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.

January 20, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 32, 130, 139
Genesis 11:27-12:8
Hebrews 7:1-17
John 4:16-26

II. Selections
Psalm 32:2
Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

Genesis 12:4
So Abram went, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him.

Hebrews 7:2b
His name [ Melchizedek of Salem], in the first place, means "king of righteousness"; next he is also king of Salem, that is, "king of peace."

John 4:21
Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe me, the hour is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.

III. Meditation: Righteousness and peace
Righteousness and peace belong together;
both come from you.
To go where you tell us is part of righteousness
and it brings peace.
Honest confession of our sin and receiving your pardon
is necessary to righteousness and peace.
Worshiping you in our hearts-
that is key to peace and righteousness.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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