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.

April 27, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 47, 68, 113
Exodus 16:10-22
1 Peter 2:11-3:12
John 15:12-27

II. Selections
Psalm 68:5
Father of orphans and protector of widows
is God in his holy habitation.

Exodus 16:18
But when they measured [ the manna they had gathered] with an omer, those who gathered much had nothing over, and those who gathered little had no shortage; they gathered as much as each of them needed.

1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind.

John 15:12
" ...This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. ..." [ Jesus, to his disciples]

III. Meditation: As you have loved us
God, grant us unity of spirit,
sympathy, love for one another,
a tender heart, and a humble mind.

Give us strength to obey your commandment
that we love one another, as you have loved us;
like you, to care for the orphan and protect the widow.

When we measure our portion of the world's resources,
may our measuring cup hold no more than our share;
guide us to work for the day when all will have their needs met.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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