(Jon 2, 3-10) I called to the LORD, and he answered me
[3] Out of my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me; From the midst of the nether world I cried for help, and you heard my voice. [4] For you cast me into the deep, into the heart of the sea, and the flood enveloped me; All your breakers and your billows passed over me. [5] Then I said, "I am banished from your sight! yet would I again look upon your holy temple." [6] The waters swirled about me, threatening my life; the abyss enveloped me; seaweed clung about my head. [7] Down I went to the roots of the mountains; the bars of the nether world were closing behind me forever, But you brought my life up from the pit, O LORD, my God. [8] When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the LORD; My prayer reached you in your holy temple. [9] Those who worship vain idols forsake their source of mercy. [10] But I, with resounding praise, will sacrifice to you; What I have vowed I will pay: deliverance is from the LORD.
(CCC 2585) From the time of David to the coming of the Messiah texts appearing in these sacred books show a deepening in prayer for oneself and in prayer for others (Ezra 9:6-15; Neh 1:4-11; Jon 2:3-10; Tob 3:11-16; Jdt 9:2-14). Thus the psalms were gradually collected into the five books of the Psalter (or "Praises"), the masterwork of prayer in the Old Testament.
