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.


Mercy Triumphs--Aug. 29, 2011


We would not go as far with you as Peter did,
though Peter forsook you; but you, O God,
have not forsaken those who seek you.

Even if we ignore you, your eyes
are open, your ears attentive
to our prayers.

When we deserve your judgment,
your mercy triumphs over judgment.
By your grace, help us show mercy, too.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 62; 145; 73; 9
2 Chron. 6:32-7:7
James 2:1-13
Mark 14:53-65

Selected Verses
Ps. 9:10
And those who know your name put their trust in you,
     for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.

2 Chron. 6:40
"…Now, O my God, let your eyes be open and your ears attentive to prayer from this place. …" [King Solomon's prayer before the altar in the new temple]

James 2:13
For judgment will be without mercy to anyone who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.

Mark 14:54
Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the guards, warming himself at the fire.



Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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