Writing a Psalm for Clara
Clara Lynne Rose Falco - born April 23. 2020.
There are 150 Psalms in the Bible. 150 poems, songs, and prayers. I love the beautiful imagery that is imbedded within them, as well as the raw emotion that’s present in every line. Whenever I read them and remember the stories of the people who wrote them, I instantly feel connected to their expressions. Whenever I go through situations similar to a certain psalm or psalmist, I find myself drawn to those writings as my own prayers. Let me give a few examples:
When I’m seeking confidence in God, I turn to Psalm 23 to remind myself that:
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing…
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.”
When it feels like the earth is sinking beneath my feet, I turn to Psalm 46, which tells us:
“God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea”
When I need a reminder to walk with God, I remember Psalm 1, which declares that:
“Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked…
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.”
And when I’ve messed things up and need forgiveness, I find myself in Psalm 51, asking:
“Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.”
The practice of praying the Psalms isn’t new. They have been used by people of faith since they were first written to help us navigate life’s many journeys. Psalms like these help us to express our own emotions to God. They invite us to bring whatever is on our hearts - the good, the bad, and the ugly - before Him, trusting that He longs to hear us. God invites us into dialogue so that we can experience Him through a relationship. Not only does God want to listen to us, but He also longs to speak. If we take the time to do so, God will reveal Himself to us in unique and powerful ways.
Since the Psalms are people's own prayers, poems, and songs that express thankfulness, praise, sorrow, pain, or lament before God, it would also follow that whenever we do the same, we too are creating quasi-Psalms. Perhaps you have done this already by journaling, writing a song or a letter to God, or just allowing yourself time to express your emotions to Him. A very recent and significant experience led me to do just that.
On April 23, Jessica and I welcomed our first child into the world. It was one of those moments that evoked such great emotion for me. There was stress and worry, but it was quickly overshadowed by joy and thanksgiving when we saw Clara Lynne Rose for the first time. The first few weeks of her life have been difficult, especially as we learn what it means to be new parents, but every moment with her makes me want to shout praises to God for this beautiful gift of life.
So today I write my own Psalm about my experience of these last two weeks.
All powerful and gracious God!
Your love has never been more tangible to me than now.
As I hold Clara Lynne Rose in my hands,
I more clearly understand your gift of life.
If you, the creator of all things made life this beautiful,
I can’t even imagine how beautiful you are.
I thank you and praise you for you made me,
And in Clara I see your handiwork all over again.
I give thanks to you, O God,
For the family you placed me in,
For the community that raised me,
And for the place I now call my home.
I give thanks to you, O God,
For the health and strength you give us,
For your daily provision and protection,
And for your love and grace, which never fail.
I give thanks to you, O God,
For those who care for us during this COVID-19 pandemic,
For the amazing health care workers who helped bring Clara into the world,
And for our community who continues to show us so much love and support.
I give thanks to you, O God,
For my life-partner and mother of my child,
For the time we’ve had together before our baby’s arrival,
And for the many years ahead as we grow our family.
I give thanks to you, O God,
For Clara Lynne Rose,
For the joy and delight she brings to our world,
And for her future which you hold in your hands.
All powerful and gracious God!
Your love has never been more tangible to me than now.
Grant me wisdom, guidance, strength, patience, and love,
So I can be the father you call me to be.
Amen.