Monday, June 30, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Psalm 16

Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.”

As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble,
in whom is all my delight.
Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names upon my lips.

The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
I have a goodly heritage.

I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
I keep the Lord always before me
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices;
my body also rests secure.
For you do not give me up to Sheol,
or let your faithful one see the Pit.

You show me the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (NRSV)

Reflection

As we come to the end of PRIDE month, I think of all the things God has done to make me feel safe as a gay man. For I believe God made me this way, and that while my sexuality is a gift, there are definitely challenges to being LGBTQIA+.

And to deal with these challenges I was blessed with parents and a family who loved me when I told them I was gay. I’ve been blessed with friends and colleagues who have loved and supported me as I dealt with how open to be. I’ve been blessed with a husband who loves and cares for me as we journey through life together. And with a church that now celebrates me and all in the LGBTQIA+ community. All of which gives me strength to deal with the inevitable challenges I face.

I am also grateful that my experience has made me more accepting and compassionate of all God’s children as they deal with the many struggles life presents them.

For all of this I am incredibly grateful.

Prayer

Dear Creator God, thank you! For the gift of my sexuality. For loving me. For keeping me safe. For helping me find an extended faith family who accepts and celebrates me and the LGBTQIA+ community. And for making me a more loving, empathetic person as a result. Please help me help those who struggle, that they may feel safe in your love as well. In Jesus’ name, I offer this prayer. Amen.

Written by Ed Miller, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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