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.

December 31, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 45, 96, 98
Isaiah 26:1-6
2 Corinthians 5:16-6:2
John 8:12-19

II. Selections
Psalm 45:1
My heart overflows with a goodly theme;
I address my verses to the king;
my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.

Isaiah 26:3
Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace-
in peace because they trust in you.

2 Corinthians 5:18
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation ...

John 8:12
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life."

III. Meditation: A goodly theme

My heart overflows with a goodly theme,
as I address my verses, to you, my King;
make my tongue like the pen of a ready scribe.

Lead us out of our world of darkness,
lead us by the light of Christ,
who reconciles us to you.

Give us steadfast minds,
that we may trust in you,
and trusting, live in peace.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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