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 21, 2008

I. Readings
Psalms 6, 20, 88
Malachi 3:1-12
James 5:7-12
Luke 18:1-8

II. Selections
Psalm 88:3
For my soul is full of troubles,
and my life draws near to Sheol.

Malachi 3:7c
Return to me, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts. But you say, "How shall we return?"

James 5:8
You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.

Luke 18:7-8
" ...And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" [ Jesus to his disciples]

III. Meditation: How shall I return? ;

When I am brought low, or bring myself low, it is hard to return to you, O God. How shall I return? When my soul is full of troubles, how can I reach out to find you? You say that I must be patient. You promise that you will answer quickly, granting justice to those who cry out to you day and night. Do not delay, for I am weak and faltering, and my life draws near to Sheol. Do not delay, lest when you come, you find no faith. Return to me, I pray.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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