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.

July 28, 2007

I. Readings
Psalms 56, 111, 118, 149
2 Samuel 1:1-16
Acts 15:22-35
Mark 6:1-13

II. Selections
Psalm 111:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever.

2 Samuel 1:12
[ David and his men] mourned and wept, and fasted until evening for Saul and for his son Jonathan, and for the army of the LORD and for the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword.

Acts 15:32
Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers.

Mark 6:2
On the sabbath [ Jesus] began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, "Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! ... "

III. Meditation: On wisdom

The beginning of wisdom is to fear you;
the fullness of wisdom is what we learn from Jesus.

Teach us the wisdom of Jesus,
that we may encourage and strengthen others.

As he wept with those who wept,
teach us to mourn with those who mourn.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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