tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-237382462024-03-01T04:55:46.135-07:00Psalms for A New WorldAn improvisation based on the Book of Psalms using inclusive language and incorporating the modern lenses of ecological awareness, Taoist sensibilites, and post-modern theology.Christine Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291622244158872449noreply@blogger.comBlogger163125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23738246.post-1158545023667211972012-03-15T07:30:00.000-06:002012-03-15T07:30:24.061-06:00Psalm 11 Everywhere<br />
<pre style="background-color: white; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; white-space: pre-wrap !important;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
I have taken refuge in You, but I am not always calm.
My instincts tell me to fly from the world's dangers and troubles.
The evil seem to prosper. I feel helpless.
My doubts and fears loom large.
My foundations shake—what shall I do?
You are—everywhere
You see—everything
You know—my deepest heart.
You weigh—every soul with love.
You abhor the wicked and the violent.
they wander about, lost in their anguish.
You help the righteous and the just.
They see your many faces and go about their work in calm faith.</span></pre>Christine Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291622244158872449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23738246.post-1159580354693399902006-09-29T19:38:00.000-06:002007-09-02T20:11:21.630-06:00Psalm 1 HappinessHappy are they who know good and do good.<br /> Their love for the good feeds them continually.<br />They are like trees planted near the river,<br /> whose roots go deep and wide.<br />They thrive, bear fruit in season, and<br /> weather drought without wilting.<br />Those who are not so grounded<br /> will blow around like dry leaves in the wind.<br />Root yourself in Good, and live.Christine Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291622244158872449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23738246.post-1159580022800571992006-09-29T19:32:00.000-06:002007-09-02T20:16:52.087-06:00Psalm 2 The Paths of Love and JusticeWhy are the nations in an uproar?<br />Why do the peoples mutter and threaten?<br />Why do the rich plot with the powerful?<br /><br />They are rebelling against the demands of Love and Justice.<br />God laughs, cries, and says with anger:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I have set my Love in your hearts and my Justice in your minds.<br />You are my children and I have given you the universe<br />your lives, and the tasks of your days.<br />Be wise<br />Be warned<br />Stick to the paths of Love and Justice.<br />Your restless hearts will find me there.</span>Christine Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291622244158872449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23738246.post-1159230879883384262006-09-25T18:33:00.000-06:002007-09-02T20:17:23.690-06:00Psalm 3 DoubtsDoubts arise within me.<br /> I call myself foolish and my faith, “wishful thinking.”<br />No lightning! Instead,<br /> a warmth in my heart when I see<br /> what could be Your work in others and in myself.<br /> and a certain comfort when I give myself to sleep,<br /> and a calm confidence in the face of trouble.<br /><br />It does not matter what names I use for these good things.<br /> It only matters that I notice them, follow them, enjoy them.Christine Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291622244158872449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23738246.post-1159142783136480842006-09-24T18:04:00.000-06:002006-09-24T18:06:23.136-06:00Psalm 4 Crying OutI cry out to you in my anguish, O God.<br />I have tried to be good.<br />I have blown on the embers of the faith I have found.<br />I have learned to pray and to trust.<br />I ask you for better times, but more urgently, <br />  for courage and joy in whatever the times bring.<br />Your presence in my heart is more important to me<br />   than success or riches.<br />With it I can trust the darkness, <br />and live-waking and sleeping- in peace.Christine Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291622244158872449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23738246.post-1159142544373367472006-09-24T17:57:00.000-06:002006-09-24T18:02:24.390-06:00Psalm 5 Do you hear my prayers?Do you hear my prayers, O God?<br />I seem to have them—cries for help, hopes to voice, and<br /> the little flame of my love to share.<br />Do you hear me in the morning when I sit<br /> and quiet myself, and listen?<br />When I quell the braggart in my heart, notice my anger,<br /> my deficiencies of integrity,<br />and all the ways I partake of injustice and privilege?<br /> (if you were not here, if you did not touch me with your mercy,<br /> I would never be able to do that…)<br />I take refuge in you.<br />Your love gives me joy.<br />Your shelter gives me strength<br />Thank you!Christine Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291622244158872449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23738246.post-1159141347234156312006-09-24T17:41:00.000-06:002006-09-24T17:42:27.246-06:00Psalm 6 How Long?I am angry with myself.<br />  I feel weak and fearful.