Living Psalm 25:1-10 – Pentecost 5C

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.

Prayer for Guidance and Deliverance

God of the poor
Liberator of the oppressed
I lift my weary soul to you,
I trust in you O Creator
bring honor and dignity to my life.

Deliver me from my feelings of shame,
remove the fear I feel
when the quality of my life is diminished
because empty pockets cannot produce meals
do not let those who oppress me shame and blame me.

I am labeled as poor in pocket and spirit
society names me as an enemy of many
who pretend they do not see me
as I stand in the streets with my children
begging for crumbs to eat.

Do not let me be put to shame for my life
let them be ashamed for not caring
let them be ashamed for their lack of concern
let them be ashamed for upholding the status quo
let them be ashamed as they line their pockets with my pain.

Teach me your paths, Creator
reveal to me the truths of living from the abundance of life
in this world where injustice is rampant
show me your path and lead me as I wait on you
for you are the God of my salvation.

What have I done to inherit this life
living in a world where worth is acquainted with material wealth
a world where the poor are living on the edges of communities?
What sins of my youth render me undeserving
of the dignity and respect of being made in your image?

Love me as I am O God
keep me on all your paths
and sustain me in the fullness of my spiritual flourishing
provide for me from the abundance of your faithfulness
and I will live.

Living Psalm for the Pentecost 5C: Psalm 25:1-10 was written by 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. Maren Tirabassi, editor

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.

Living-Psalms-Psalm-25v1-10_Thompson2 Download