Living Psalm 19:7-14

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 Psalms 19:7-14_Translation for United Samoan Ministries (Tirabassi)

This year on September 29, the occasion when we celebrate United Samoan Ministries, we invite individuals and churches to consider our Psalm in the Samoan language, understanding the words if we read Samoan, and experiencing their beauty if we do not read Samoan. This may even be the occasion for a reader to experience the courageous faltering of many people who are learning English and do not always recognize where an accent falls or what sound a particular vowel or even consonant may take. Imperfection and courage is always part of the essence of reading the psalms written so long ago and letting them enter into our lives.
The English translation follows the Samoan translations. All of our prayers in words are translations of the Spirit within us.

Ola Salamo, 19: 7-14 (Living Psalm 19:7-14)

Ua viia Ieova e ana galuega. E silisili ese le aoga o lana afioga.
Ma le usu pese. O le salāmo a Tavita.

7E sao le tulafono a Ieova, e faafoisia mai ai le agaga; e faamaoni poloaiga a Ieova, e faapotoina ai le ua faigofie. 8E tonu feau a Ieova, e faafiafia ai le loto; e mamā poloaiga a Ieova, e malamalama ai mata. 9E mamā le mata‘u ia Ieova, e tumau e faavavau; o faamasinoga foi a Ieova e moni ia ma tonu uma lava. 10E silisili ona lelei i le auro, o le auro e sili ona lelei e tele; e sili foi ona suamalie i lo le meli, o le meli ua sisina ifo. 11Ua apoapoaiina mai ai foi lau auauna; e tele foi le taui pe a tausi i ai. 12O ai ea na te iloa amio sese? Ia e faamagalo ia te au i agasala lilo. 13Ia e taofi foi i lau auauna i agasala faamaualuga; aua ne‘i pule ia ia te au ona sao ai lea o la‘u amio, ou te le nofo sala foi i le leaga sili. 14Ia mālie foi ia te oe upu a lo‘u gutu, ma mafaufauga o lo‘u loto, Ieova e, lo‘u papa ma le na te togiolaina a‘u.

Psalm 19:7-14 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

7 The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the decrees of the Lord are sure,
making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is clear,
enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever;
the ordinances of the Lord are true
and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
12 But who can detect one’s own errors?
Clear me from hidden faults.
13 Keep back your servant also from the insolent;[a]
do not let them have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless
and innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Living Psalm 19: 7-14 was written by Maren 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.