Living Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17 – Pentecost 3A

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 86:1-10, 16-17—Pentecost 3 A
One White Woman’s Confession
Spring, 2020

Answer me, O God—I am in trouble!
I trust you, I need you, I am ashamed!

For you have opened my eyes to my own wrong-doing;
And I am overwhelmed.

Once I would have said “I am your servant, deserving of all your gifts”
Yet now my claims reveal only

The din of past silences;
The frost of past indifference;
The blush for privilege taken for granted
And lived out
Day after day; year after year.

Be gracious to me, O Holy One.
Meet me here in this moment and make me new.
For you are good and forgiving,
Offering transforming love to all who call on you.

Deliver me from a new evil, O God—
Don’t let me get stuck in my shame.
Open my heart to courage
And send me to work—humble, listening, focused, determined

Strengthen my will, O God,
with resilience,
Charge my voice
with eloquence,
Gladden my heart
with hope.

You are great and do wondrous things; you alone are God.

Turn to me and be gracious to me; give strength to your servant:

Let my life flow out of your joyful presence,
so that those who despise my sin
may know that you are at work in me,

changing my heart,
engaging my life
to work for your kin-dom of Justice and Love.

Living Psalm 86 for Pentecost 3 A was written by Susan A. Blain.

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.