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 66:  1-12
Pentecost 18 C

When the world was first formed, 
we knew without yet having heard
the words God saw that it was good
that it was so.

God’s grace shone brilliantly,
the sun in the sky, the rain,
and the plants reaching up 
to rejoice in it all.
We knew that it was good.

We began to sing praises, to bathe
in the storms, dig in the dirt, 
nourish our bodies with the richness
of God’s grace. We reveled in the abundance
and raised our voices to reflect the awesomeness 
of God’s love, and the goodness of the earth.

And then the floods came, and the fires.
The earth raged against our yoke, 
struggled to free itself from the burden
of our unending necessities. 
We cried out to God to release us 
from the horrors we brought upon ourselves,
and we suffered. 

We failed God’s tests of compassion
for each other, for our breathtaking,
singular, extraordinary world. 
We prayed for rescue
from the mess we made
and no one answered, it seemed,

until we rested. We took a fearful breath 
and saw hands reaching into the swirling storm 
drains, feet rushing back into the flames 
when the ground beneath them was charred 
and seemed beyond saving. 

The scales fell from our eyes then,
and we witnessed God’s work on earth, 
rebuilding, resolute and afraid. 
Answering the call, inviting more than prayers -
the holy, living strength all around us -
a reminder that this is good, 
and God is with us still.

Living Psalm 66: 1-12 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 2019 Maria Mankin.  Permission granted to reproduce or adapt this material for use in services of worship or church education.  All publishing rights reserved.