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 15, 2008

I. Readings
Psalms 66, 98, 116
Exodus 32:21-34
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
Matthew 5:11-16

II. Selections
Psalm 66:18
If I had cherished iniquity in my heart,
the LORD would not have listened.

Exodus 32:22
And Aaron said [ to Moses], "Do not let the anger of my lord burn hot; you know the people, that they are bent on evil. ... "

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Matthew 5:16
" ...In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. ... " [ Jesus, seated on the mountain, speaking to the crowds]

III. Meditation: Thank you for their light

We are a people bent on evil; forgive us;
in our heart we have cherished iniquity.

Inspire us by the work of faith and labor
of love, the steadfastness of hope in our
Lord Jesus Christ we see in your servants.

We thank you for the way they have let
their light shine before us, that we may
see their good works and give you glory.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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