Living Psalm 119:1-8

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 Submission for November 3, 2024, Proper 26 (31)
by Eric Anderson

Psalm 119:1-8

“Happy are those whose way is blameless,
who walk in the way of the LORD.”

Who exactly are those, Holy One?
As I look back upon my course,
the lines upon the spirit’s map
have wandered strangely many times.

Nor can I claim that when I’ve kept
the route as best I could, and only placed
a foot a feather’s thickness to the side,
that I’ve been happier than when my course diverged.

I know the sick sensation of deep-seated shame.
I’ve gagged on guilt as my soul’s eyes
lost focus on the precepts of the LORD.
I’ve praised, but rarely with an upright heart.

So if I strain to find my history of soul
in this so-confident of Psalmist’s lines,
I find this one which I have prayed not once,
but many times: do not forsake me utterly.

In hope of this thin prayer I pray.

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Living Psalm 119:1-8 was written by Eric Anderson.

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.