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 (Breaking the Silence Sunday) _Houser

The Holy One is my shepherd;
I shall not want.

You lead me beside still waters
when the world feels restless and loud.
You restore my soul
when trust has worn thin.

You guide me in right paths—
paths where love is honest
and power is gentle—
for the sake of Your name.

Even though I walk
through valleys shadowed by misuse of influence
and the quiet harm of hidden things,
I will not give myself over to fear;
for You are with me.

Your rod and your staff—
they steady the trembling
and quietly turn back what would wound.
They comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of all that once intimidated me.
You anoint my head with oil—
not to mark me for use,
but to name me beloved.
My cup overflows
with dignity that cannot be taken.

Surely goodness and mercy
shall follow us all our days—
not the goodness of image,
but the goodness of truth.
Not the mercy that excuses harm,
but the mercy that heals and makes whole.

And we shall dwell in the house of the Holy
where love does not demand silence,
where light does not fear exposure,
and where every soul is safe to rest—
forever.

…

#Living Psalm 23_Breaking the SilenceHouser Download

Living Psalm 23 was written by Rev. Sam Houser.

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.