Today’s post comes from the Rev. Christine Robinson, from her “Psalms for a New World” project. Rev. Robinson, who serves the First Unitarian Church of Albuquerque, New Mexico, writes, “I’ve worked with the Book of Psalms periodically over the years in my own meditation and prayer, but always with mixed emotions, because, for all its beauty and wisdom, the Book of Psalms has limits which I found off-putting.”

And so, she improvised her own versions on the themes and ideas in the traditional biblical writings as a spiritual practice, the results of which she has generously posted on a blog for easy reference.

This is one that speaks deeply to me:

Psalm 14: Will we learn?

by Rev. Christine Robinson

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 themselves
The ideals we have and the airs we take on
   seem foolish and vain.
Is there anyone who is wise?
Is there anyone who is just?
Any who treat their neighbors
   as persons of worth and dignity?
or who are centered and mature in their faith?

There is only ourselves; half-wise, attracted
   to justice, trying to be good.
Only ourselves and the ideals that burn like fire in our hearts.

What will open our eyes?
What will soften our greed?
What will give us a passion for justice?

Only the voice that speaks in the longing of our hearts
That lifts our spirits and makes us sing.

Source: Psalm 14: “Will we learn?” by Rev. Christine Robinson, minister of the First Unitarian Church of Albuquerque, NM, posted at Psalms for a New World.

posted with permission from the author