Living Psalm 51 – Pentecost 14C

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.

Listen, God,
I didn’t know until I knew.
And when I Knew, God, I Knew You.
 
Wash me up so I stay humble.
Scrub me of my ego and obsessions.
Brush me off the anxiety and anger.
Teach me your ways.
 
I remember, God, when I didn’t know,
The easy platitudes I’d reach for instead:
“everything happens for a reason,”
“another angel needed,”
“this, too, shall pass,”
“if you want it enough, you can make it happen…”
 
And I know, now, how simplicity doesn’t leave enough room for Your complexity.
How you are bigger than empty phrases, where meaning got sucked out,
And Faith is Formed in questions and challenge and the places where we’re broken open.
 
Holy one, when I haven’t paused enough with You before I speak,
It’s easy to reach for the well worn phrases,
But God, forgive me, and teach me.
 
Help me hear the impact of my words on others, on me, and on the world.
Hold us to a higher standard that leaves room for the Both/And/Beyond,
 
For I know that where my broken places emerge, there, too, is where you Live in me.
Where my messy bits spill and kid stuff shines and joy breaks forth, there You are.
Where my truth in my whole self is present, where I am Known and Loved and Called, there you are.
 
Help me, God, be the fullest version of ME that you’ve created,
And live in an authentic way of being and teaching and praying.
Pour your hope and faith before me, that I might know myself, and know You.

Living Psalm for Pentecost 14C: Psalm 51 was written by the Rev. Dr. Chris Davies.

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.

© Copyright 2022 Chris Davies. Permission granted to reproduce or adapt this material for use in services of worship or church education. All publishing rights reserved.