Living Psalm 79:1-9

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 for September 21, 2025, Pentecost 15
by Eric Anderson

Psalm 79:1-9

We’ve prayed for your salvation in the wake of calamity, O God,
disasters we have built ourselves,
catastrophes that we have fostered, fed,
invited to consume us.

No wonder that our neighbors taunted us.

We pray for your salvation now as we construct catastrophe,
as we invite calamity, as we
erect the fragile columns
of our next disaster.

No wonder that our neighbors taunt us.

But if we keep on building,
will our prayers be heard?
And if we keep on building in despite of your clear Word,
what salvation can you bring?

# Living Psalm 79 1-9 Anderson. Sep 21 2025 Download

Living Psalm 79:1-9 was written by Eric Anderson.

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.