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.

A Crimson Cord in the Window--July 17, 2012



O Divine Master--
Root supporting the branches--
in our window we tie a crimson cord
to remind us we are under your protection
and that you have entrusted the property to us.

We confess, O Lord, we have abused that trust,
have received protection, but not given it.

Hear the groans of the prisoners;
set free those doomed to die
of starvation in Africa;
help us, Lord, to
protect them.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 42; 146; 102; 133
Josh. 2:15-24
Rom. 11:13-24
Matt. 25:14-30

Selected Verses
Ps. 102:20
…to hear the groans of the prisoners,
      to set free those who were doomed to die…

Josh. 2:21
[Rahab] said [to the two spies], "According to your words, so be it." She sent them away and they departed. Then she tied the crimson cord in the window.

Rom. 11:18b
If you do boast, remember that it is not you that support the root, but the root that supports you.

Matt. 25:14
"For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them…" [Jesus to his disciples]
Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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