can be used at any occasion. It recommended to start with that a setting is used over a number of weeks or a season to allow the psalmist to gain confidence and for the community to get to know a particular psalm and be able to sing from their hearts.

• The psalms can be found in Lectionary Volume 1 pages 949-963.
• For more background and ideas about musical settings see material for At Your Word Lord resources for Season II
• This information on Common Psalms can be downloaded as a PDF file.

Advent

Common response

Come and set us free, O Lord

Common Psalm 1

Ps 24:4-5. 8-9.10 r. 1

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

Common Psalm 2

Ps 84:9-14 r. 8

Let us see, O Lord, your mercy.

Christmas

Common response

Today we have seen your glory, O Lord.

Common Psalm

Ps 97:1-6 r. 3

All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

Epiphany

Common Psalm

Ps 71:1. 2. 7-8. 10-13 r. cf. 11

Before you all kings shall fall prostrate, all nations shall serve you.

Lent

Common response

Remember, O Lord, your faithfulness and love.

Common Psalm 1

Ps 50:3–6. 12-14. 17 r.cf. 3

Have mercy on us, Lord, for we have sinned.

Common Psalm 2

Ps 90:1-2. 10-15 r. cf. 15

Be with me, Lord, in my distress.

Common Psalm 3

Ps 129:1-8 r. 7

With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption.

Holy Week

Common Psalm

Ps 21:8-9. 17-20. 23-24 r. 2

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Easter

Common response

Alleluia! (repeated two or three times)

Easter Vigil

Common Psalm 1

Ps 135:1-3. 4-6.7-9. 24-26

Great is his love, love without end.

Common Psalm 2

Ps 135: 1. 3. 16-21

Great is his love, love without end.

Season of Easter

Common Psalm 1

Ps 117: 1-2. 16-17.22-23 r. 24

This day was made by the Lord; we rejoice and are glad.
or Alleluia!

Common Psalm 2

Ps 65: 1-7. 16.20 r.1

Cry out with joy to God all the earth, alleuia!

Ascension

Common Psalm

Ps 46: 2-3. 6-9 r. 6

God goes up with shouts of joy.

Pentecost Day

Common Psalm

Ps 103: 1. 24.29-31 .34 r. cf.30

Send forth your spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the earth.

Ordinary Time

Common response with a psalm of praise

O give thanks to the Lord for he is good.

We thank you, Lord, for the wonders of all your creation.

O sing a new song to the Lord

Common response with a psalm of petition

The Lord is close to all who call him.

Pay heed to us, Lord, and save us.

The Lord is compassion and love.

Common Psalm 1

Ps 18:8-11 r. Jn 6:68 or Jn 6:63

Lord, you have the message of eternal life.
or Your words, Lord, are spirit and they are life.

Common Psalm 2

Ps 26:4. 13-14 r.1

The Lord is my light and my help.

Common Psalm 3

Ps 33:2-9 r. 2 or 9

I will bless the Lord at all times.
or Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Common Psalm 4

Ps 62:2-6. 8-9 r. 2

For you my soul is thirsting, O Lord, my God.

Common Psalm 5

Ps 94:1-2. 6-9 r.8

O that today you would listen to his voice,'Harden not your hearts.'

Common Psalm 6

Ps 99:2. 3. 5. r. 3

We are his people, the sheep of his flock.

Common Psalm 7

Ps 102:1-4. 8.10.12-13 r.8

The Lord is compassion and love.

Common Psalm 8

Ps 144:1-2. 8-11. 13-14 r.1

I will bless your name for ever, O God my King.

for the last weeks of the year

Common Psalm 9

Ps 121:1-9 r.1

Let us go to God's house rejoicing.

• © CBCEW