Introduction

Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk, theologian, and prolific writer, has had an enduring influence on modern Christian spirituality. Among his many contributions, his teachings on contemplative prayer stand out, particularly his reflections on praying the Psalms. For Merton, the Psalms represented not just ancient prayers but living expressions of the full spectrum of human experience—joy, sorrow, thanksgiving, lamentation, and repentance. In this guide, we explore Merton’s approach to the Psalms, highlighting how they can serve as a powerful tool for deepening one’s spiritual practice. Alongside Merton’s insights, this guide draws from the rich commentary of the early Church Fathers, Doctors of the Church, the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), Vatican documents, and papal reflections to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Psalms and their place in Christian prayer.

1: Who Was Thomas Merton?

Thomas Merton was born in 1915 and led a fascinating life that saw him evolve from a literary-minded academic to one of the most influential Christian mystics of the 20th century. After his conversion to Catholicism in 1938, Merton eventually entered the Abbey of Gethsemani, a Trappist monastery in Kentucky, where he took vows as a monk and committed himself to a life of prayer, contemplation, and writing. Merton’s works, including The Seven Storey Mountainand Contemplative Prayer, have inspired generations of Christians to seek deeper spiritual lives. He died in 1968.

While Merton is often remembered for his interfaith dialogue and social activism, his reflections on prayer—particularly the Psalms—reveal his deep commitment to the contemplative life. In Praying the Psalms, Merton viewed the Psalms as a powerful “school of prayer,” offering lessons in how to turn to God in every circumstance. His understanding of the Psalms was shaped by the Christian tradition but was also deeply personal, reflecting his own spiritual journey.

2: The Psalms in Christian Tradition

The Psalms have been central to Christian worship since the early days of the Church. Rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures, the Psalms were adopted by the early Christian community as a means of expressing their faith in God through prayer. They form the backbone of monastic prayer, particularly in the Liturgy of the Hours, where monks and nuns chant or recite Psalms as part of their daily devotion.

Early Church Fathers on the Psalms:

• St. Augustine saw the Psalms as a mirror for the soul, reflecting back to the believer all the complex emotions that arise in the relationship with God. He believed the Psalms taught believers how to pray by expressing repentance, thanksgiving, and hope.
• St. Athanasius wrote that there is a Psalm for every condition of the soul, meaning that no matter what emotion or spiritual state a person finds themselves in, there is a corresponding Psalm to guide their prayer.
• St. Jerome, responsible for translating the Bible into Latin (the Vulgate), stressed the importance of the Psalms in Christian worship. He saw them as a perfect fusion of divine inspiration and human response, making them ideal for liturgical use.

Catechism and Vatican Documents:

• The Catechism of the Catholic Church refers to the Psalms as “the masterwork of prayer in the Old Testament” (CCC 2585). This description reflects their importance not just historically but in the ongoing prayer life of the Church today.
• Sacrosanctum Concilium, one of the key documents from the Second Vatican Council, emphasizes the role of the Psalms in the Church’s liturgy. The document encourages the faithful to engage with the Psalms not just in formal worship but as part of their personal spiritual practice.

3: Merton’s Perspective on the Psalms

For Thomas Merton, the Psalms were a “school of prayer” that provided both instruction and inspiration for the believer’s relationship with God. In his view, praying the Psalms was not merely a matter of reciting ancient texts but of entering into a dialogue with God. Merton emphasized that the Psalms express the entire range of human experience—joy, sorrow, doubt, and hope—and allow the individual to bring these emotions into the presence of God.

In Praying the Psalms, Merton wrote that the Psalms “are inspired formulas which we can make our own by entering into the spirit of the sacred writers and thus re-affirming the divine afflatus which inspired them.” This idea underscores Merton’s belief that praying the Psalms connects the individual not only with God but with the broader community of believers throughout history.

Merton and the Church Fathers:

• St. Augustine and Merton shared a common perspective on the Psalms’ capacity to teach humility and repentance. Both saw the Psalms as a way of guiding the believer through the difficult process of turning away from sin and returning to God.
• Merton also aligned with St. Basil the Great, who emphasized the Psalms’ role in fostering contemplation. Both saw the Psalms as a means of stilling the mind and opening the heart to God’s presence.

