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 34; 1-8(19-22)—Pentecost 22B

Bless God in the mess,
In the stress, in the wonder, in the might, 

Bless God in the grief,
With each heartbeat, and in the lonely soul night,

Bless God while I sleep and while I wake, 
and while everything within me aches,

Bless God when my joy shatters through my body and my voice erupts in song,
Bless God in the morning, at midday and the gloaming moments all along. 

Because when I stretched towards God, They answered me, and delivered me.
God carried me through the panic moments and uncertainties,
And still, found me moments of gratitude.

I wept and I cried and I grieved and sighed, 
not recognizing this polarized world in pandemic stride, 

And yet, here I am, anew, months and months later.  

The Angels of the Lord accompanied me,
Strengthened me into mutual aid and care of community, 

Taste, then, and see, this feast of abundance,
The wonder of possibility,
The knowing that God is Good.

God will not abandon us in the struggle.  
O Bless the Lord, my Soul. 

Living Psalm 34; 1-8(19-22)—Pentecost 22B was written by Chris Davies.

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