Living Psalm 32 – Creation Justice – Lent 1
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.
Living Psalms for Creation Justice
Lent, 2020
(To accompany Journey Toward Hope)
Living Psalm 32—First Sunday of Lent
Joy of Creation Care
Happy are the people of God who are connected to the earth
and who have repented of the sin of environmental injustices.
Happy are those who center Creator and the created,
in whose spirit there is no duplicity in caring for the earth.
While I kept silent, the earth wasted away,
groaning from the weight of polluted skies
and unclean waters all day long.
Night and day creation groaned,
the earth heating up,
ice caps melting, seas rising,
homes and lives washing away.
Then I acknowledged the sins committed against the earth,
I did not hide my complicity;
I said, “I will confess the deforestation of the earth,
the extinction of species,
the oceans we abused.”
Let all who are faithful offer prayers for the earth at the time of distress,
the rush of mighty waters coming
with the heavy rains devastating the earth
taking away the mountain sides.
The earth is a refuge for me, healing me and keeping me from trouble,
surrounding me with the glad cries of the birds
and the whispers of the trees.
I will instruct the masses, and teach of the way of creation justice,
I will bring wise counsel to defending the earth.
Do not be stubborn, without understanding
of the ways in which untempered use of resources
must be curbed with bit and bridle,
else the beauty of the earth will not stay near you.
Many are the sufferings of the earth,
but steadfast love surrounds those
who trust in the Creator and care for all creation.
Be glad in the Creator and rejoice for the healing of the earth, O righteous,
and shout for joy, all you who seek justice for creation.
Living Psalm 32 for the 1st Sunday of Lent was written by Karen Georgia Thompson, Associate General Minister for Wider Church Ministries and Operations; Co-Executive for Global Ministries
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 2020 Faith INFO Team, United Church of Christ, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115-1100. Permission granted to reproduce or adapt this material for use in services of worship or church education. All publishing rights reserved.