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 1—Pentecost 17B

Happy are those who do not follow the ways of alternative facts
but listen to science and reason,
who choose the path to health and common sense.

Their delight is in the law God set in motion for our earth,
and on this wisdom they meditate night and day.

They are like trees - rooted in the knowledge of well-being,
rooted near the lakes of reason,
rooted deep in the soil of understanding.
With these gifts, their leaves will not wither
and their souls, minds, and bodies will prosper.

For the foolish dance with chosen “facts”
and the wicked will the winds with falsehoods.
Yet the Spirit of God will drive dishonesty away.

In the land of the Holy One, the waters of the Christ, and the winds of the Holy Spirit,
our Divine Parent will watch over those who faithfully follow God’s law.

Living Psalm 1 —Pentecost 17B  was written by Michelle Torigian.
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 Michelle Torigian.  Permission granted to reproduce or adapt this material for use in services of worship or church education.  All publishing rights reserved.  

Rev. Michelle L. Torigian