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.

November 15, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 4, 15, 48
Joel 2:12-19
Revelation 19:11-21
Luke 15:1-10

II. Selections
Psalm 4:8
I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
for you alone, O LORD, make me lie down in safety.

Joel 2:17c
" ...Why should it be said among the peoples,
'Where is their God?'"

Revelation 19:11
Then I saw heaven opened, and there was a white horse! Its rider is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.

Luke 15:1
Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming near to listen to [ Jesus].

III. Meditation: You make me lie down in safety.

Some may see you as righteous judge and warrior,
but I remember you as the one who attracted sinners;
they came and listened to you.

Others may scoff and ask where you are;
but I will both lie down and sleep in peace,
for you alone make me lie down in safety.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)