Responsorial Psalms for Lent, Year B

The repentant words of the Responsorial Psalms for the season of Lent ready our hearts for the renewal of Easter.

From Ash Wednesday through to the fifth Sunday of Lent they serve to:

Point us to God for mercy – “You have the message of eternal life, O Lord.” (Jn 6:69)
Call us to turn to God with open hearts – “A pure heart create for me, O God.” (Ps 50:12)
Proclaim God’s unending mercy – “Your ways, Lord, are faithfulness and love…” (Ps 24:10)

If you aren’t already singing the Psalms regularly in your school or parish, the season of Lent is a great time to start. Here are the links to accessible, contemporary settings that have been tried and tested.

Ash Wednesday
“Have mercy on us, O Lord, for we have sinned.” {Psalm 50}
1st Sunday of Lent, Year B
“Your ways, Lord, are faithfulness and love for those who keep your covenant.” {Psalm 24}
2nd Sunday of Lent, Year B
“I will walk in the presence of the Lord in the land of the living.” {Psalm 115}
3rd Sunday of Lent, Year B
“You, Lord, have the message of eternal life.” {Psalm 18}
4th Sunday of Lent, Year B
“O let my tongue cleave to my mouth if I remember you not!” {Psalm 136}
5th Sunday of Lent, Year B
“A pure heart create for me, O God.” {Psalm 50}

Of course, the Psalms can be prayed and sung outside of Mass too – so get creative with your use of these settings. You can use them for morning prayer and assembly; in the classroom or staffroom, during Children’s Liturgy of the Word even during your Lent Reconciliation Services.