The De Profundis

The De Profundis is Psalm 129 (130 in modern numbering), which begins "Out of the depths I have cried to thee, O Lord." It is one of the seven Penitential Psalms and one of the Songs of Ascents, which pilgrims sang on their way up to Jerusalem. Because it speaks of God's mercy and plentiful redemption, the Church has prayed it for the faithful departed for centuries. It is part of the Office of the Dead, and many families once prayed it every evening for their deceased relatives.

Pray it for a loved one who has died, at a funeral or a graveside, during November, or on the anniversary of a death. It is also a powerful prayer of repentance and trust in any time of distress. Traditionally, Eternal Rest is added at the end when praying for the dead.

The Prayer

Out of the depths I have cried unto Thee, O Lord: Lord, hear my voice. Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication. If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark iniquities: Lord, who shall stand? For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord. My soul hath relied on His word: my soul hath hoped in the Lord. From the morning watch even until night, let Israel hope in the Lord. Because with the Lord there is mercy: and with Him plentiful redemption. And He shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. Amen.

Sources: Psalm 129 (De Profundis), traditional Catholic English; public domain.

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