I am an emeritus professor from Cornell University and was a Commissioned Lay Preacher in the Presbyterian Church (USA). For many years I have followed the Daily Lectionary as printed in the Mission Yearbook of my church. For each day of a two-year cycle, the lectionary lists four psalms and three other scriptural passages--usually one from the Old Testament and two from the New Testament. My practice is to copy down a verse or two from one of the psalms and from each of the other three passages. After I have written out all four selections, I reflect upon them, rearrange their order, and incorporate them into a meditation. Sometimes I retain much of the original wording; sometimes all that remains of a selection is an idea that was stimulated when I read the original words. All selections are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. For the Daily Lectionary, see the link below.

In the Day of Trouble--Sept. 24, 2010


I. Readings
Psalms 88, 148, 6, 20
Esther 8:1-8, 15-17
Acts 19:21-41
Luke 4:31-37

II. Selections
Psalm 20:1
The LORD answer you in the day of trouble!
      The name of the God of Jacob protect you!

Esther 8:16
For the Jews there was light and gladness, joy and honor.

Acts 19:25
These [artisans who made shrines of Artemis] [Demetrius] gathered together, with the workers of the same trade, and said, “Men, you know that we get our wealth from this business. … ”

Luke 4:33-34
In the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, “Let us alone! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are, the Holy One of God.”

III. Meditation

Answer us, Lord, in the day of trouble, and protect us.
Why should we fear that you will destroy us?

If we really knew you, we would be filled with light and gladness;
but we fear you will tell us to leave behind all we value most—
our wealth, security, and honor—and follow you.

We fear that would be the price of your protection policy,
and we aren’t quite certain you would deliver on the deal.

How, then, do we dare approach you in the day of trouble
to ask for your protection? (Or do we also have a demon?)
Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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