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.

May 18, 2007

I. Readings
Psalms 49, 96, 138, 148
Ezekiel 1:28-3:3
Hebrews 4:14-5:6
Luke 9:28-36

II. Selections
Psalm 148:7-8
Praise the LORD from the earth,
you sea monsters and all deeps,
fire and hail, snow and frost,
stormy wind fulfilling his command!

Ezekiel 2:4
The descendants are impudent and stubborn. I am sending you to them, and you shall say to them, "Thus says the Lord GOD."

Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Luke 9:30-31
Suddenly [ Peter, James, and John] saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to [ Jesus]. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.

III. Meditation: Even sea monsters

Even the sea monsters praise you,
even fire and hail, snow and frost-
stormy wind fulfilling your command.

But your people are impudent and stubborn,
though you speak to us through your prophets-
Moses, Elijah, and Jesus, who is more than prophet.

Because he is also savior, with boldness we approach
your throne of grace, there to receive mercy
and find grace to help us in our need.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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