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.

Our Stronghold in Times of Trouble--May 12, 2021

[From May 29, 2019 archive]

 

In times of trouble, you are a stronghold, O God, 

and surely times of trouble come to us all.  

Suddenly there is an accident, or a serious illness,

and we are devastated.  Why did it happen?

We turn to you — but find no answer.  

 

Nevertheless, we know your name,

and knowing it, we put our trust in you. 

You have not forsaken those who seek you.  

The prayer of the righteous is powerful 

and effective; we will pray for one another. 

 

And we will strive for your kingdom,

while we depend on you to provide.

 

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 99; 147:1-11; 9; 118

Deut. 19:1-7

James 5:13-18

Luke 12:22-31

 

Selected Verses 

Ps. 9:9-10

The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, 
          a stronghold in times of trouble. 
And those who know your name put their trust in you, 
          for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.

 

Deut. 19:5a

Suppose someone goes into the forest with another to cut wood, and when one of them swings the ax to cut down a tree, the head slips from the handle and strikes the other person who then dies…

 

James 5:16

Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed.  The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. 

 

Luke 12:29, 31

"…And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying.  …Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well."  [Jesus, to his disciples]


Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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