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 30, 2007

I. Readings
Psalms 89:1-18, 89:19-52, 93
1 Samuel 1:1-2, 7b-28
Colossians 1:9-20
Luke 2:22-40

II. Selections
Psalm 89:46a
How long, O LORD? Will you hide yourself forever?

1Samuel 1:27
" ...For this child I prayed; and the LORD has granted me the petition that I made to him. ... " [ Hannah to Eli]

Colossians 1:11-12a
May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father ...

Luke 2:28-30
Simeon took [ the child Jesus] in his arms, and praised God, saying,
"Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word;
for my eyes have seen your salvation ... "

III. Meditation: Grant the petition

Grant the petition we make to you;
how long will you hide yourself?

Make us strong with all the strength
that comes from your glorious power,

to endure everything with patience
while joyfully giving thanks to you.

Let our eyes see your salvation, and
then dismiss your servants in peace.

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