Psalms — Chapter 119

AD DOMINUM CUM TRIBULARER CLAMAVI. Lapide: Psalm 119 (the first of the 15 Gradual Psalms, Psalms 119-133) — "In my trouble I cried to the Lord, and He heard me." Lapide: the Gradual Psalms (Psalmi Graduum, Cantica Graduum) were sung by pilgrims ascending the 15 steps of the Temple, or on the journey up to Jerusalem for the great feasts. Allegorically: the soul's ascent through the degrees of prayer and virtue toward the heavenly Jerusalem. Each psalm corresponds to a step in the spiritual life.