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.

How Long Shall the Wicked Exult?--Dec. 6, 2016

[A post election prayer]

O God, how long shall the wicked,
how long shall the wicked exult?
Those who call evil good, and good evil,
who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter,
who put darkness for light, and light for darkness?
Lord, give us the strength to endure all these things,
but remind us in all circumstances to give you thanks,
rejoicing in your love, praying without ceasing.
And remind us--even though heaven and
earth pass away, your words
shall not pass away.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 33; 146; 85; 94
Isa. 5:18-25
1 Thess. 5:12-28
Luke 21:29-38
           
Selected Verses
Ps. 94:3
O LORD, how long shall the wicked,
          how long shall the wicked exult?

Isa. 5:20
Ah, you who call evil good
     and good evil,
who put darkness for light
     and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet
     and sweet for bitter! 

1 Thess. 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 

Luke 21:33, 36
"…Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. …Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."  [Jesus to the people in Jerusalem] 

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