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 92: 1-4, 12-15—Pentecost 3B

I imagine, sometimes, what it means to 
flourish in old age, to be green and full of sap.
I look at my hands, which already look older
from the hours I’ve spent in the sun - 
the most joyful hours of my life have turned 
my hands dry and cracked, loosened the skin -
and I think, before I am old, may I know
that days in the sun are worth more
then every “good” thing I am sold.

I see my parents and their friends
who must slow down to grieve
what seems like an endless list
of people they have loved,
how they weep, and then turn to demand 
justice for those they don’t even know.
Is this what it means to be full of sap, 
to be green enough to bend the arc of the universe 
toward righteousness and a peace you may never see? 

I smooth my hands along the planks of cedar 
that will become garden boxes for my yard,
a second life for what was surely a magnificent tree.
We will plant strawberries and tomatoes, the scent of basil
will follow us all summer. I’ll teach my children to make
sun tea and, in their energetic innocence, they will remind me 
that I am growing old faster than I would prefer.
I’ll have to look to my father to learn how to bend
and to my mother to understand what it means to
be full of every good thing God has given. 

Living Psalm  92: 1-4, 12-15 for Pentecost 3B was written by Maria Mankin.

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 2021Maria Mankin.  Permission granted to reproduce or adapt this material for use in services of worship or church education.  All publishing rights reserved.