Psalms for A New World

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Psalm 11 Everywhere

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 s...

Friday, September 29, 2006

Psalm 1 Happiness

Happy are they who know good and do good. Their love for the good feeds them continually. They are like trees planted near the river, ...

Psalm 2 The Paths of Love and Justice

Why are the nations in an uproar? Why do the peoples mutter and threaten? Why do the rich plot with the powerful? They are rebelling against...

Monday, September 25, 2006

Psalm 3 Doubts

Doubts arise within me. I call myself foolish and my faith, “wishful thinking.” No lightning! Instead, a warmth in my heart when I see ...

Sunday, September 24, 2006

Psalm 4 Crying Out

I cry out to you in my anguish, O God. I have tried to be good. I have blown on the embers of the faith I have found. I have learned to pray...

Psalm 5 Do you hear my prayers?

Do you hear my prayers, O God? I seem to have them—cries for help, hopes to voice, and the little flame of my love to share. Do you hear ...

Psalm 6 How Long?

I am angry with myself. I feel weak and fearful. I’m beset with conflicts, inside and out— paralyzed, shaky, sleepless, tearful. How l...

Friday, September 22, 2006

Psalm 7 The Monsters in My Closet

The monsters in the closet of my heart have snatched me away—they threaten to devour me. What did I do to deserve this? I try to be go...

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Psalm 8 Who are we?

Many-Named One beyond imagining-- When I contemplate the night sky, the cosmos which all unfolded from a speck, galaxies, stars, thi...

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Psalm 9 Lift my Spirits That I May Be of Use

I give thanks with my whole heart for every rock of the earth, every star in the sky, for the thickening of life in very winter branch. A...

Monday, September 18, 2006

Psalm 10 Agnostic's Prayer

Some feel your presence always But you are hidden from me. There are those who ignore you so that they can pursue their heedless ways-...

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Pslam 12 My Faith Falters

Help! The faithful have vanished. All speak falsely The poor cry out The wicked prowl The worthless is highly prized Your world is a mess...

Psalm 13 How Long?

How long, O God, how long? How long must I wait to see your face, to feel your presence? How long until I figure things out, heal from m...

Psalm 14 Will we learn?

We wonder, in our hearts, if there is a God, or meaning, or hope. Even our humanism is shaken, when it seems that people care only about the...

Monday, September 11, 2006

Psalm 15 How Good People Live

How do truly good people live? They speak the truth from their hearts have no hidden agendas, are loyal friends. They offer respect to t...

Psalm 16 Refuge

I take refuge in You, O God I turn to you in thanksgiving, I rest in you in difficulty I thank you for life in this beautiful place, fo...

Psalm 17 My Prayer

Great Mother, hear my prayer. It is as sincere as I can make it. Take my heart, be with me in the night melt me down to my essence. He...

Saturday, September 09, 2006

Psalm 18 Your Love

I open my heart to you, O God for you are my strength, my fortress, the rock on whom I build my life. I have been lost in my fears and m...

Psalm 19 The World's Glory

The being and beauty of the universe declares the Glory of God. No words are necessary. Contemplation of nature revives my soul. When I...

Psalm 20 A Prayer for You

May you know peace and feel the touch of the One we call by many names. May you have the strength to meet the day’s troubles. May all ...

Friday, September 08, 2006

Psalm 21 For Our Nation

I rejoice, O God, that you have allowed this nation to prosper. In spite of our sins, we have our heart’s desires-- the blessings of pro...

Psalm 22 You Do Not Despise the Doubter

I call you, “My God,” but you are not here. I feel no comfort from my faith. Others say that they trusted you and were delivered. But ...

Psalm 23 Comfort

I am a child of God I have everything I need. This beautiful earth feeds my body. You feed my soul. You guide me in the ways o...

Thursday, September 07, 2006

Psalm 24 Her World

This world and its life is sacred; the very flesh of the Holy One. She birthed it, breathed her own life into it set in motion the evo...

Psalm 25 Trust

I put my trust in you, O God, as best as I am able. May I be strong. May I not be afraid May all who open their hearts hear your voic...

Psalm 26 You Know My Heart

You know my heart, O God, and all its hidden caverns. I can open my whole self to myself and to you. You know when I trust and when I falt...

