Living Psalm 97

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

Art from Mary Melcher attached as well

  1. O Mystery
    You hide in the thick of life
    –in mist, in shadow, in storm cloud–
    to be found unexpectedly in ambiguity and struggle.

Inspire our curiosity
and strengthen our bravery
to seek you through the depths,
not resting until we find you waiting for us
at the center of all–

So may we join you there
creating a foundation of Justice and Peace.

We pray this in the Name of one we call Emmanuel.

  1. O Dazzler
    Your light comes to us
    in flashes of power
    shining a way through gloom and confusion
    to offer a vision of Hope.

Awaken us to signs of your presence in our lives
–eloquent, fleeting, enough–

That we may recognize
the beauty revealed in your light
and rejoice in your abundant life.

We pray this in the Name of one we call Morning Star.

  1. O Radiance
    From the center of life you invite us
    –to Joy, to Justice, to Community–

You place your power at the service of Love
melting mountains of resistance.

Open us to the wonder of your presence
Bathe us in your renewing Mercy
encourage us to take risks of Hope

That we may grow into a people reflecting your image

illumined by Grace
rejoicing in Love
building a world of Peace

We pray this in the Name of the one we call Wisdom.

The Rev. Susan A. Blain
Hartford, CT

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Living Psalm 97 was written by Rev. Susan Blain.

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 97 by Mary Melcher, 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 2023 Rev. Susan Blain. Permission granted to reproduce or adapt this material for use in services of worship or church education. All publishing rights reserved.