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.

Under Many Physicians--Jan. 24, 2011

My mind is occupied with one who has endured much, far too much,
under many physicians who have tried many cures; but her condition
is not better; it is worse, and growing worse day by day.

I cry to you, God Most High, have mercy on her we love.
Let us hear that you have new things for her, even hidden things that
we have not known. Heal her, I pray, and grant her peace and grace.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 57; 145; 85; 47
Isa. 48:1-11
Gal. 1:1-17
Mark 5:21-43

Selected Verses
Ps. 57:2
I cry to God Most High,
      to God who fulfills his purpose for me.

Isa. 48:6b
From this time forward I make you hear new things,
      hidden things that you have not known.

Gal. 1:3
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ…

Mark 5:25-26
Now there was a woman who had been suffering from hemorrhages for twelve years. She had endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse.
Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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