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 29, 2007

I. Readings
Psalms 46, 67, 93, 150
2 Samuel 1:17-27
Romans 12:9-21
Matthew 25:31-46

II. Selections
Psalm 46:5
God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved;
God will help it when the morning dawns.

2 Samuel 1: 27
How the mighty have fallen,
and the weapons of war have perished!

Romans 12:18
If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Matthew 25:40
"And the king will answer [ the righteous], 'Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.' ..." [ Jesus to his disciples]

III. Meditation: Help us.

With you in our midst,
we shall not be moved;
soon you will help us.

When the mighty have fallen,
the weapons of war perished,
soon you will help us.

Help us live peaceably with all;
help us care for those in need-
help us to help you help us.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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