Living Psalm 31:9-16 – Palm/Passion Sunday A

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.

I am in distress, my eye wastes away from grief
my soul and body also find no relief,
watching and waiting for your adversaries to appear,
listening to the disparaging words
of those who decry your worth and cause you pain.

I am in distress witnessing the militarization of our cities
watching armed soldiers trample your dignity
guns and crosses tools of torture and death
be gracious O God,
save your children from those who would seek to do harm.

My life was spent, living in a place
where the only crime was the color of your face
a place where your life was spent in sorrow
where you were labeled different
called a horror.

My life was spent, shamed for being
queer, indigenous, woman, black, brown
your years spent sighing
in the face of imperialism and colonial occupation
of these lands your people call their nation.

My heart is full of grief
I watch as the crowd gathers in the street
waving, waiting and cheering
their palms held high
their coats and blankets thrown at your feet.

My heart is full of grief
they cheer you on and name you king
mere hours
before they scream for you to be killed
you, a truth teller who refused to be controlled by temple police.

My strength fails because of this misery
institutions of oppression taking life and limbs
my bones waste away in a jail
your life taken away on a cross
we victims of broken societies and wicked systems.

My soul rises from the depths of despair
I trust in God my spirit renewed
our times are in the hands of God
Resurrection God, let your face shine upon us
save us God in your steadfast love.

Living-Psalms-Psalm-31-9-16_Thompson-Passion Download

Living Psalm for Palm/Passion Sunday A – Psalm 31:9-16 was written by Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson.

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.