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.

August 23, 2005

I. Readings
Psalms 28, 54, 99
1 Kings 1:32-2:46
Acts 26:24-27:8
Mark 13:28-37

II. Selections
Ps. 28:3
Do not drag me away with the wicked,
with those who are workers of evil,
who speak peace with their neighbors,
while mischief is in their hearts.

1 Kings 1:35
You shall go up following [ Solomon]. Let him enter and sit on my throne; he shall be king in my place; for I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and over Judah." [ David, speaking to Zadok, Nathan, and Benaiah]

Acts 26:27-28
King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe." Agrippa said to Paul, "Are you so quickly persuading me to become a Christian?"

Mark 13:33
Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come.

III. Meditation: Beware, keep alert
God, do not let us be dragged down with those who are workers of evil, who speak peace with their neighbors, while mischief is in their hearts. We do not know when the time will come. With no forewarning David presented Solomon an opportunity, and he seized it. Paul suddenly offered Agrippa an opportunity, but he dodged it. Keep us alert and aware of your presence, that we may take the moment that you provide.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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