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 We Walk in the Midst of Trouble--Aug. 19, 2017


In the midst of trouble, Jesus entered Jerusalem
accompanied by shouts of hosanna.
King David fled Jerusalem as curses and stones
were flung at him from the hillside.
Paul faced rioters in Jerusalem, and angered them
by saying he was sent to the Gentiles.
When we walk in trouble, stretch out your hand,
Gracious God, and deliver us, we pray.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 104; 149; 138; 98
2 Sam. 16:1-23
Acts 22:17-29
Mark 11:1-11

Selected Verses
Ps. 138:7
Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
          you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies;
you stretch out your hand,
          and your right hand delivers me. 

2 Sam. 16:12-13
"…It may be that the LORD will look on my distress, and the LORD will repay me with good for this cursing of me today."  So David and his men went on the road, while Shimei went along on the hillside opposite him and cursed as he went, throwing stones and flinging dust at him. 

Acts 22:21-22
"…Then [Jesus] said to me, 'Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.'"  Up to this point [the rioters] listened to [Paul], but then they shouted, "Away with such a fellow from the earth!  For he should not be allowed to live." 

Mark 11:9
Then those who went ahead and those who followed [Jesus] were shouting, "Hosanna!  Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! …"

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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