Living Psalm 105: 1-6; 16-22, 45B Pentecost 11A

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.

I give thanks, God, for the stories,
the ones in lake water and stars
in corn ripe and chicken’s laying,
in leaf unfurled,
and even in the smoky winds
of human undoing of creation.

I give thanks for the stories of people,
the singing stories and the weeping ones,
those reflecting on your works
and those doing your work,
those who live near to me
and those across this wide world.

And I give thanks for the old stories
retold again and again in a family,
in cultures far from my own,
and from the holy book
we share in worship … even this story …

about Joseph, proud, foolish, and dream-ful,
much longed-for child
in a house full of brothers,
sold into slavery by those he trusted,
abused, hurt, fearful,
as are so many of your children now.

As stories do, Joseph’s story twists on,
until the things he knew
just because he was a dreamer
of what would be
gave him new freedom,
unexpected power, opportunity
for happy living and revenge.

Joseph tasted them all,
and the people of Egypt didn’t starve.

I give thanks for the old story-tellers,
O God, and wide-open listening
to words spoken and fingers moving
of the children

who teach all the earth
how we feast that no one starve.

Maren Tirabassi

Living-Psalm-105-1-6-16-22-45_August-13-2023_Tirabassi Download

Living Psalm for Pentecost 11A – Psalm 105:1-6; 16-22, 45B was written by Maren Christine Tirabassi.

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.