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 09, 2007

I. Readings
Psalms 24, 25, 110
Amos 6:1-14
2 Thessalonians 1:5-12
Luke 1:57-68

II. Selections
Psalm 25:5
Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all day long.

Amos 6:6
...who drink wine from bowls,
and anoint themselves with the finest oils,
but are not grieved over the ruin of Joseph!

2 Thessalonians 1:5
This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, and is intended to make you worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering.

Luke 1:68
"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them. ... "
[ Zechariah, father of John the Baptist]

III. Meditation: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel

You have looked favorably on your people
and redeemed them. Lead us in your truth
and teach us, for you are the God of our
salvation; for you we wait all day long.

To enter your kingdom may mean suffering;
certainly it is not to live a life of luxury-
rare wines, anointment with fine oils,
unconcern over the ruin of others.

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