Psalm 26 You Know My Heart

You know my heart, O God, and all its hidden caverns. I can open my whole self to myself and to you. You know when I trust and when I falt...

Sunday, September 03, 2006

Psalm 27 My Light and My Salvation

You are my light and my salvation Whom then shall I fear? You are the strength of my life of what shall I be afraid? Trials, enemies, ...

Psalm 28 I reach Out in Prayer

I reach out to you in prayer. Do you hear me? I try to pray right. I go to church I avoid evil deeds and evildoers (as best I can.) ...

Sunday, August 27, 2006

Psalm 29 God in Creation

Worship God in the Grandeur of Creation! God’s majesty—in the pounding waves God’s strength—in the wind God’s creative work—in the ...

Psalm 30 -Settling Into Gladness

I thank you, O God, for your silent help in my life. Because of you, my fears do not overwhelm me. When I have cried out for help, I have ...

Psalm 31 You as You are

I have come to you, O God, please, take me in. Hear my prayers, be my rock, my stronghold, my castle. Help me untangle myself from the web ...

Thursday, August 17, 2006

Psalm 32 Making Peace with the Past

Blessed are those who have made peace with the past with all they have done and left undone. Blessed are those who have found the courage...

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Psalm 33 What Saves us is Not Weapons

Be Joyful! Play music, sing songs, dance, enjoy. There is a Law in our hearts and a Love at the heart of the World. Together they teach...

Monday, August 14, 2006

Psalm 34 Taste and See that God is Good

How exactly do I do this? By opening my heart in gratitude and praise for all the gifts of life. By focusing on the astounding intricacy o...

Sunday, August 13, 2006

Psalm 35 Ministry to Agnostics

Dear God, you set me to herding these sheep, or goats, or cats---these your people. and to these, I have dedicated my work. Sometimes they...

Sunday, August 06, 2006

Psalm 36 Love and the World

The standard of Love is a high one. We all rebel, and some are clueless. They are not just or generous or truthful They spend their time p...

Friday, August 04, 2006

Psalm 37 The Evil Prosper

The evil prosper, but don’t you wallow in anger. Do what you can and let it go. Remember the long arc of the universe and how it bends t...

Monday, July 31, 2006

Psalm 38 -- Hear My Prayer

I’m in terrible shape sick, weak, feeling depressed and guilty. Numb inside all my life crushed away. I groan. Do you hear me, Go...

Sunday, July 30, 2006

Psalm 39 Questions

I try to be patient with myself and with God But sometimes my frustration gets out of hand And I burst with unanswerable questions and whi...

Monday, July 24, 2006

Psalm 40 I know what You want

I have trusted You, Holy One and waited for You. When I was mired in misery you touched me with your spirit. You pulled me out and ...

Sunday, July 23, 2006

Psalm 41-Reaching Out in Love

Blessed are those who reach out to others in love who give generously to those in need. God smiles on them and sustains them in their tim...

Saturday, July 22, 2006

Psalm 42 Searching

As a deer longs for flowing streams so my soul longs for you, O God My soul thirsts for you. When will I feel that I can stand before...

Friday, July 21, 2006

Psalm 43 Defend my Cause

Tell me I’m right, please, God—defend my cause. Deliver me from the deceitful and the wicked! I pray to you—why have you pulled away from me...

Tuesday, July 18, 2006

Psalm 44 -God's Work in TImes of War

In former times, people were sure that God had given them fortune and misfortune, victory and defeat, plenty and famine. They reveled in g...

Psalm 45 -- Vocation

My heart overflows! I have done work of which I am proud. I have followed my calling, and it is good! I have been anointed with the oil of...

Friday, July 14, 2006

Psalm 46 A Haven

God is our refuge and our strength a haven in times of trouble. Therefore we can be calm though the earth shakes, though the nations ...

Thursday, July 13, 2006

Psalm 47 Celebration

Clap your hands! Shout for joy! Sing your songs Life is good The hints and guesses are sufficient Things as they are are ok.

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Psalm 48 -God's Mountains

Praise the Holy in the mountains Beautiful and lofty—the joy of the earth. We have waited there to sense your loving kindness We have walke...

