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.

September 03, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 23, 66, 108
Job 11:1-9, 13-20
Revelation 5:1-14
Matthew 5:1-12

II. Selections
Psalm 23:1
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.

Job 11:13
" ...If you direct your heart rightly,
you will stretch out your hands to him. ... "
[ Zophar the Naamathite to Job]

Revelation 5:13b
"To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might
forever and ever!"
[ Song of angels standing around the heavenly throne]

Matthew 5:7
" ...Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. ... " [ Jesus teaching the crowds on the mountain]

III. Meditation: Shepherd and Lamb

Shepherd to us,
and Lamb slaughtered for us-
in your mercy direct our hearts to you,
as we stretch out our hands to you;
and make us merciful.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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