Papal Teachings:

• Pope Benedict XVI, in his reflections on the Psalms, particularly within the context of the Liturgy of the Hours, highlighted the importance of the Psalms in daily Christian life. For Benedict, the Psalms are a way of entering into God’s rhythm, aligning human time with sacred time.
• Pope Francis has spoken of the Psalms as a means of encountering God’s mercy. He encourages believers to turn to the Psalms in times of difficulty, trusting that they will find in them the comfort and guidance they need.

4: The Psalms as a Path to Union with God

For Thomas Merton, the Psalms were not only prayers that reflected the human condition but also a spiritual bridge to God—a way for believers to align their hearts with God’s will. Merton believed that through praying the Psalms, one could achieve a form of contemplative union with God, transcending the limitations of human understanding and entering into a deeper, mystical relationship with the Divine.

Merton saw the Psalms as prayers that encompass the whole of human experience, and it is through this range of emotions—joy, sorrow, praise, repentance—that the individual is brought into communion with God. For Merton, the Psalms were not just intellectual exercises or poetic expressions but dynamic encounters with the living God. He often spoke of the Psalms as “dialogues with God,” where one speaks to God through the words of the Psalmist and listens for God’s response within the silence of contemplation.

The transformative power of the Psalms lies in their ability to express both personal and communal concerns while drawing the believer closer to God’s eternal presence. By praying the Psalms consistently, Merton believed one could cultivate a heart that is attuned to God’s will. This is why he encouraged the faithful to incorporate the Psalms into daily prayer, as he saw it as a way to integrate the mind, heart, and soul in the act of worship and contemplation.

The Doctors of the Church on the Psalms and Spiritual Growth

The insights of the Doctors of the Church further illuminate how the Psalms serve as a pathway to divine union. Like Merton, the Church’s greatest theologians saw the Psalms as essential tools for spiritual growth and transformation.

St. John Chrysostom, a Doctor of the Church known for his profound homilies on the Psalms, believed that the Psalms had the unique ability to nourish the soul. In his commentary, he stated that the Psalms “heal the wounds of the soul and elevate the mind.” He believed that the Psalms allowed the believer to ascend spiritually toward God by bringing their affections, intellect, and will into harmony with divine truths. Chrysostom frequently highlighted how the Psalms teach humility, calling them “a medicine for the soul’s pride.” This spiritual humility, he said, is key to entering into a closer relationship with God.

St. Thomas Aquinas, another Doctor of the Church, explored the theological depth of the Psalms in his writings. He viewed the Psalms as a comprehensive guide to Christian life, touching on virtues, morality, and the nature of God. Aquinas emphasized that the Psalms play a critical role in the formation of a Christian’s character by offering a practical and theological framework for living in accordance with God’s will. For Aquinas, praying the Psalms was not just a devotional practice but a way of receiving divine wisdom and instruction. He believed that through this wisdom, the believer’s heart is gradually shaped and purified, leading to a more profound union with God.

Together, these two Doctors of the Church point to the Psalms as both spiritually nourishing and theologically rich, affirming Merton’s belief in their transformative power. The Psalms do more than express feelings; they reshape the soul, gradually aligning it with the divine will.

The Psalms and the Four Senses of Scripture

The Church’s tradition of interpreting scripture through the four senses—literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical—can be applied to the Psalms, offering additional layers of meaning that can deepen one’s union with God. Merton, though not explicitly using these terms, seemed to appreciate the multiple dimensions of the Psalms’ meaning. By entering into the depths of the Psalms, believers engage with their literal meaning, but also with the deeper truths about God’s plan for humanity and the soul’s ultimate destiny.

1. Literal Sense: On the literal level, the Psalms recount historical events, prayers, and personal experiences of the Psalmist. Understanding this level is important because it roots the Psalms in real, lived experiences of faith, suffering, and praise.
2. Allegorical Sense: The allegorical sense allows the reader to see how the Psalms point toward Christ and the mysteries of salvation. For example, many of the Psalms prophetically foreshadow Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection. Merton often reflected on this dimension of the Psalms, seeing Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of the prayers and promises expressed by the Psalmist.
3. Moral Sense: The moral sense of the Psalms instructs the believer on how to live according to God’s will. Many Psalms reflect on virtue, justice, and righteousness, offering guidance for personal conduct. Merton, like the Church Fathers, encouraged his readers to reflect on how the Psalms could shape their own moral decisions and actions in daily life.
4. Anagogical Sense: The anagogical sense lifts the mind to consider the ultimate realities of heaven and the end of time. This sense of the Psalms calls believers to focus on their eternal destiny and union with God in the afterlife. Merton’s contemplative prayer practices were often aimed at fostering a sense of eternal communion with God, and he viewed the Psalms as a way of preparing the soul for this final union.

