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 29
Baptism of Christ year B
The Voice of God in a Great Storm
Listen for it 
and all the heavenly beings 
Feel the strength of that presence 
holding you gloriously 

Whatever name you know the voice by 
However its splendor kisses your skin and flesh. 
 
God’s breath ecstatic over the waters 
Thundering and strong 
Waves and tides to pull us along
 
It is majestic 
To behold. 
 
Climb in the branches of cedar trees to find it again
Lay in the crook and wise bark of Grace. 
 
Answer the calling 
Of a shepherd 
guiding returning sheltering
Laboring accompanying dying with
Each generation.
 
Find your healing as tended embers 
And what do you need to feed the flames?
What is good kindling for a holy fire?
 
Listen for the voice of God in the storm 
The shaking of the wilderness 
The wandering of our hearts
 
Be whirled into resurrection 
 
Let the wind undress us of sins 
 
Be bare 
In front of God 
Our bodies the first and last temple to listen. 
 
Isn’t this
A glorious prayer? 
 
This flesh 
This world 
This storm 
This voice 
This precious earthly realm 
And the eternal one?
 
God is with us 
Unloosed 
Unbound
Wild
Holy 
 
Isn’t this
A glorious prayer?
 
To listen
to how
Our lives
each one
Worth saving
In a storm. 

Living Psalm  29 for Baptism of Christ year B was written by Sonny Graves.

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