Psalm 71:1-6 – Epiphany 4C

Living Psalm Book

I am exasperated and overwhelmed. Nothing seems to be going as planned. I plead during this time of difficulties – do not let me be humiliated. Take away my shame.

I see no hope other than your loving grace, wrap your love around me. Listen to the sincerity of my soul and rescue me from life as it seeks to devour my faith and understanding.

I need an anchor. A rock that will surely suffice to keep me warm, safe, and out of harm’s way. While circumstances try to make me surrender, I cling to you. You are truly the butterfly that makes me smile experiencing the transformational power of God, as well as my rock and my fortress.

Liberate me from the hands of everything that would cause disruption and destruction. Cruelty and injustice cannot destroy the shimmering but powerful wings that cover and protect me.

It is and has been only you that carried me through my difficult cocooning process. You took the uncomfortableness and what I often thought was defeat within that reality– shined a light on what was to be. I trust in you from the beginning of the uncertain to the majesty of what is.

Centering myself in you from the origin of my life, it was you always protecting me. It is you that I continue to praise and experience as you flutter before me affirming that you always have been there.

Living Psalm for Epiphany 4C: Psalm 71:1-6 was written by Rev. Justo González.
.
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.

Living-Psalm-71-1-6 Download