The Psalms and the Mystical Tradition

In the mystical tradition, the Psalms have often been used as tools for contemplation and spiritual ascent. Merton, deeply influenced by the mystics, saw in the Psalms a path that led not only to prayer but to mystical union. For mystics like St. Teresa of Ávila and St. John of the Cross, the Psalms were not simply words to be recited but vehicles through which the soul could journey toward God.

Merton, reflecting on these mystical insights, believed that the Psalms could bring about an inner transformation by opening the soul to God’s grace. In moments of deep contemplation, the words of the Psalms would fall away, leaving the soul in a state of pure receptivity to God’s presence. This echoes the mystical idea that prayer ultimately leads to silence and stillness, where the soul encounters God directly.

Catechism and Vatican Insights on the Transformative Power of the Psalms

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2586-2587) emphasizes that the Psalms “are the voices of both the people of God and the individual believer,” encompassing all forms of prayer—thanksgiving, lamentation, praise, and supplication. The Catechism further notes that the Psalms, when prayed, have the power to transform the individual by expressing the deepest human emotions and leading the believer into a fuller relationship with God. This transformative process, which involves both the intellect and the heart, brings the person into greater conformity with God’s will, aligning their desires with divine purposes.

Similarly, Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI frequently reflected on the Psalms as a spiritual discipline that leads to holiness. Pope Benedict, in particular, emphasized the contemplative nature of the Psalms, calling them “an encounter with the living God in human history.” He believed that through the Psalms, believers are invited into God’s eternal dialogue with humanity, allowing them to enter into the heart of divine love.

In summary, Thomas Merton’s view of the Psalms as a path to union with God aligns closely with the teachings of the Church Fathers, Doctors of the Church, and papal reflections. The Psalms offer a transformative experience that not only deepens personal faith but leads the believer into a profound, mystical communion with the Divine. Through the Psalms, we can learn how to express our emotions, align our will with God’s, and ultimately ascend toward a union with Him that transcends words and images.

5: Practical Guide to Praying the Psalms with Merton

For those inspired by Merton’s approach to the Psalms, there are several ways to integrate this practice into daily life. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Set Aside Time Each Day: Begin or end your day with a Psalm. Choose one that resonates with your current emotional or spiritual state and allow it to guide your thoughts and prayers.
2. Meditate on the Words: Don’t rush through the Psalm. Instead, meditate on the words, allowing them to sink into your heart. Reflect on how the Psalm speaks to your personal experience.
3. Pray the Psalms Communally: Consider praying the Psalms with a group or as part of your church’s liturgy. The Psalms are meant to be shared, and communal prayer can enrich your experience.

Incorporating Church Fathers and Vatican Teachings:

• St. Augustine encouraged believers to find themselves in the Psalms, to allow the words of the Psalmist to become their own. Try to identify with the emotions and situations expressed in the Psalm as if they were your own.
• St. Gregory of Nyssa spoke of the Psalms as a means of elevating the mind to God. When praying the Psalms, imagine them as a ladder, leading you step by step toward union with the divine.
• Follow the Catechism’s guidance that the Psalms are the “voice of the Church” (CCC 2586). When you pray the Psalms, remember that you are joining a chorus of believers across time and space.

6: Merton’s Legacy and the Psalms Today

Thomas Merton’s teachings on the Psalms continue to resonate with modern believers. His insights, grounded in monastic tradition and personal experience, offer a profound way to engage with the Psalms as a form of prayer. Merton’s influence extends beyond Catholic circles, reaching people from various Christian traditions who seek a deeper connection with God through contemplative prayer.

At the same time, the Church Fathers’ reflections, as well as papal and Vatican teachings, continue to affirm the importance of the Psalms in the spiritual life of the Church. These ancient prayers are as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago, offering guidance, comfort, and a path to God.

