Wednesday, May 20, 2020  

Today’s Hymn
Almighty God, your lofty throne
has justice for its cornerstone,
a strong support that never dies,
established changeless in the skies.

With blessing is the nation crowned
whose people know the joyful sound;
they in the light, O Lord, shall live,
the light your face and favor give

“My Song Forever Shall Record” (vv. 3–4),
from The New Metrical Version of the Psalms
Hymn 67, Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal

Reflection
I struggled a little writing a devotion on this hymn. In ordinary times I would write about how we are the cornerstone of God’s throne and the need for us to fight for justice in our world. And in these extraordinary times, as injustices are highlighted by this unforgiving disease, I instead feel more helpless than ever.

As I do my part to “Stay Home, Save Lives,” I have become a privileged bystander as vulnerable communities disproportionally work essential services and risk their lives to provide food, sanitation, health care, transportation, and the many other services that keep the world turning during the shutdown. People having to choose between a paycheck and their health. The injustice of people losing their jobs and their health insurance because of a medical crisis.

I question if I am failing to be the cornerstone we are called to be in this moment. I count my blessings in this moment: they are countless. But I struggle to remember the “joyful sound,” instead filled with the overwhelming silence of isolation. This moment is a call to action, to do better, fight harder, to not go back to “normal.”

Prayer
God, be with those who are most vulnerable. Be with us as we confront the injustice in our world. Help me to not become complacent with what is, but to be your cornerstone for justice. Help us to live out your will, on earth even as it is in heaven. Amen.

Written by Katie Patterson, Youth Ministry Program Manager

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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