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 08, 2008

I. Readings
Psalms 66, 98, 116
Exodus 19:1-16
Colossians 1:1-14
Matthew 3:7-12

II. Selections
Psalm 98:4
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song and sing praises.

Exodus 19:9
Then the LORD said to Moses, "I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, in order that the people may hear when I speak with you and so trust you ever after."

Colossians 1:11-12
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, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light.

Matthew 3:8
" ...Bear fruit worthy of repentance. ... " [ John the Baptizer to the Pharisees and Sadducees]

III. Meditation: Break forth into joyous song

Let all the earth make a joyful noise
to you, O God; let us break forth
into joyous song and sing praises.

Make us strong with all the strength
that comes from your glorious power;
and prepare us to endure everything
with patience, joyfully giving thanks.

To Moses and the people you came
in a dense cloud; even so, we did not
remember your words or trust you.
May we bear fruit worthy of repentance.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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