<br />I’m beset with conflicts, inside and out—<br />   paralyzed, shaky, sleepless, tearful.<br />How long must I endure this, God? What’s the point?<br />    Is it a test? Do you care? Are you there?<br /><br />I can never prove you are there,<br />  I only know that I feel lighter for having asked.<br />It comes to me, what I could do next—<br />    that some of my conflicts can be put aside.<br />Then, I can face all that I need to do.<br />  I’m not so confused any more.Christine Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291622244158872449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23738246.post-1158963220363413702006-09-22T16:11:00.000-06:002006-09-22T16:13:40.383-06:00Psalm 7 The Monsters in My ClosetThe monsters in the closet of my heart<br />   have snatched me away—they threaten to devour me.<br /><br />What did I do to deserve this?<br />   I try to be good.<br />   I honor my friends and family.<br />   I don’t take advantage of the weak or the poor.<br />I know something about my own wounds and flaws.<br />Speak from your Judgment seat in the sky and tell me that I’m innocent!<br /><br />(No, my dear, you know it doesn’t work that way. And you know you are not innocent.)<br /><br />I am not innocent. Instead of judgment, <br />I should ask for your love<br />I try to quiet myself to notice it—you have a <br />   very soft touch.<br />And the monsters in the closet of my heart<br />They posture and threaten and fuss. <br />Do you love them, too?Christine Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291622244158872449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23738246.post-1158765684737168212006-09-20T09:19:00.000-06:002006-09-20T09:21:24.750-06:00Psalm 8 Who are we?Many-Named One<br />   beyond imagining--<br />When I contemplate the night sky,<br />   the cosmos which all unfolded from a speck,<br />galaxies, stars, this beautiful earth—<br />Who are we humans, that you attend to us?<br />   mere mortals in our tiny corner, and you love us?<br />  We are life come to knowing and feeling.<br />The whole world is in our hands.<br />   plants and animals, oceans and ice caps, rain forests <br />   atmosphere and ecosystem.<br />Touch our hearts, O God,<br />make us worthy of this trust<br />Help us care for life on this beautiful earth.Christine Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291622244158872449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23738246.post-1158681504804198232006-09-19T09:56:00.000-06:002006-12-10T18:11:34.253-07:00Psalm 9 Lift my Spirits That I May Be of UseI give thanks with my whole heart<br /> for every rock of the earth, every star in the sky,<br />for the thickening of life in very winter branch.<br />And also—for your presence in my heart—<br /> which makes me strong.<br /><br />You are a refuge for the oppressed and troubled<br /> Those who put their trust in you are comforted.<br />Whisper in my heart, O God,<br /> For I am tormented by difficulties<br /> And discouraged by the awful state of the world.<br />Lift my spirits so that I may be of use—<br /> And trap the wicked with the works of their own hands.<br />Help me to set things right<br /> so that the needy are not forgotten<br /> and the poor have hope. <br />For we are all mortal<br /> and our life should be a blessing to us all.Christine Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291622244158872449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23738246.post-1158634532303145502006-09-18T20:53:00.000-06:002006-09-18T20:56:53.953-06:00Psalm 10 Agnostic's PrayerSome feel your presence always<br />   But you are hidden from me. <br />There are those who ignore you so that they can <br />   pursue their heedless ways-<br />They curse, deceive, oppress their neighbors, make war, horde, <br />  and get rich at the expense of others.<br />They think you don’t notice.<br />  They say you love them anyway.<br /><br />As for me, I can’t seem to be sure that you are present<br />   or active in the world, what with all the forgoing.<br />If you love those who ignore you and use their lives for ill, <br />  Do you love those who can’t find you, but use their lives for good?<br />I do try—I hope you see—but even if you don’t<br />  That’s the connection I have to you and to your people.<br />Strengthen my heart for good, O God,<br />  Help me to bring about your kingdom here.Christine Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291622244158872449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23738246.post-1158069893032116822006-09-12T08:03:00.000-06:002006-09-12T08:04:53.033-06:00Pslam 12 My Faith Falters  <br />Help!<br />The faithful have vanished.<br />All speak falsely<br />The poor cry out<br />The wicked prowl<br />The worthless is highly prized<br />Your world is a mess!<br /><br />Help me—<br />My faith falters<br />My integrity is ragged<br />I oppress the poor<br />Pride trips me up<br />I forget to keep my eye on the true prize.<br />Make yourself known in my heart, O GodChristine Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291622244158872449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23738246.post-1158069815710800472006-09-12T08:02:00.000-06:002006-09-12T08:03:35.713-06:00Psalm 13 How Long?How long, O God, how long?<br />How long must I wait to see your face, <br />  to feel your presence?