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.

May 23, 2010


In Proportion

I. Readings
Psalms 104, 150, 29, 33
Deuteronomy 16:9-12
Acts 4:18-21, 23-33
John 4:19-26

II. Selections
Psalm 29:10-11
The LORD sits enthroned over the flood;
the LORD sits enthroned as king forever.
May the LORD give strength to his people!
May the LORD bless his people with peace!

Deuteronomy 16:10
Then you shall keep the festival of weeks for the LORD your God, contributing a freewill offering in proportion to the blessing that you have received from the LORD your God.

Acts 4:29-30
“…And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” [Friends of Peter and John]

John 4:24
“…God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” [Jesus to the woman of Samaria]

III. Meditation

Though our image of you be that of ruler on high,
you are spirit; in spirit and truth we worship you.

Richly you have blessed us, and we must respond
to your blessings—though we can never repay
them—with some degree of proportionality.

Give strength to your people, that we may
be bold to speak your word and do your
works; and bless your people with peace.
Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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