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.

November 14, 2008

I. Readings
Psalms 32, 130, 139
Joel 2:28-3:8
James 1:16-27
Luke 16:1-9

II. Selections
Psalm 130:7
O Israel, hope in the LORD!
For with the LORD there is steadfast love,
and with him is great power to redeem.

Joel 2:28
Then afterward
I will pour out my spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your old men shall dream dreams,
and your young men shall see visions.

James 1:21
Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls.

Luke 16:8a
" ...And the master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly ... " [ Jesus to his disciples]


III. Meditation: Pour out your Spirit

We hope in you, for with you there is steadfast love and great power to redeem. Pour out your Spirit, and let us with meekness welcome the Word who has the power to save, that we may rid ourselves of what is sordid and wicked, and act shrewdly and decisively in your behalf. In the name of Jesus.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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