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.

Living Psalm 130—Pentecost 2B

We cry to you from the depths of our despair, Holy God. We put our hope in you believing the injustices we see will come to an end.

We are living through a time when sickness and disease is rampant among us. COVID-19 is escalating and, while we are thankful for the research and development of vaccines, we are aware vaccines are not available for all, the poorest people and the poorest countries have no access.

We are living through a time when seas are rising, causing many to lose their homes and livelihoods. Heavy rains are more frequent, the icebergs are melting away because of global warming, endangering wildlife. The trees and the plant life suffer with the pollution of the air, making it hard for millions to breathe. 

We are living through a time when wars and famine are damaging lives. Millions are displaced, living in camps and shanty towns their opportunities diminished, unsettled and unsafe as they wait for new places to call home. Millions more are on the move, looking for opportunities that will allow them to feed their families and earn a living wage. 

We are living through a time when unaccompanied children arrive on borders hungry and without families hoping to receive an education, safe homes and new opportunities even as they weep because they need the guidance of their parents who are not traveling with them. Their parents are heartbroken even as they hope for better for their children and for themselves.

We are living through a time when racism, xenophobia, casteism and all forms of discrimination are diminishing the lives of humankind created in your image. People are being judged by the color of their skin, by their race and socioeconomics. Strangers are being turned away because they speak a different language, are from different geographic regions, and because hospitality is no longer a priority. 

We wait on you God. Our souls wait for change to come, for your justice and righteousness to be seen and made visible among us. We wait in hope. Our souls wait for you O God.

Creator, hear our voices. Let your ears be attentive to the voices of our supplications.

Living Psalm 130 for Pentecost 2B was written by Karen Georgia Thompson.

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.  

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 2021 Karen Georgia Thompson.  Permission granted to reproduce or adapt this material for use in services of worship or church education.  All publishing rights reserved.