Living Psalm 31
Living Psalms Book
Psalms in the form of words and art, reborn in the specific contexts of our world, privileging the voices of historically marginalized communities and those acting in solidarity with them.
You are the great refuge, God.
You are the basement in the springtime storms
And the medicine as we heal from various ailments.
You are the peace entering our hearts as we attempt to settle after reading the news
And our fortress of hope when the winds of hate blow in our direction.
Come here. Allow me to whisper into your ear, holy one.
Allow me to cry with you
And scream the thoughts from my mind.
Rescue me from the nightmares of this world
And the surreal landscape of our lives.
Rescue me from the grief hanging on to my soul.
Be my rock and my strength.
Guide me through the labyrinths of confusion
And lead me through the thorny paths of hate.
As I abide in the shadows
I recommit myself to your love and to your children.
You redeem me, never giving up on me, and you continue to call me to serve you.
Help me to escape from the wandering tongues of my enemies-
May they forget my name. May it slip from their tongues.
Allow me to see a future with overflowing possibilities,
And may any bumpy path ahead be illuminated by your steadfast light.
Your grace glows on the road before us.
May your everlasting love continue to save me
And lead me to care for your beloved world.
Rev. Michelle Torigian is a hospital chaplain in Belleville, Illinois.
Living Psalm for 31 was written by Rev. Michelle Torigian.
Living Psalms Book is created by UCC Witness & Worship Artists’ Group, a Network of UCC connected artists, activists and ministers bridging the worship and liturgy of the local church with witness and action in the community. Maren Tirabassi, editor
Logo is detail from Living Psalm 80 by Sophia Beardemphl, Redwoods, CA. Recovering from significant bullying, Sophia, age nine, read Psalm 80 and thought of brokenness that needs mending. She drew this broken and mended bowl.
© Copyright 2026 Rev. Michelle Torigian Permission granted to reproduce or adapt this material for use in services of worship or church education. All publishing rights reserved.
