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 16, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 27, 36, 80
Joel 2:21-27
James 1:1-15
Luke 15:1-2, 11-32

II. Selections
Psalm 27:3
Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear;
though war rise up against me,
yet I will be confident.

Joel 2:21
Do not fear, O soil;
be glad and rejoice,
for the LORD has done great things!

James 1:2-4
My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.

Luke 15:20
" ...So [ the younger son] set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. ... "

III. Meditation: To be feared

What shall we fear?
An army? War? Trials of any kind?
We should fear being far from you,
for you have done great things,
and you are full of compassion.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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