<br />How long until I figure things out, <br />  heal from my wounds, feel whole again?<br />How long must I live with these longings, <br />  with no more than hints and guesses to go on?<br />Look on me and give me answers! Light up my eyes!<br /><br />I put my trust in your love. I know<br />  that you hold me in the arms of life <br />  whether I feel it or not.<br />If trust and longing are all that I have, <br />  then that is enough, and I will sing.Christine Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291622244158872449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23738246.post-1158069745171710022006-09-12T08:01:00.000-06:002006-09-12T08:02:25.190-06:00Psalm 14 Will we learn?We wonder, in our hearts, if there is a God, <br />or meaning, or hope.<br />Even our humanism is shaken, when it seems that people care only about themselves<br />The ideals we have and the airs we take on <br />   seem foolish and vain.<br />Is there anyone who is wise?<br />Is there anyone who is just?<br />Any who treat their neighbors <br />  as persons of worth and dignity?<br />or who are centered and mature in their faith?<br /><br />There is only ourselves; half-wise, attracted<br />   to justice, trying to be good.<br />Only ourselves and the ideals that burn like fire in our hearts.<br /><br />What will open our eyes?<br />What will soften our greed?<br />What will give us a passion for justice?<br /><br />Only the voice that speaks in the longing of our hearts<br />That lifts our spirits and makes us sing.Christine Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291622244158872449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23738246.post-1158001584584915492006-09-11T13:05:00.000-06:002006-12-10T18:12:13.687-07:00Psalm 15 How Good People LiveHow do truly good people live?<br />They speak the truth from their hearts<br />  have no hidden agendas, are<br />  loyal friends. <br />They offer respect to their neighbors, but<br />  avoid the company of the selfish and the foolish,<br />They honor good people wherever they find them.<br />They live to do good, keep their word<br />   make their living with honest work<br />   and give generously from their abundance.<br />Their way of life makes them strong in heart.Christine Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291622244158872449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23738246.post-1158001532801885712006-09-11T13:04:00.001-06:002008-05-17T19:41:14.036-06:00Psalm 16 RefugeI take refuge in You, O God<br /> I turn to you in thanksgiving, I rest in you in difficulty<br />I thank you for life in this beautiful place,<br /> for a heritage which forms me and teaches me,<br />I thank you for the heart you planted within me, and for the<br /> still small voice which urges it to grow.<br />My spirit is glad, and my body rests in hope<br /> You show me the path of life,<br />and in your presence is Joy.Christine Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291622244158872449noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23738246.post-1158001471328371732006-09-11T13:02:00.000-06:002006-09-11T13:04:31.343-06:00Psalm 17 My PrayerGreat Mother, hear my prayer.<br />   It is as sincere as I can make it.<br />Take my heart, be with me in the night<br />   melt me down to my essence.<br />Help me live in love and justice. Guide me—<br />   Teach me your love.<br />Shield me from those who would hurt me<br />  Help me to leave this world a better place<br />And see your face in it all.Christine Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291622244158872449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23738246.post-1157857327989652952006-09-09T21:00:00.000-06:002006-09-09T21:02:07.990-06:00Psalm 18 Your LoveI open my heart to you, O God<br />  for you are my strength, my fortress, <br />  the rock on whom I build my life.<br />I have been lost in my fears and my angers<br />   caught up in falseness, fearful, and furious<br />I cried to you in my anguish.<br />You have brought me to an open space.<br />   You saved me because you took delight in me.<br /><br />I try to be good, to be just, to be generous<br />   to walk in your ways.<br />I fail, but you are my lamp.<br />   You make my darkness bright<br />With your help, I continue to scale the walls<br />  and break down the barriers that fragment me.<br />I would be whole, and happy, and wise<br />  and know your love<br />Always.Christine Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291622244158872449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23738246.post-1157857210611717412006-09-09T20:59:00.000-06:002006-09-09T21:00:10.613-06:00Psalm 19 The World's GloryThe being and beauty of the universe<br />   declares the Glory of God.<br />No words are necessary.<br />  Contemplation of nature revives my soul.<br /><br />When I view this as unspoken teaching, I am wise.<br />  When I align myself with Love my heart rejoices<br />This enlightenment is more to be desired than gold.<br />  It is sweeter than honey, and my great reward.