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.

When in Clouds and Thick Darkness--July 18, 2016


When clouds and thick darkness
are all around you, O God,
and we cannot find you;
when our hearts melt
and turn to water;
when our flesh is weak
though our spirit is willing;
and we pray not to come
to the time of trial;
then help us.
Help us put on
the Lord Jesus Christ.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 135; 145; 97; 112
Josh. 7:1-13
Rom. 13:8-14
Matt. 26:36-46
           
Selected Verses
Ps. 97:2
Clouds and thick darkness are all around the LORD;
          righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. 

Josh. 7:5b
The hearts of the people melted and turned to water.

Rom. 13:14
Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Matt. 26:41
"…Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."  [Jesus to Peter, James, and John]
Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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