Monday, July 10, 2006

Psalm 49 : The Size of our Hearts

Here is my wisdom—Listen to my song! I am surrounded by those who put their trust in possessions and money I am not taken in. What is pr...

Sunday, July 09, 2006

Psalm 50 Spirit is Everywhere

Spirit is everywhere In the eternal circle of sunrise and sunset In the beauty of the earth and in the power of her storms In t...

Saturday, July 08, 2006

Psalm 51: A New Heart

Have mercy on me, O God, For I’ve messed up again Sinned against You in thought, word and deed, and in what I have left undone. Been-...

Friday, July 07, 2006

Psalm 52 --My People*

“My people” are a mess!* Some of my people are such mess they brag about it. Some of my people ignore the demands of good— Some have tongues...

Thursday, July 06, 2006

Psalm 53 -Humanism

Those who say that there is no God, believe that all things are accidental, products of the blind forces of nature. They can not love ...

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Psalm 54 - Whining

Save me, God Defend my causes Hear my prayer. (I’m just a batch of worries and whininess. No, that’s not right—that’s not all I am) I am you...

Tuesday, July 04, 2006

Psalm 55 Complaint against a Faithless Friend

Hear my Prayer, O God, Do not hide yourself from me. Listen, and answer My cares and troubles leave me no peace. I am shaken by inn...

Monday, July 03, 2006

Psalm 56 Inner Voices

Have mercy on me, O God, I am hounded by inner voices— Anger, shame, anxiety, disappointment, untoward pride. All day long, they assau...

Sunday, July 02, 2006

Psalm 57 God's Love

You are good to me, O God &#160 You have touched my heart with Love I have found shelter in the shadow of your wings. &#160 Wh...

Saturday, July 01, 2006

Psalm 58: The World is a Mess

The world is a mess, And so am I Sometimes my anger doesn’t have a place to go And I just want to scream, and blame, and despair. (Though I ...

Thursday, June 29, 2006

Psalm 59: Inner Torments

Rescue Me, God, The voices in my head torment me They are bound and determined to get the best of me— The hurt one, the angry one, the...

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Psalm 60: For Earth Activists

I feel cast adrift and alone among a people who don’t care about doing right or following You. I am angry and discouraged. Help us back,...

Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Psalm 61: Help!

Hear my cry, O God and listen to my prayer I call on you from the end of my rope— hanging here with a heavy heart Help! You have been m...

Monday, June 26, 2006

Psalm 62 Waiting for God

I wait quietly for God’s touch in my heart. In that is my strength and my salvation. Remembering that touch, I am free. The day’s events ...

Sunday, June 25, 2006

Psalm 63 Thirsting

My soul thirsts for you, O God As my dehydrated body craves water. But I can’t see you. I often loose touch with your loving kindness My lon...

Saturday, June 24, 2006

Psalm 64 -Whining

Hear my voice, O God, when I whine about my fears about my failings about my foibles about all my discordant selves They...

Friday, June 23, 2006

Psalm 65 -The Earth's Joy

It is good to give thanks, for the boundless mercy which renews us and makes us whole. Happy are those who know this and open themsel...

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Psalm 66- Salvation

Oh God, your world is awesome, When I notice it, my fears and anxieties flee. You have nudged us towards goodness. You hold our soul...

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Psalm 67 Bless Us

Bless us, O God— whisper in our hearts and light our times. Help us to understand your love and your law and bring them to bear on the w...

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Psalm 68 Salvation

As the wind disperses smoke, As the wax melts in the fire May all that divides me and separates me flee before Your love. As once You tou...

Monday, June 19, 2006

Psalm 69 -deep water

Save me, O God, I have gotten myself in deep waters. and find no firm ground under my feet. I am tired of crying. I feel at war wi...

Sunday, June 18, 2006

Psalm 70 - A Short Prayer

O God, make speed to save me, O Lord, make haste to help me. May my fears weaken, my will soften, my resentments ease. May I be glad and rej...

Saturday, June 17, 2006

Psalm 71 --Taking Refuge

In You, Holy One, do I take refuge Let me never be ashamed. Deliver me in love and set me free. lean your ear to me, and help me. Be my ...

