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 8 for New Year’s Eve/Day
(2020/2021)

Holy God, known by many names, 
you are known in many ways by the peoples of the earth.

You manifested your glory among us
you are concerned with our humanity
you have set yourself as present among us
considering us, your created as important as the heavens
you are Creator.

You are timeless and limitless
you transcend borders and boundaries
your love tears down walls and separation
you connect us in ways that no bulwark can separate or divide
you are Divine.

You silence those who speak ill again your people
babes and infants cry out 
bringing voice to your grace and your mercy
babes and infants who came knowing you recognize
you are Great Mystery.

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars that you have established;
the seas and oceans that reflect your vastness
the mountains and hills that display your majesty
you are Infinite.

What are human beings that you are mindful of them,
indigenous, African descent, Latin X, queer, 
marginalized, brown, poor, female, that you care for them?
you made us in your image filled us with your wisdom and mercy
you are Wisdom.

We are the works of your hands as are all things living
you commanded us to care for each other
to care for all creation: 
the beast of the land, the birds of the air, the fish of the sea
you are Love.

Holy God, known by many names
how majestic are your names in all the earth!

Living Psalm 8 for New Year’s Eve/Day 2020-2021, was written by the Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson.

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