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.

In a Time of Great Suffering--July 10, 2020


God, you take thought
for the poor and needy.

In a time of great suffering
we call upon you to be saved.

Go before us and be with us.
Do not fail us or forsake us.

Then we will not fear,
will not be dismayed.

You are our help and deliverer,
do not delay, O our God—
we trust in you.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 84; 148; 25; 40
Deut: 31:7-13, 31:24-32:4
Rom. 10:1-13
Matt. 24:15-31

Selected Verses
Ps. 40:17
As for me, I am poor and needy,
          but the Lord takes thought for me.
You are my help and my deliverer;
          do not delay, O my God.

Deut: 31:8
“…It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”  [Moses, to Joshua]

Rom. 10:12-13
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him.  For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Matt. 24:21
“…For at that time there will be great suffering, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.  …”  [Jesus, to his disciples]

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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