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.


If Suffering Comes--May 21, 2012



Our help and our shield, in whom we trust--
we may believe we have authority; but our
authority is nothing compared to yours.

If suffering comes to those we love,
give us strength and courage; and
save us from despair and fright.

May we not lose heart, for you
are with us wherever we go.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 97; 145; 124; 115
Josh. 1:1-9
Eph. 3:1-13
Matt. 8:5-17

Selected Verses
Ps. 115:9
O Israel, trust in the LORD!
      He is their help and their shield.

Josh. 1:9
"…I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." [The LORD to Joshua]

Eph. 3:13
I pray therefore that you may not lose heart over my sufferings for you; they are your glory.

Matt. 8:8-9a
The centurion answered [Jesus], "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; but only speak the word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me…"
Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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