<br /><br />Cleanse me of my secret faults and presumptuous sins<br />  “Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart<br />Be acceptable in thy sight, O God my strength <br />  and my redeemer”.Christine Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291622244158872449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23738246.post-1157857135126961522006-09-09T20:57:00.000-06:002006-09-09T20:58:55.140-06:00Psalm 20 A Prayer for YouMay you know peace<br />   and feel the touch of the One we call by many names.<br />May you have the strength to meet the day’s troubles.<br />   May all your plans prosper. <br />May your victories bring goodness to those around you.<br /><br />To set yourself to these ordinary tasks<br />   is to take up the holy work of your life<br />Trust it—<br />   money and possessions and glory; <br />these things come and go and<br />  they will never make us feel secure.<br />Serenity is the goal. <br />  It comes from living deeply in the gift of life<br />doing the work of love, cultivating our gratitude, and<br />  noting the touch of Spirit in our lives.Christine Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291622244158872449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23738246.post-1157734514016061812006-09-08T10:54:00.000-06:002006-12-07T22:34:10.038-07:00Psalm 21 For Our NationI rejoice, O God,<br /> that you have allowed this nation to prosper.<br />In spite of our sins, we have our heart’s desires--<br /> the blessings of prosperity,<br /> a measure of security,<br /> and more power than we can wisely use.<br />Help us to move towards justice <br /> and use our power well.<br />Help us to understand that when we give<br /> to others in the world we give to ourselves.<br />Help us trust you<br /> and appreciate the many names others use for you.<br />Help us to be wise, O God, wise and great. <br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span></span></span>Christine Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291622244158872449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23738246.post-1157734442958980472006-09-08T10:52:00.000-06:002006-09-08T10:54:02.980-06:00Psalm 22 You Do Not Despise the DoubterI call you, “My God,” but you are not here.<br />   I feel no comfort from my faith.<br />Others say that they trusted you and were delivered.<br />   But my faith is not good enough for today’s trials.<br />I feel like a miserable worm.<br />   Scorned.<br />And yet—you have been with me since before the beginning.<br />   From the womb, the day I was born.<br />  You loved me and kept me when I was a helpless infant.<br />Keep me safe still.<br />   I feel surrounded by dangers—roaring <br />lions and angry bulls.<br />   It has reduced me to jelly. I’m like a<br />lump of melted wax.<br />My mouth is as dry as an old clay pot. <br />The dog packs are closing in.<br />My enemies, inner and outer-surround me. <br />Save Me!<br />I will not give up my faith<br />I will speak of it to others<br />I know that you do not despise the doubter<br />  and that you hear us when we cry out.<br />Keep my heart open to you, O God!Christine Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291622244158872449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23738246.post-1157734269658941112006-09-08T10:47:00.000-06:002007-10-16T07:42:18.933-06:00Psalm 23 ComfortI am a child of God<br />   I have everything I need.<br />This beautiful earth feeds my body.<br />   You feed my soul.<br />You guide me in the ways of Life,<br />   for You are Life.<br />And though I will walk through dark places, and eventually to death,<br />   I need never be afraid.<br />For You are with me always,<br />   In You I can find comfort.<br />With Your help, I can face whatever comes.<br />   My joy overflows.<br />Your goodness and blessing will be with me<br />   Every day of my life -- and forever.Christine Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291622244158872449noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23738246.post-1157636538163583722006-09-07T07:38:00.000-06:002006-09-07T07:42:18.163-06:00Psalm 24 Her WorldThis world and its life is sacred; <br />  the very flesh of the Holy One.<br />She birthed it, breathed her own life into it<br />   set in motion the evolution of its life.<br /><br />Who now can stand before Her?<br />Those with open hearts<br />   who love the truth and care for the world<br />They will be blessed.<br />Fling open the doors of your heart!<br />  Open your being to God<br />You will know joy and peace.Christine Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291622244158872449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23738246.post-1157636352970667812006-09-07T07:35:00.000-06:002006-09-07T07:39:13.006-06:00Psalm 25 TrustI put my trust in you, O God, as best as I am able. <br />   May I be strong. May I not be afraid<br />May all who open their hearts<br />   hear your voice and know your love.<br />Lead me, teach me, help me to trust.<br /><br />You are gracious to us, O God<br />You guide us, you forgive our clumsy ways<br />You help us prosper.<br /><br />When I am sad and anxious<br />  I school my heart to trust<br />I act with integrity and uprightness<br />  And hope to feel your touch in my heart.<br />May it be so for all the peoples of the earth<br />  Who call you by many names.Christine Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02291622244158872449noreply@blogger.com0