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 07, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 26, 116, 130
Job 16:16-22, 17:1, 13-16
Acts 13:1-12
John 9:1-17

II. Selections
Psalm 116:5
Gracious is the LORD, and righteous;
our God is merciful.

Job 17:15-16
" ...where then is my hope?
Who will see my hope?
Will it go down to the bars of Sheol?
Shall we descend together into the dust?" [ Job]

Acts 13:2
While [ members of the church at Antioch] were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."

John 9:4
" ...We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. ... " [ Jesus to his disciples]

III. Meditation: Night is coming

Night is coming, when no one can work.
Where then is our hope? ;
Who will see our hope?
Shall we descend together into the dust?

No, for you are gracious,
you are righteous and merciful,
and you have set us apart
for the work to which you have called us.

While it is day,
we will work your works;
and when it is night,
we will trust your mercy.

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