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.

December 13, 2008

I. Readings
Psalms 72, 80, 90
Isaiah 8:1-15
2 Thessalonians 3:6-18
Luke 22:31-38

II. Selections
Psalm 80:13
The boar from the woods ravages [ the vine you brought out of Egypt],
and all that move in the field feed on it.

Isaiah 8:13
But the LORD of hosts, him you shall regard as holy; let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.

2 Thessalonians 3:16
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with all of you.

Luke 22:31
" ...Simon, Simon, listen! Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat ... " [ Jesus]

III. Meditation: Do not fear the boar from the woods

When the boar from the woods ravages your people,
when Satan demands to sift all of them like wheat,
remind us that it is only you we must regard as holy;
be with us always; give us peace, O Lord of peace.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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