In grief and sorrow the psalms do not hurry us past our tears; they bring them to God: “thou hast set my tears in thy sight.” Below are eight comforting psalms for times of loss, mourning and heartbreak, each with its key verses in the Catholic Douay-Rheims Bible, a short explanation, and a link to the full psalm where we have one, followed by a prayer for those who mourn.
1. Psalm 23: you are with me
For though I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evils, for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff, they have comforted me.
The most comforting psalm of all, read at countless funerals. Read the full Psalm 23.
2. Psalm 34: near to the brokenhearted
The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart: and he will save the humble of spirit.
God is closest to us when our hearts are broken. Read the full Psalm 34.
3. Psalm 147: he heals the brokenhearted
Who healeth the broken of heart, and bindeth up their bruises.
The God who counts the stars binds up our wounds. Read the full Psalm 147.
4. Psalm 30: joy comes in the morning
For wrath is in his indignation; and life in his good will. In the evening weeping shall have place, and in the morning gladness.
Grief has its night, but it is not the end. Read the full Psalm 30.
5. Psalm 56: God keeps our tears
I have declared to thee my life: thou hast set my tears in thy sight, As also in thy promise.
Not one of our tears is forgotten by God (Psalm 55 in the Douay-Rheims).
6. Psalm 116: precious in God’s sight
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.
For the death of a faithful loved one: God treasures the death of his saints. Read the full Psalm 116.
7. Psalm 130: hope from the depths
My soul hath hoped in the Lord.
From the morning watch even until night, let Israel hope in the Lord.
The De Profundis, the Church’s psalm of hope for the faithful departed. Read the full De Profundis (Psalm 130).
8. Psalm 121: the Lord keeps your going out
The Lord keepeth thee from all evil: may the Lord keep thy soul.
May the Lord keep thy coming in and thy going out; from henceforth now and for ever.
God guards our loved ones on their last journey and us who remain. Read the full Psalm 121.
Praying the psalms in grief
- It is all right to lament. Many psalms are laments; bringing grief to God is itself prayer.
- Pray for the dead: Christians pray for their departed loved ones, especially at Mass. See Catholic prayers for the dead and the Eternal Rest prayer.
- Choose a psalm for the funeral: Psalms 23, 27, 42, 63, 103, 116, 130 and 143 are among those the Church offers. See Catholic funeral readings.
- Let others pray for you when you cannot pray.
A prayer for those who mourn
Written for this page:
Lord, you are near to the brokenhearted, and you keep every tear.
Comfort me in my sorrow and hold my loved one in your mercy.
Give eternal rest to all who have died in your peace,
and give me the hope that weeping lasts for the night, but joy comes with the morning. Amen.
Frequently asked questions
What psalm is comforting for grief?
Psalm 23 (“I will fear no evils, for thou art with me”) is the most beloved. Psalms 34, 147, 30 and 130 also bring comfort in loss.
What psalm is read at Catholic funerals?
Psalm 23 is the most common choice; others include Psalms 25, 27, 42, 63, 103, 116, 122, 130 and 143.
More prayers for comfort
- Psalm 88 (the darkest psalm)
- Psalm 56 (You keep my tears)
- Psalm 39 (Lord, let me know my end)
- Psalm 13 (How long, O Lord?)
- Prayers for deceased loved ones
- Catholic funeral prayers
- Psalms for healing
- Psalms for strength
Texts and sources
- Scripture: Psalms 22 (23), 33 (34), 146 (147), 29 (30), 55 (56), 115 (116), 129 (130), 120 (121), Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner), public domain.
- The prayer was written for this page.