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.

October 30, 2005

I. Readings
Psalms 103, 117, 139
Nehemiah 5:1-9
Acts 20:7-12
Luke 12:22-31

II. Selections
Psalm 103:2
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and do not forget all his benefits ...

Nehemiah 5:7
After thinking it over, I brought charges against the nobles and the officials; I said to them, "You are all taking interest from your own people." And I called a great assembly to deal with them ...

Acts 20:10
But Paul went down, and bending over him took him in his arms, and said, "Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him."

Luke 12:29-31
And do not keep striving for what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not keep worrying. For it is the nations of the world that strive after all these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, strive for his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.

III. Meditation: Focus on the kingdom
We bless your name and remember all your benefits. We are alarmed over many things, but in you is power to heal. Especially make us realize how unnecessary are our worries over material things. You know our real needs, and you provide for them. Keep our focus on your kingdom-including how to deal with those who, through abuse of power, oppress the poor and helpless.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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