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.

Response to Those in Need


 Rhonda the maid was so overjoyed
upon hearing Peter's voice that
she left him standing while
she ran to announce
his presence.

Jesus reassured the
widow whose only son had
died; he had compassion for her.

God, you are merciful and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding
in steadfast love.

You heard the prayer
of Hezekiah on his deathbed;
you saw his tears, you healed him.

Teach us how to respond to those
who need our assistance,
for they are many.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 103; 150; 117; 139
2 Kings 20:1-21
Acts 12:1-17
Luke 7:11-17

Selected Verses

Ps. 103:8
The LORD is merciful and gracious,
          slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

2 Kings 20:5
"Turn back, and say to Hezekiah prince of my people, Thus says the LORD, the God of your ancestor David: I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; indeed, I will heal you…"  [The LORD  to Isaiah]

Acts 12:14
On recognizing Peter’s voice, [Rhonda the maid] was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the gate, she ran in and announced that Peter was standing at the gate.

Luke 7:13
When the Lord saw [the widow whose only son had just died], he had compassion for her and said to her, "Do not weep."

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