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 22—Good Friday B

God.
Sometimes you feel so far from me. I groan, and cry, and toss at night.
 
I want to hear you – and there’s silence.
I want to see you – and you escape me.
I want to grasp you – and I’m barely holding on.
 
I know my ancestors wrestled like this.
I know they found a way to trust you.
I know they are with me in the waiting.
I know they made the way to deliverance.
 
There are those who would shame me, mock me, make me small.
They wield their words, their stares, their fists.
Their ignorance, their well intentions.
They shake their heads that I exist.  
 
But my cause, is the Love of God. The one whose womb I was formed in.
The one who knows me fully.
The one who celebrates my joys, and holds me close to her breast in my sorrows.
 
When fear and anxiety encircle me – You pour me out like water.
I flow with my breath and body and changes.
My heart melts for others and I look for where I can help.
 
Turn us from our harms, and lead us to healing.
Turn us from our abuse of power, and lead us to humility.
Turn us from being trodden, and lead us to create good trouble.
Turn us from our shame, and give us sweetness of pleasure.
Turn us from our busy, and give us stillness.
 us from our fear, and give us courageous prayer.
 
Turn us to you.
That comes to the cross, rests in the tomb, and the dawn that still comes.  
 
In this – Your name is so amazing; I will tell everyone.
I will sing of the ways you have touched my soul.
I’m in awe of your love.
 
And I live in that love – not for me only,
but for those who will come.
To increase this heaven on earth
For our children, and their children, and their children.
For all living beings and Creation.
 
God.
Sometimes you feel so close.
I shout, and I laugh, and I sing in your radiant sight.
 
I see you. I hear you. I hold on.
 
To the cross, and beyond. 

Living Psalm 22 for Good Friday B was written by Sonny Graves.

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 Sonny Graves.  Permission granted to reproduce or adapt this material for use in services of worship or church education.  All publishing rights reserved.