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July 14, 2026

God’s Presence Is Everywhere

Cheryl L. Price   |   Read Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24

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Lectionary Week
July 13–19, 2026
Scripture Overview

This week’s readings guide us to the eighth Sunday after Pentecost. Just as God promised land and descendants to Abraham, God confirms these same promises to Abraham’s grandson, Jacob. The psalmist meditates on and takes comfort in the fact that God knows everything and is everywhere, asking God to reveal sins from which the psalmist needs to turn. The Romans passage continues Paul’s reflection on the life in the Spirit. Because we are children of God, we cry out with confidence that God will hear and answer. Jesus tells a parable in Matthew concerning the final judgment. He says that the wicked will be taken first, then the righteous will be gathered together.

Questions and Suggestions for Reflection

Read Genesis 28:10-19a. Identify a time when you recognized God’s plan for you.
Read Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24. List three moments in the psalm when you connect with God’s presence. What is holding you back from inviting God to search your heart?
Read Romans 8:12-25. Paul emphasizes hope. Explain the significance of hope for believers.
Read Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43. Why is it challenging to know the truth about someone?

Respond by posting a prayer.

Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24

1 LORD, you have examined me. You know me. 2 You know when I sit down and when I stand up. Even from far away, you comprehend my plans. 3 You study my traveling and resting. You are thoroughly familiar with all my ways. 4 There isn’t a word on my tongue, LORD, that you don’t already know completely. 5 You surround me—front and back. You put your hand on me. 6 That kind of knowledge is too much for me; it’s so high above me that I can’t fathom it. 7 Where could I go to get away from your spirit? Where could I go to escape your presence? 8 If I went up to heaven, you would be there. If I went down to the grave, you would be there too! 9 If I could fly on the wings of dawn, stopping to rest only on the far side of the ocean 10 even there your hand would guide me; even there your strong hand would hold me tight! 11 If I said, “The darkness will definitely hide me; the light will become night around me,” 12 even then the darkness isn’t too dark for you! Nighttime would shine bright as day, because darkness is the same as light to you! 23 Examine me, God! Look at my heart! Put me to the test! Know my anxious thoughts! 24 Look to see if there is any idolatrous way in me, then lead me on the eternal path!

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are from the Common English Bible. Copyright © 2011 Common English Bible. Used by permission.

I once knew a woman who had been fired from her job. She did not know what to do, feeling lost, alone, and unsure. She prayed to God, saying, “Lord, help me.” As she turned to read scripture to find support, her mind began to rethink her circumstances: “My help...

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Lord, we are thankful you never leave us. Guide us to walk with you. Amen.


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