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.

July 25, 2005

I. Readings
Psalms 47, 57, 85
2 Samuel 2:1-11
Acts 15:36-16:5
Mark 6:14-29

II. Selections
Ps. 57:7-8a
My heart is steadfast, O God,
my heart is steadfast.
I will sing and make melody.
Awake, my soul!

2 Sam. 2:7
" ...Therefore let your hands be strong, and be valiant; for Saul your lord is dead, and the house of Judah has anointed me king over them." [ David]

Acts 15:38
But Paul decided not to take with them one who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not accompanied them in the work.

Mark 6:21
But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee.

III. Meditation: Strong hands, steadfast heart
Is my heart steadfast in what you would have me hold on to, or do I look for an opportunity to disobey you? Are my hands strong to do your work, or hesitant to go with you? Awake my soul, that I may sing and make melody in glad celebration.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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