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.

August 13, 2008

I. Readings
Psalms 1, 33, 89:1-18
Judges 13:15-24
Acts 6:1-15
John 4:1-26

II. Selections
Psalms 33:11
The counsel of the LORD stands forever,
the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

Judges 13:18
But the angel of the LORD said to [ Manoah], "Why do you ask my name? It is too wonderful."

Acts 6:3
" ...Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task ..." [ the twelve to the whole community of the disciples]

John 4:11
The woman said to [ Jesus], "Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? ... "

III. Meditation: No bucket

We have no bucket to draw up your living water,
the well is deep, and your name too wonderful for us;
but your counsel stands forever-the thoughts of your
heart to all generations. Fill us with your Spirit and wisdom.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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