Living Psalm 78:23-29

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.

May I ask you
how long has it been been
since you last felt completely satisfied?

How long since you sat at a table
without calculating the grocery bill,
the cost of fruit to feed these children,
considering whether you have enough
to stretch if a friend stays for dinner?

How long has it been since you threw out
crusts of toast without feeling guilt
for the families who can’t wait for school,
with its two meals a day, to begin again?

How long since you filled your plate
at a wedding without wondering
what might be served in celebration
of a newlywed couple in Gaza
or the Ukraine?

How many hours has it been
since you saw an ad reminding you
that people would like you better
if you starved (fashionably, of course)?

May I ask, too, how much time has passed
since you met the eyes of another
across the table, asked about their day,
put away your phone so you could hear
and taste what it is you crave?

How many days or months or years
have passed since you experienced
abundance in a single mouthful,
satisfaction in one meal?

May I ask you, Beloved,
to sit and join me,
to experience what it means
to be fed by God’s love
until you are well
and truly full?

Living-Psalm-78-23-29_Mankin-for-August-11 Download

Living Psalm 78:23-29 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. 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.