Our Help Is In the Name of God

This meditation is based on a passage for May 9, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Psalm 124

Reflection and Question: The word “thanks” is not found in this short psalm, yet it is a vivid expression of gratitude for God’s help in the face of danger. One image that sticks out in this poem is to be “prey to their teeth.” A pivotal moment for me in advocacy for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people came at a retreat where the worship leader had us sing the Marsha Stevens song, “I Shall Not Behave Like Prey.” This was God’s inspired help to me. Since then I have refused to give myself as prey – for example, to apologize for the beliefs I feel are inspired by the Holy Spirit – and I’ve invited others to do the same. When have you escaped danger by seeing things in a new way?

Prayer: Blessed are You, who are a very Presence to us, a comfort to troubled hearts!
Grant us the strength of eagle wings, the courage to soar to new heights!
Break within us the bonds of fear that we may live with love!
(Psalm 124:6-7, Nan Merrill, Psalms for Praying, p. 272)