“Psalms of Our Hearts”

Over the season of Lent, members of New Journey Lutheran gathered to study the biblical language of lament. The study concluded with a challenge to write the “psalms of our hearts.” Following the form and elements commonly found in lament psalms of the Psalter, we wrote our own laments on current issues close to our hearts.

We share the psalms for you to read and mediate and pray—

A Psalm for God’s Creation:

O God, Creator,

You have said your creation was good.

And yet, your people face loss after loss:

destruction of the earth, on one another,

of capacities to deliberate and collaborate,

on potential remedies,

and it keeps getting worse.

We are taught that even the lilies of the field have your attention and care.

Where are you in all of this?

For how long must we wait to see evidence of your attention?

Death, oppression, cries of magnitudes beyond our comprehension

leave us overwhelmed and in despair,

with no end in sight.

You have been with us before;

please be with us now.

We need to see your care in tangible response to our fears and cries for help.

Even as we struggle, we continue to trust that you value your creation.

Give us light so that we can discern a path ahead,

finding hope and joy

in all that you have created.

Amen.

A Psalm for the Border Crisis:

How long, O Lord, will borders divide us?

Your people are hopeless.

Fleeing violence, death threats, hunger.

Your people need a place to call home.

We remember, O God, how you led your people out of slavery in Egypt.

We remember, O God, how you led your people home after captivity.

We remember, O God, how you saved your Son from Herod and brought him to safety.

Act now—

Grant safety,

Grant welcome,

Grant us soft hearts.

For you are our refuge.

In you, we know safety.

In you, we know welcome.

In you, our hearts soften.

When those who flee are welcomed as brothers and sister among us—we will praise your name.

When those who flee are valued for their gifts—we will praise your name.

When we are no longer divided—we will praise your name forever.