Living Psalm 23

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 23_Tirabassi for May 1, 2025

God is the shepherd of Gaza and Israel,
of Ukraine and Russia,
of all who want peace and fear war.

God is a child desperate for water,
and a family terrified for precious hostages.

God is in all souls. God waits on every path.

This week the valley of the shadow of death
is crowded with God’s children,
and they have no comfort
but our prayers,
the prayers of the world,

for a table where enemies may sit down
to speak healing words,
receive an anointing of truce,
and shatter the cup of death
before more is poured out
on those who are innocent.

Goodness and mercy follow us,
even in terror days and grieving,
until we build a house of reconciliation
and dwell in it together.

Living-Psalm-23_Tirabassi-for-May-11-2025-1 Download

Living Psalm 23 was written by Maren Tirabassi.

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.