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.

I Have Many Fears--Nov. 21, 2010

Lord Jesus, I have many fears;
and I am easily intimidated—
is it because in my heart
I do not sanctify you as Lord?

When you entered Jerusalem,
the whole city was in turmoil.
They asked who you were;
often I have asked the same.

I need your help against the foe;
I pray you, enter my heart
as you entered Jerusalem—
triumphant and victorious!

Lectionary Readings
Psalms 108, 150, 66, 23
Zechariah 9:9-16
1 Peter 3:13-22
Matthew 21:1-13

Selected Verses
Psalm 108:12
O grant us help against the foe,
      for human help is worthless.

Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion!
      Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem!
Lo, your king comes to you;
      triumphant and victorious is he,
humble and riding on a donkey,
      on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

1 Peter 3:14-15a
But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord.

Matthew 21:10
When [Jesus] entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?”

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