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.

Near in my Mouth, Far from my Heart--March 25, 2013


Why do I keep you near in my mouth,
King Jesus, yet far from my heart?

As I wait for your coming, let me not
be afraid, for I hope in your word.

O make me your own; I press toward
the goal, to make you my own.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 119:73-80; 145; 121; 6
Jer. 11:18-20, 12:1-17
Phil. 3:1-14
John 12:9-19

Selected Verses

Ps. 119:74
 Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
            because I have hoped in your word.

Jer. 12:2
You plant [the guilty and treacherous], and they take root;
            they grow and bring forth fruit;
you are near in their mouths
            yet far from their hearts.

Phil. 3:12
Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.

John 12:4-5
Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it; as it is written:
“Do not be afraid, daughter of Zion.
            Look, your king is coming,
            sitting on a donkey’s colt!”

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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