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.

Of Whom Shall I Be Afraid?--Jan. 11, 2020



Your disciples were afraid, Lord Jesus,
and you calmed their fear.
When I am afraid, calm mine.

You are the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
I have but little power,
yet you set before me
an open door which
no one is able to shut.

Help me forget the former troubles;
hide them from my sight.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 46; 149; 27; 93
Isa. 65:13-16
Rev. 3:7-13
John 6:15-27

Selected Verses
Ps. 27:1
The LORD is my light and my salvation;
          whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life;
          of whom shall I be afraid?

Isa. 65:16b
…because the former troubles are forgotten and are hidden from my sight.

Rev. 3:8
“I know your works.  Look, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut.  I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.”   [The Holy One, to the angel of the church in Philadelphia]

John 6:20
But Jesus said to [his disciples], “It is I; do not be afraid.”

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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