Living Psalm 112 – Pentecost 12C

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.

The ancient Psalmist delights in the HOLY:
Optimism leads in Psalm 112 –
a joyful present knowing God’s presence,
evidence all around for
justice and power and mercy – even riches–
in the midst of unspecified “Bad News”.

The wicked are out there, unidentified avatars of evil,
routed by the faithful lovers of God.

How joyful the ancient Psalmist,
focused on the HOLY
and seeing results of their good works.

The modern-day Prayer-of-Psalms struggles,
doubting easy optimism in the presence of “news-cycles”
–bad news, suspect news,
news “spun” into self-sustaining untruths–
and the wicked are emboldened shapeshifters
that exhaust the faithful and rout them in confusion.

How cynical the modern-day Prayer-of-Psalms
weary doubting, and longing for a HOLY glimpse.

O God, that is all we need, that HOLY glimpse,
a spark in the shadow of confusion,
a beacon to lead beyond optimism
into the depths of hope.

Day to day hope, open-ended,
not depending on seeing results,
but finding strength in each moment:
mercy and justice leading to peace;
experience and wisdom leading to inclusion.

O Holy One, let fear be routed and love prevail
in your joyful strategy: abundant life for all.

Living Psalm 112 for Pentecost 12C was written by Rev. Susan A. Blain of Hartford, CT.

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.

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