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 65: Overflowing Abundance of Love
Thanksgiving Day, A

PRELUDE: 
It’s Thanksgiving. A time to give thanks and recognize and look inward at our challenges and blessings. Praise to you, God, in Zion and all diverse parts of the world. Holy One, we vow to open our hearts to your will. Praise be to you, the One who answers prayers. All of humanity shall come to you, The Holy of Israel.
When we are overwhelmed by our human frailty and how many times me mess it up. Awesome are you, Holy One who forgives us when we want to beat ourselves up or simply quit.
We are thrilled that you choose us and invite us into community as we live close to your hearts. We say “wow,” as we experience the goodness of your house. Your Holy House embraces all of us. We hear, “Welcome, we’re thrilled you’re here.  Como estas? (How are you?). Your action deliverance liberates us from our sins and our pasts that never seem to want to away. God of our lives you are the awesome one. Your Spirit brings hope no matter what’s going on and we are grateful. You are with us to the ends of the earth and the seas no matter how far they may be. By your strength and love you established the mountains. Your love and compassion lead us towards the light of goodness. You silence the roaring of the waves and turmoil among your diverse peoples, our values and beliefs. All over the world people are in awe and your wonders, the water of life that you share without hesitation and your loving kindness. The morning raising of the sun and the going down of the same bring joyful songs from those who love who are grateful for our many challenges and ultimate blessings. 
Creator, your visitation and Spirit upon the earth and the water that overflows bless our lives with your grace, mercy and compassion. You provide us with a harvest, a Thanksgiving meal, for you are the caretaker of caretakers and never forget our human needs. Your waters drench us, and we are most appreciative. In the dryness of our lands, we understand the majesty of your gift of water which blesses our crops and grows food abundantly. How can we ever show our gratitude? Sovereign, wherever you go richness abounds. You are crowned and we celebrate your wonderous deeds among us. The land overflows with your blessings, the hills pause to soak in joy; your eternal love for us is unending and so is our gratitude. 
All of nature clothes itself with your bounty. We feed ourselves with the abundant gifts that the land provides for us. The hills, meadows, valleys and we, your people, shout and sing as one for joy. Joy expresses our gratitude for all you do for us. 

Living Psalm  65 for Thanksgiving Day (A) was written by  the Rev. Justo Gonzalez, II, Designated Pastor, Spring Hill UCC, FL.

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 Justo Gonzalez, II.  Permission granted to reproduce or adapt this material for use in services of worship or church education.  All publishing rights reserved.