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 17, 2007

I. Readings
Psalms 40, 67, 122
Zechariah 1:7-17
Revelation 3:7-13
Matthew 24:15-31

II. Selections
Psalm 67:4
Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you judge the peoples with equity
and guide the nations upon earth.

Zechariah 1:16
Therefore, thus says the LORD, I have returned to Jerusalem with compassion; my house shall be built in it, says the LORD of hosts, and the measuring line shall be stretched out over Jerusalem.

Revelation 3:16
" ...I know your works. Look, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. ... " [ The Son of Man to the angel of the church in Philadelphia]

Matthew 24:27
" ...For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. ... " [ Jesus to his disciples]

III. Meditation: What we know

God, you know; you know
our works. We have but little
power, yet you have set before us
an open door, which no one is able to
shut. You know our works; but we don't
know how to predict your works, any more
than the lightning that flashes from east to west.
But we do know that you come with compassion,
with a measuring line stretched out over us.
And we know that you judge with equity
to guide us through the door you have
opened before us. And we know
for sure we have every reason
to be glad and sing for joy.
Help us keep your word
and praise your name.

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