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.


Free Us from Deceit--June 1, 2012



Free us from deceit, that we may be
open to others and, most of all, open to you.

If we direct our minds in your way, you will take
small things and make them grow for your kingdom.

As for us, why should we concern ourselves whether
any good we may accomplish leads to recognition?

The honor belongs to you; besides, good cannot
remain hidden, even if the credit for it does.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 130; 148; 32; 139
Prov. 23:19-21, 29-24:2
1 Tim. 5:17-25
Matt. 13:31-35

Selected Verses
Ps. 32:2
Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity,
      and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

Prov. 23:19
Hear, my child, and be wise, and direct your mind in the way.

1 Tim. 5:25
So also good works are conspicuous; and even when they are not, they cannot remain hidden.

Matt. 13:32
"…[the mustard seed] is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” [Jesus to the crowds]
Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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