Friday, June 16, 2006

Psalm 72--Prayer for the powerful

May those in power in the world rule with justice and righteousness. May the poor be rescued, the oppressors crushed, and your love...

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Psalm 73 --An Open Heart in a Time Like This

I have set myself to live with an open heart to abandon my self to love and service. How often I loose my way— in resentment, in lone...

Psalm 74 --Seasons

O God, why have you withdrawn? Are you angry with me? Did I do something wrong? You have been present in my heart now my heart is f...

Psalm 75 ---And Know Your Love

Unending thanks, O God for all you have done and are doing Especially for giving us freedom to do good and thereby joining with you in c...

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Psalm 76 Knowing God

How do we know God? Only by reference…by glimpse out of the corner of our eye. Only by taking hints and making guesses. and listening ...

Psalm 77 Are You There?

I will cry aloud to God I will cry aloud and God will hear me. Really? Maybe I pasted that thought together from “sentimental and unre...

Monday, June 12, 2006

Psalm 78---A Prayer for our Nation

Here is a story, to tell our children— a cautionary tale to help them understand— We have been blessed, our nation, by abundant resour...

Psalm 79 --How Long, O God?

Your body, the world, is being despoiled The people who serve You have died at the hands of the violent, the greedy, the wicked. Those no...

Sunday, June 11, 2006

Psalm 80 The Beasts of Doubt

Hear me, O God, for I am missing you Restore in me the light of your Presence. Hear my prayers. Heed the cry of my open heart. You nourishe...

Psalm 81 Keep Listening

Sing, Shout, be Joyful! Play music, blow horns At the new moon, the full moon, the holy days, the Sabbath. Let this rejoicing be your practi...

Psalm 82 Instructions

Among the many clamoring voices in my being speaks One, still and small. How long with you consort with the wicked? Instead save the we...

Psalm 83 Distractions

O God, do not be silent Do not keep still or hold your peace I am in tumult I can not find my center in You. Angers, fears, resentment...

Saturday, June 10, 2006

Psalm 84 --Ease

The sparrow has a place in the rafters. The swallow raises her young in the nest she has made. They live and move easily in their places....

Friday, June 09, 2006

Psalm 85 -- Peace

O God, you have given us a beautiful earth— Grant us the wisdom to use it well. Lead us to an inner life in which we can rejoice. Speak peac...

Psalm 86 --Hear My Prayer

Hear my prayer, Holy One— for I am poor in spirit and miserable. Keep watch over my life for I depend on you. Gladden the soul of your...

Psalm 87 -- The Earth is Holy

The whole earth is holy loved into being with delight. The earth is beautiful every mountain, every bush, every fish. Love encompasses...

Psalm 88 -- Depression

I cry out day and night for help— Hoping for something—relief? an answer? I’m full of troubles, I feel half-dead. I’m in the pits— Wea...

Psalm 89-God's Love

I will sing of God’s faithful love, which is established in the Order of the heavens. We know it in our hearts, we see it in the dance o...

Psalm 90 Life and Death

We have come out of the Earth and to the Earth we return Our lives are but a flash in the light of Eternity. We are like beautiful flow...

Thursday, June 08, 2006

Psalm 91-Trouble

I dwell in the shelter of the Most High. and abide in the shadow of the Holy One. I say, “You are my refuge and stronghold, my God in whom...

Psalm 92 God's Purposes

It is a good thing to give thanks to God And to sing praises to the Holy One To remember being loved early in the morning And feeling safe b...

Psalm 93 Creation

You have put on beautiful clothes, Holy One— This amazing universe! You have made the nothingness solid with an intricate web of laws ...

Sunday, June 04, 2006

Psalm 94 justice

You don’t take vengeance on evildoers, so the arrogant do not get their just deserts. How long, how long, will the wicked triumph? The...

Psalm 95

You created this beautiful, astounding world— from the caverns below to the heights of the her mountains above. Seas and land, core a...

Psalm 96

Sing a new song to the Holy One with all the names and none. Proclaim our joy and thanksgiving for creation, for life, for growth, for...

Psalm 97

Highest in Heaven Deepest in Nature Holy One Be Glad Lights up the world Purifies the heart Gathers the peoples Rejoice.

