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.

The Fruit of Our Lips--Oct. 16, 2010


I. Readings
Psalms 56, 149, 118, 111
Hosea 14:1-9
Acts 28:17-31
Luke 9:37-50

II. Selections
Psalm 56:10-11
In God, whose word I praise,
      in the LORD, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I am not afraid.
      What can a mere mortal do to me?

Hosea 14:2
Take words with you and return to the LORD; say to him,
      “Take away all guilt; accept that which is good,
      and we will offer the fruit of our lips. … ”

Acts 28:29-31
[Paul] lived there two whole years at his own expense and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.

Luke 9:49
John answered [Jesus], “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.”

III. Meditation

Accept, O God, the words
we bring to you that are good;

accept what we do in your name
if it is according to your word;

accept our teaching and proclamation
if they are pleasing in your sight;

accept our confession of sin
when spoken from the heart.

Teach us boldly to praise you,
trusting in your goodness to us

and confident in your care,
as we offer the fruit of our lips.
Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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