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.

Words for Our Time of Trial--Aug. 24, 2013


 In our time of trial, speak through us, Holy Spirit.
When we have nothing to write, nothing to say,
may we have no worry beforehand, for your
word will be given to us, on our tongue.
But, dear God, if other words fail us,
these are always words to use--
we give you thanks, for you
are good; your steadfast
love endures forever.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 56; 149; 118; 111
2 Sam. 23:1-7, 13-17
Acts 25:13-27
Mark 13:1-13

Selected Verses
Ps. 118:1
O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;
          his steadfast love endures forever!

2 Sam. 23:2 
The spirit of the LORD speaks through me,
          his word is upon my tongue.

Acts 25:26
"…But I have nothing definite to write to our sovereign about him.  …"  [Festus to King Agrippa, speaking about Paul]

Mark 13:11
"…When they bring you to trial and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say; but say whatever is given you at that time, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.  …"  [Jesus to Peter, James, John, and Andrew]

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