Vespers Are to Be Sung With Four Psalms Every Day
St. Benedict outlines the structure and significance of singing specific Psalms during Vespers and Compline.
St. Benedict of Nursia instructs on the order of Psalms to be sung during Vespers and Compline, emphasizing the importance of daily recitation of specific Psalms while omitting others designated for different Hours. He directs the division of longer Psalms to accommodate the required number and the joining of shorter Psalms for continuity. St. Benedict's guidance ensures a structured and consistent approach to the recitation of Psalms during these designated times of prayer.
Text
Vespers are to be sung with four Psalms every day. These shall begin with Psalm 109 and go on to Psalm 147, omitting those which are set apart for other Hours; that is to say that with the exception of Psalms 117 to 127 and Psalms 133 and 142, all the rest of these are to be said at Vespers. And since there are three Psalms too few, let the longer ones of the above number be divided, namely Psalms 138, 143 and 144. But let Psalm 116 because of its brevity be joined to Psalm 115. The order of the Vesper Psalms being thus settled, let the rest of the Hour-- lesson, responsory, hymn, verse and canticle-- be carried out as we prescribed above. At Compline the same Psalms are to be repeated every day, namely Psalms 4, 90 and 133.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to Vespers
- Importance of Psalms in Worship
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II
- Specific Psalms for Vespers
- Psalms 109 to 147
- Exceptions and Omissions
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III
- Dividing Longer Psalms
- Combining Shorter Psalms
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IV
- Structure of the Vesper Hour
- Inclusion of Lessons and Hymns
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V
- Repetition of Psalms at Compline
- Significance of Consistency in Prayer
Key Quotes
“Vespers are to be sung with four Psalms every day.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“Let the longer ones of the above number be divided.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
“At Compline the same Psalms are to be repeated every day.” — St. Benedict of Nursia
Application Points
- Incorporate the singing of Psalms into your daily prayer routine.
- Understand the importance of structure in worship to enhance your spiritual experience.
- Consider how dividing longer texts can help in maintaining focus during prayer.