Living Psalm 23 – Easter 4C, Good Shepherd Sunday

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.

A Psalm of David.

1 The Holy ONE KNOWN TO US BY MANY NAMES, is my spiritual companion through the ups, downs and turn arounds of life. I did not ask for nor do I know where wars and all these unjust, unholy and cruel circumstances, or even my own life are heading. The good news is that I don’t have to know. I stand and journey with the all-knowing, Love of God. I shall not want. God’s got this. Prayer, Love, spiritual companionship, mercy, and grace are my role. I shall not want.
2 The Son of Man invites me to relax, chill and lay down all the burdens, fear, and anxiety I carry. In the whispers of the Spirit, I hear, “It’s ok to lie down in green pastures. Don’t carry what isn’t yours, I got this.” I am led beside still waters and I can pause;
3 God renews my joy, hope and ability to understand beyond what is blocking my senses. My soul smiles and celebrates the reality that I am not alone. I experience and soak wonder at the paths of righteousness before me – these become so easy to follow and I acknowledge and sing Hallelujah embracing the One who is always there even when immediate presence seems far away, distant from my reality.
4 When I am told of news I don’t want to hear, watch as pregnant women are bombed and hear of the 3-month-old who dies along with his mother, my soul shrinks at such acts of hate. In the valley of the shadow of these deaths, my heart breaks.
Yet, I recognize evil, but am not crushed by it, even though it is around me.
You are with me and with all of these I grieve; as you have been in the past, as you are with me today
and I am certain of your continued presence
your rod of Guidance and your staff of deliverance –
they steady me, hold me, even hug, and comfort me.
5 The table of love and universal welcome is before me
in the presence of all peoples, especially those whose suffering is so great,
and, yes, including those who do not see or affirm the beauty of my soul – my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness, grace, compassion, mercy, and love shall follow me
all the days of my earthly journey,
and I shall dwell in the Creator’s house
my whole life long.

Living Psalm for the Easter 4C, Good Shepherd Sunday: Psalm 23 was written by Rev. Justo González, II
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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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