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  124
Pentecost 12 A

the only side god is on 
is that of love and justice 
therefore life and healing 
possible by grace and repair and 
 
resurrection 
 
god is on all our sides
it could be sung 
 
god is in all sides 
of becoming 
more 
like god love 
together 
 
god is on all our sides 
it could be praised
there is no side
no line drawn 
no sorting or winnow 
away from god love 
within us 
between us 
possible 
always 
 
instead of a side 
let us grow into a choir 
of god 
find our note to hold
let the voices cry out 
 
to the god that 
ruptures 
sides 
 
and draws us all 
to the source 
 
before being swallowed alive by suffering 
before being consumed by the fires of injustice 
before rage and despair snuffed that spark of hope
before our joy was swept away 
in a torrent of pain 
 
before is just another way to pray 
 
resurrect us 
holy one 
 
and never stop 
 
blessed be our creator 
for she is 
and is with us 
before and then the now the after 
through and beyond 
 
our lives and purpose 
are weaving with the power of god 
 
let this choir sing 
as if we know we are prophetic disciples
and hear one another 
resounding sacred power 
into the next forty generations 
 
let this choir sing 
like women together at the dawn 
so loud it 
rolls away
tomb-door-stones
too heavy to move alone
 
let this choir sing 
like those who will follow 
across the stormy sea 
with faith 
 
let this choir sing 
with all creation 
like birds and flowers in the field 
with joy as a birthright 
 
let this choir 
only burn with desire 
of all heaven and earth 
of all the universe
 
our help 
is in the name 
of the one 
who creates 
anoints us in grace
resurrects 
and never stops 

Living Psalm  124 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 2020 Sonny Graves.  Permission granted to reproduce or adapt this material for use in services of worship or church education.  All publishing rights reserved.