New Testament Verse 10 of the Psalm was quoted by
Paul the Apostle in
2 Corinthians .
Judaism of
Montreal, Quebec, Canada shaking the
four species during
Sukkot while praying
Hallel. • This psalm is one of six psalms (113-118) of which
Hallel is composed. On all days when Hallel is recited, this psalm is recited in its entirety, except on
Rosh Chodesh and the last six days of
Passover, when only verses 1-11 are recited. The word
hallel means "praise". Since ancient times, the
Egyptian Hallel has been used in the celebration of Passover. • Verse 13 is part of
Havdalah.
Syriac Christianity The
Syriac Church applies it to converts coming into the church.
Coptic Orthodox Church In the
Agpeya, the
Coptic Church's
book of hours, this psalm is prayed (as two consecutive psalms) in the office of
None. It is also in the prayer of the Veil, which is generally prayed only by monks.
Catholicism The Psalm has been used as public
prayer by
Pope John Paul II, who called it a "Prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord". The Psalm is used in the
Rule of St. Benedict. However, Psalm 117 is now read in the
Liturgy of the Hours.
Protestant Christianity Matthew Henry calls it a
thanksgiving psalm, while
Charles Spurgeon saw it as "A Psalm of Thanksgiving in the Person of Christ". David Dickson wrote, "This Psalm is a threefold engagement of the Psalmist unto thanksgiving unto God, for his mercy unto him, and in particular for some notable delivery of him from death, both bodily and spiritual." On February 3, 1788 Anglican Minister,
Reverend Richard Johnson delivered the first Christian church service ever on
Australian soil to convicts of the
First Fleet. The text of his sermon was Psalm 116:12-14.
City motto The city of
Belfast, Northern Ireland has as its motto
Pro Tanto Quid Retribuamus, the
Vulgate translation of Ps 116:12 ("what shall we give in return for so much?" or "What shall I return to
the Lord for all his bounty to me?") == Musical settings ==