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.

April 01, 2008

I. Readings
Psalms 66, 98, 116
Exodus 15:1-21
1Peter 1:13-25
John 14:18-31

II. Selections
Psalm 66:12
...you let people ride over our heads;
we went through fire and through water;
yet you have brought us out to a spacious place.

Exodus 15:13
" ...In your steadfast love you led the people whom you redeemed;
you guided them by your strength to your holy abode. ... " [ The song of Moses and the Israelites to the LORD]

1Peter 1:22
Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart.

John 14:27
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. ... " [ Jesus to the eleven]

III. Meditation: Your peace-a spacious place

People rode over their heads;
they went through fire and water-
the people whom you redeemed-
but you led them in steadfast love,
you guided them by your strength,
and brought them out to a spacious place.

We would be your people, too.
Make us obedient to your truth,
that you may purify our souls;
fill us with genuine mutual love;
make us love deeply, from the heart;
and grant that we may live in your peace.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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