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.

With Deep Searchings of Heart--Aug. 1, 2014


[From Aug. 3, 2012 archive]

You tell us not to be afraid--you know
we are searching for the crucified one.

Sometimes we sneer, conclude this is all foolishness,
those who told of it must have been filled with new wine.

Still, with deep searchings of heart we seek after him;
be gracious to us, O God, for we are languishing.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 88; 148; 6; 20
Judg. 5:1-18
Acts 2:1-21
Matt. 28:1-10

Selected Verses
Ps. 6:2
Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing;
          O LORD, heal me, for my bones are shaking with terror.

Judg. 5:15c
"…Among the clans of Reuben there were great searchings of heart.  …"  [from the song of Deborah and Barak]

Acts 2:13
But others sneered and said, "[The ones speaking in other languages] are filled with new wine."

Matt. 28:5
But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified.  …"
Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)