Psalm 98 Sing!

Sing songs of praise and thanks! for the cosmos around and the moral law within. Shout with joy, all you lands; lift up your voices, re...

Thursday, May 11, 2006

Psalm 99 Awaken!

Awaken to the awesome mystery of God Who cradles the earth and all her peoples, Who planted the laws of justice and mercy in our hearts,...

Psalm 100 Joy

Be Joyful—everybody— Muslims, Christians, Pagans, Atheists Gladly serve the good Rejoice in the gift of life. Highest above, deepest wit...

Psalm 101 A Life Plan

I sing of the mercy and justice that you, O God, have planted in my heart. I strive to follow your way. And remember that you walk wit...

Psalm 102 Depression and Faith

O God, hear my prayer and let my cry come to you. I drift through dull and cloudy days. my bones are turned to ash My heart is closed ...

Psalm 103 Theology 101

God forgives our sins and failings heals our fears and anxieties gives meaning to life and death is our love. In God we are satisfied wit...

Monday, May 01, 2006

Psalm 104 Intelligent Design I

I am awestruck, Holy One at this beautiful and boundless universe— gestated over eons with love and care. Your creative intent envelop...

Psalm 105 -- Intelligent Design II

Give thanks to God, call out the Many Names make known your faith among the people. Glory to the Holy One let the hearts of those who ...

Sunday, April 30, 2006

Psalm 106 Returning

“Give thanks to God, who is good whose mercy endures forever.” We stand in awe of an infinity which we cannot begin to comprehend We set...

Saturday, April 29, 2006

Psalm 107 Thanksgivings

Give thanks to God, who is good whose mercy endures forever. Let all who have known God’s grace declare that their suffering has been ...

Friday, April 28, 2006

Psalm 108 for Earth Day

I fix my heart on the Highest and the Deepest. I sing and make music Wake up my spirit, awake, my instruments I myself will awaken th...

Thursday, April 27, 2006

Psalm 109: For a Parish Minister

Make known your presence, O God Let me hear your still, small voice. For those I lead are not happy with me and are making my life dif...

Monday, April 24, 2006

Psalm 110 -work

There is work for you to do in the world. Your are ordained to it from your birth For it you were begotten in the beauty of holiness. ...

Saturday, April 22, 2006

Pslam 111

Hallelujah! I will give thanks to God with my whole heart-- in silence and in company. God’s deeds are great— I will study them. God is c...

Friday, April 21, 2006

Psalm 112

Hallelujah! Happy are they who revere God and delight in doing good. They and their families will be blessed. They will know a rich life...

Thursday, April 20, 2006

Psalm 113

Hallelujah! Open your hearts, you servants of God Open your hearts to God Strive to be a fertile field for God’s love All day, all nig...

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Psalm 114

When we were freed of all that oppressed us, and gave ourselves to the Holy One, The moon smiled,the waters laughed, the mountains skip...

Monday, April 17, 2006

Psalm 115

O Great Mystery We must love and praise you without understanding. You are not a little tin god with eyes that do not see and ears tha...

Sunday, April 16, 2006

Psalm 116-for times of trouble

My love is for God, who knows me and hears my voice when I cry out. When the grip of fears and anxieties take hold of me, when I come ...

Psalm 117

Praise God, you nations Give Praise to the Many-Named One. Who is compassionate and merciful to all the peoples of the earth

Saturday, April 15, 2006

Psalm 118

Give thanks to the Holy One, who is good whose mercy endures forever. I called on God in my distress God answered my prayers God is with m...

Friday, April 14, 2006

Psalm 119 v. 1-8

Happy are they who live lives of righteousness, who walk the Way of God. Happy are they who live with integrity and seek wisdom with all ...

Thursday, April 13, 2006

Psalm 119 v. 9-16

The great end in religious instruction is not to stamp our minds upon the young, but to awaken their own.- William Ellery Channing What shal...

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

Psalm 119 v. 17-24

Open my eyes that I may see glimpses of truth thou hast for me open my eyes, illumine me Spirit Divine” -Cris Williamson Be generous to me, ...

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Psalm 119 v. 25-49

Touch my heart, O God, for I feel defeated. Overcome by sorrow, bewildered by the world and its ways. I don’t know how to be good. I’m...

