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  4-Talkback-for  Easter 3 B

God, The Advocate - 
Make thy true self known!

How long will your name be used to prop up those in power?
As they lash out in insecure anguish,
feeling their thrones 
cracking,
crumbling,
decaying,
with scripture they suppress!

Through these words of kings past, 
they hear their own pain,
rebuking those who protest their rule.
Individualizing struggles,
fearing collective power,
they encourage us to pray through our problems - 
alone and in silence.

Too many of them say:
“Oh that things might never change! 
May God protect the powers and principalities.”

Meanwhile, they call their harvests blessed,
feasting off of others’ famine;
with wine and grain they bury their shame,
and call it a peaceful night’s rest.

O God, our Advocate!
For all our sake,
make thy true self known.

Living Psalm  4-Talkback-Easter 3 B was written by M Barclay.

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