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.

As the Eleven Prayed--June 20, 2017


Lord Jesus, in whom shall we put our trust?
You were able to perceive the craftiness
of those who tried to trick you;
you knew everyone's heart,
including that of the proud.
As the eleven disciples prayed
for your leading, teach us to do so.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 42; 146; 102; 133
1 Sam. 1:21-2:11
Acts 1:15-26
Luke 20:19-26

Selected Verses
Ps. 146:3
Do not put your trust in princes,
          in mortals, in whom there is no help. 

1 Sam. 1:3a
"…Talk no more so very proudly,
          let not arrogance come from your mouth…"  [Hannah's prayer]

Acts 1:24
Then [the eleven disciples] prayed and said, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart.  Show us which one of these two you have chosen…" 

Luke 20:23a
But [Jesus] perceived [his questioners'] craftiness… 

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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