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.

When the Crowds Press In--Oct. 16, 2012


 Lord Jesus, you experienced what it was like
when the crowds pressed in on you.

People thought you were out of your mind--
later they said the same about Paul.

From the depths of Sheol deliver our souls,
for great is your steadfast love for us.

We will return to you, and wait for you,
and hold fast to love and justice.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 123; 146; 30; 86
Hosea 12:2-14
Acts 26:24-27:8
Luke 8:40-56

Selected Verses

Ps. 86:13
For great is your steadfast love toward me;
          you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.

Hosea 12:6
But as for you, return to your God, hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for your God.

Acts 26:24
While he was making this defense, Festus exclaimed, "You are out of your mind, Paul!  Too much learning is driving you insane!"

Luke 8:42b
As [Jesus] went, the crowds pressed in on him.


Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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