Conclusion

Incorporating the wisdom of Thomas Merton, the Church Fathers, Doctors of the Church, and papal reflections, this guide has explored the Psalms as a profound tool for prayer. Through the Psalms, believers can find solace, instruction, and ultimately, union with God. Whether prayed individually or communally, the Psalms continue to shape the spiritual journey of countless Christians, offering a way to experience God’s presence in every facet of life.

Bibliography

Primary Sources by Thomas Merton

Merton, T. (1956). The Seven Storey Mountain. Harcourt Brace.

Merton, T. (1958). Thoughts in Solitude. Farrar, Straus and Cudahy.

Merton, T. (1963). Life and Holiness. Herder and Herder.

Merton, T. (1968). Praying the Psalms. The Liturgical Press.

Merton, T. (1973). Contemplative Prayer. Image Books.

Merton, T. (1998). The Intimate Merton: His Life from His Journals (P. Hart & J. Montaldo, Eds.). HarperOne.

Early Church Fathers and Doctors of the Church

Aquinas, T. (1947). Summa Theologica (Fathers of the English Dominican Province, Trans.). Benziger Bros. (Original work published c. 1274).

Augustine, S. (2002). Expositions of the Psalms (M. Boulding, Trans.). New City Press. (Original work published c. 400).

Chrysostom, J. (1959). Commentary on the Psalms (R. Hill, Trans.). Holy Cross Orthodox Press.

Gregory of Nyssa. (1993). On the Inscriptions of the Psalms. In R. E. Heine (Ed.), Gregory of Nyssa: Homilies on the Beatitudes (pp. 105–188). Cistercian Publications.

Jerome, S. (1963). The Psalms: A New Translation from the Hebrew (R. E. Murphy, Trans.). Paulist Press. (Original work published c. 392).

Catechism, Vatican Documents, and Papal Reflections

Catholic Church. (1994). Catechism of the Catholic Church (2nd ed.). Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

Benedict XVI. (2009). The Church Fathers: From Clement of Rome to Augustine (J. Boland, Trans.). Ignatius Press.

Francis. (2014). The Joy of the Gospel: Evangelii Gaudium. Vatican Press.

Francis. (2015). Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home. Vatican Press.

John Paul II. (2000). Pope John Paul II: In My Own Words (A. Frossard, Ed.). Gramercy Books.

Vatican Council II. (1965). Sacrosanctum Concilium: Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy. Retrieved from Vatican.va.

Secondary Sources on Thomas Merton and the Psalms

Cunningham, L. S. (1999). Thomas Merton and the Monastic Vision. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

Finley, J. (2000). Thomas Merton’s Path to the Palace of Nowhere. Sorin Books.

Forest, J. (2010). Living With Wisdom: A Life of Thomas Merton (Rev. ed.). Orbis Books.

Hart, P. (2005). The Legacy of Thomas Merton: Critical Essays. University of Notre Dame Press.

Higgins, M. W., & Burns, D. (2014). Thomas Merton: Faithful Visionary. Liturgical Press.

King, W. (2005). Thomas Merton and Thich Nhat Hanh: Engaged Spirituality in an Age of Globalization. Continuum.

Montaldo, J. (1995). Bridges to Contemplative Living with Thomas Merton. Ave Maria Press.

Pennington, M. B. (1997). Thomas Merton: Brother Monk. HarperOne.

Shannon, W. H. (2006). Silent Lamp: The Thomas Merton Story. Crossroad Publishing Company.

Williams, R. (2006). Where God Happens: Discovering Christ in One Another. New Seeds Books.

Additional Resources on the Psalms and Christian Prayer

Deiss, L. (1999). Springtime of the Liturgy: Liturgical Renewal in the Twentieth Century. Liturgical Press.

Fitzgerald, T. E. (1998). The Orthodox Church: An Introduction to Its History, Doctrine, and Spiritual Culture. Praeger.

Johnson, L. T. (1999). The Writings of the New Testament: An Interpretation (2nd ed.). Fortress Press.

McCann, J. C. (1993). A Theological Introduction to the Book of Psalms: The Psalms as Torah. Abingdon Press.

O’Connell, P. (2008). Thomas Merton: A Spiritual Master. Paulist Press.

Vogels, W. (2001). The Psalms: Prayers for All Seasons. Liturgical Press.

This bibliography provides a comprehensive list of primary and secondary sources related to Thomas Merton, the Psalms, Christian spirituality, and related theological reflections.