7 Psalms to read during the Holy Week (Psalms verses to read during the Holy Week)

As the Holy Week is fast approaching, I have been contemplating how to inspire and strengthen my bible study group members in their Christian walk during that season.

I wanted to inspire them using Psalms to reflect on themselves, how they have treated each other, praying for deliverance, and what they can learn from Jesus’ death.

I consulted with our pastor, who was very instrumental in compiling some great Psalms for this season. I introduced this topic to them last week, and they were very excited to have the discussion.

I also wrote this article to educate those seeking to know which Psalms to read during the Holy Week.

7 Psalms to read during the Holy Week

Psalm 69:16

“Answer me, Lord, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me.”

The psalmist is in great sorrow and prays for deliverance. This verse reminds you of when Jesus was pierced with a sword on the cross, and what came out was blood and water.

It is a great verse to read and pray for deliverance and be grateful for what Jesus did for you on the cross.

Psalm 41:4

“I said, ‘Have mercy on me, Lord; heal me, for I have sinned against you.'”

David pleads for God’s mercy because of his sins. This verse reminds you of Jesus’ last supper with His disciples and how Judas betrayed Him.

It is a great verse to read during the Holy Week to ask for forgiveness from God for the times you have been unkind and betrayed the people you love.

Psalm 22:15

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest.”

David is praying for deliverance from humiliation from his enemies in this verse. It reminds you of Jesus on the cross when He was thirsty before He died, and the soldiers were casting lots for His clothes.

This is a great verse to reflect on the gift of Jesus’ death on the cross and the deliverance it gives.

Psalm 6

“Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony. My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long?”

David pleads with God for mercy because he sensed he was under God’s judgment. This psalm reminds you to be humble and confess your sins before God.

Some theologists suggest that it was sung in the early church on Ash Wednesday.

Psalm 32:6-7

“Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.”

David is contemplating God’s blessings, forgiveness, guidance, and protection in these verses. It teaches you that one way of being blessed is to confess and repent your sins.

It is a great verse to remember and respond to redemption from sin and the promise from God to teach, guide, and instruct His people.

Psalm 51

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”

In this Psalm, David confesses to Nathan after sinning with Bathsheba. It helps you to understand the compassionate and gracious nature of God.

It is a great Psalm to reflect on during the Holy Week because it reminds you that even though you have sinned, there is restoration through forgiveness by God.

Psalm 102:15-17

“The nations will fear the name of the Lord, all the kings of the earth will revere your glory. For the Lord will rebuild Zion and appear in his glory. He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea.”

The psalmist reminds you about God’s exaltations among nations. He says that God will reveal Himself when He rebuilds Zion.

It reminds you that it does not matter the state you are in; God will still hear and answer your prayers when you call Him.

How to use Psalms to pray during the Holy Week

Some theologians suggest that you can use the Psalms to pray during the Holy Week to confess your sins, ask for forgiveness, and pray for deliverance and guidance.

Psalm can also be used to give thanks and intercession during the Holy Week, according to Psalm 103. These prayers will prepare you to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and remind you that your forgiveness was bought with a price.

Can you read these Psalms on any day?

Yes, in these verses, the psalmist expresses how his spirit is devastated because of sin and prays to God for mercy and a renewed heart.

You can be in this situation any day when you are overwhelmed with frustrations and sadness. When you approach God in humility, He hears your cries and honors your desires just like HE did with David.