Living Psalm 99

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

The really marvelous,
that true glory bursting
with honor and majesty,
that none of us can quite contain,
explodes as a high note
from deep inside us
singing up into the rafters.

The pigeons don’t like it.
They flutter about
but we keep singing.

It is a song that flows
through Earth’s lamentation,
rising above every sorrow
until it becomes a new creation.
Or so the old hymn goes.

Can we sing with that
gusto right now? Can you?
Do you feel that music ringing?

Maybe our song
right now is a little softer.
More quiet. Maybe
a bit more determined
because we sure do
want to believe that
Love is lord of heaven and earth
but oh, how that darkness has gathered.

Our song right now
isn’t bothering the pigeons.
The same words intoned
from deep in our bellies,
repeated as chant,
low and long.

This is no Christmas
Cantata. There is no
jubilant celebration
but a steady, urgent reminder
that there is still holiness.
It is still here. God is
up to something, even though
we might not have any idea
what that looks like today.
Still, hope trembles
inside us. It is
our new song.

#Living Psalm 99_Cook for October 19 Download

Living Psalm 99 was written by Elsa Cook.

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.