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 11, 2010

Like Thomas, We Ask

I. Readings
Psalms 93, 150, 136, 117
Exodus 14:5-22
1 John 1:1-7
John 14:1-7

II. Selections
Psalm 136:26
O give thanks to the God of heaven,
for his steadfast love endures forever.

Exodus 14:20a
[The pillar of cloud] came between the army of Egypt and the army of Israel.

1 John 1:1
We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life…

John 14:5
Thomas said to [Jesus], “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”

III. Meditation

Thomas asked how he could know the way,
the way to where Jesus was going.
Sometimes we ask that same question.

We ask, though we have testimony from those who have heard,
who have seen with their eyes and touched with their hands,
concerning your word of life.

We ask, though your pillar of cloud has protected us;
and we have abundant evidence of your steadfast love.
Thank you, God of heaven; you have shown us the way.
Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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