Monday, April 10, 2006

Psalm 119 v.49-72

Your Way lives in my heart it gives me hope in times of doubt and dryness. I understand this Way uniquely, so it is mine and I cherish it. I...

Saturday, April 08, 2006

Psalm 119 v. 73-80

Your hands have made me and fashioned me— gave me understanding, that I may live fully in You. Your handiwork in me shows Your love to those...

Psalm 119 v. 81-88

I long to feel your touch in my heart, O God. My eyes are strained from watching in the dark. My heart is aching for comfort. My soul feels ...

Psalm 119 v. 89-104

Dear God, The seed of your love is deep within every molecule of the universe, and it abides through time. The laws of the cosmos serve your...

Psalm 119 v. 105-112

The Way it is a light on my path. The Way I have a part in keeping it. The Way steadies me in troubles. The Way tea...

Friday, April 07, 2006

Psalm 119 v. 113-128

Oh, how I hate my divided heart and how I long for simplicity! But I tear around desiring interests and responsibilities. Will you hold me e...

Psalm 119 v. 135-144

Your Way is wonderful. I aim to keep it. I study, and try to understand. I sigh, “Turn to me, as is your way with those who love you. Help m...

Thursday, April 06, 2006

Psalm 119 v.145-161

With my whole heart and my complete devotion, I give you my life. I sit in your presence each morning I commend you my life before I sleep. ...

Wednesday, April 05, 2006

Psalm 119 v. 161-176

I have found a great treasure. and I am glad. Your love and law are written in my heart. I have known peace. I praise you though the day you...

Monday, April 03, 2006

Psalm 120 A Prayer

When I am troubled, I call on God “Deliver me, Holy One, from entanglements within and without. For I am appalled at the mess that is me And...

Psalm 121 The Hills

I lift my eyes to the hills. From whence will my help come? My help comes from the creativity of the cosmos Which is making the heavens and ...

Psalm 122 -The Temple

I was glad when they said to me, Let us go to a sacred place A place where the divine is to give thanks. Though I know That God is everywher...

Sunday, April 02, 2006

Psalm 123- Starry Skies

I gaze at the starry skies Drawn to every tiny light. Drawn to what I know of each one’s unfathomable distance, astounding size, profound ag...

Pslam 124-- Guide

If it were not for you, Eternal One, I would have sunk lower than low, over and over again. But you showed me a light, lent me a h...

Psalm 125 -Albuquerque

My centeredness in God makes me solid like the mountain. Boulders fall, pebbles cascade, but the core stands strong. The mountains shelter t...

Psalm 126-- Free At Last

When we found ourselves free, we couldn’t believe it. We wandered around, dazed with joy. People shook their heads and said, “God has done ...

Saturday, April 01, 2006

Psalm 127- A Solid House

Unless the house is built solid, and for the right reasons, the work is in vain. When the right thing is done at the right time, it endures ...

Psalm 128 - The Creation of Peace

You are blessed, who know God’s grace and who follow the Way of Life. Happiness and contentment are yours. Your home is a place of growth an...

Psalm 129 -- Yes!

"For all that has been -- thanks! To all that shall be -- Yes! -Dag Hammarskjold Can I thank you in truth, for the difficulties of my...

Psalm 130

Out of my depths, O God, I cry to you. Are you there? I know I’m far from perfect, but if perfection were required, who would pass muster? S...

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Psalm 131

I am humbled, O God, by the world's majesty and by your love. I know that I will never understand it all. It's too hard for me. But ...

Psalm 132

Nothing we do is completed in this lifetime Therefore we are saved by hope. -Reinhold Neighbur As David searched the Middle East for the Ark...

Psalm 133

When we are at peace with those around us-- neither defending nor encroaching, but together without stress, What a blessing! What a luxury! ...

Wednesday, March 22, 2006

Psalm 134 Be Thankful

Be thankful servants of God, You who wait for God. Be thankful all the days of your life. Be thankful for the beauty of the earth. And the O...

Psalm 135-God's Work

Hallelujah! Praise God, You who call yourself a servant of the most high. Praise God, whose goodness and bounty makes history. God’s storm f...