Living Psalm 139 – Epiphany 2 – Year B

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 139–Epiphany 2 B

It’s something, isn’t it,
to imagine being known
so thoroughly
that the pain you hold
is understood without you
having to say a single word,

without you having to testify
about your decision from last year
or ten years ago or yesterday,
when you said the thing that led
to the other thing that brought you
so low you thought you’d never be known
for more than the pain that crystallized
around your hopes and your heart?

It’s something, isn’t it,
to believe in One
who isn’t afraid of your broken parts
or ugly deeds or the cowardice
or the fear or the anger or the
hundred other ways you have tried
to make yourself disappear

when you felt unworthy
of a great and abiding love
and had persuaded yourself
that forgiveness was beyond reach
and grace, an undeserved gift?

It’s something, isn’t it,
to be loved by God,
to be both fearfully
and wonderfully made
just as you are –

not happier, not a work in progress,
or with fewer secrets or scars –
but just you, as you are,
welcome at the table?

Living Psalm 139 for Epiphany 2 B was written by Maria Mankin.

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. Editor, Maren Tirabassi.

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.