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.


God…Among Us or Not?--April 21, 2012



God, are you among us or not?

When we walk through the darkest valley?
When we speak for you, or serve in your name?

You were with Jesus, even when he was alone;
as you were with him, be also with us.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 92; 149; 23; 114
Exod. 17:1-16
1 Peter 4:7-19
John 16:16-33

Selected Verses
Ps. 23:4
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
      I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
      your rod and your staff —
      they comfort me.

Exod. 17:7
[Moses] called the place Massah and Meribah, because the Israelites quarreled and tested the LORD, saying, "Is the LORD among us or not?"

1 Peter 4:11a
Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ.

John 16:32
"…The hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each one to his home, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. …" [Jesus to his disciples]

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