Living Psalm 39:1-12

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.

If you have nothing nice to say,
say nothing at all.
Watch your tongue, kiddo,
or I’ll watch it for you.
These voices I’ve internalized from childhood,
so I kept it all inside, never conceding pain.
But holding my peace didn’t stop
the fire building in my gut
until it burst brightly from my too-tied tongue.

Holy One! When can I die
and be able to let all this go?
Does everyone feel as invisible
as I’ve made myself?
Are all of us hiding
our deepest selves,
trying to “be good” as we’ve been taught?
Are you happy yet?

But wait—they told me it was you!
That you’re the one who demanded
my silence and deceit. And so,
while I’ve asked you, O God, to stop
the lashing and loathing,
it’s really these voices—within and around me.
Stop!

So hear my prayer, Holy One,
even though my tongue is fiery.
And share my passion!
I’m here. Are you?

#Living Psalm 39 1-12_ Benton Download

Living Psalm 39: 1-12 was written by Rev. Sharon Benton

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.