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.

To Keep Us from Stumbling--Apr. 9, 2015


Lord Jesus Christ,
we listen to your word
to keep us from stumbling--
from running back and forth,
and from becoming annoyed;
from trusting in our wealth,
or boasting in our riches.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 96; 148; 49; 138
Dan. 12:1-4, 13
Acts 4:1-12
John 16:1-15

Selected Verses
Ps. 49:5-6
Why should I fear in times of trouble,
          when the iniquity of my persecutors surrounds me, 
those who trust in their wealth
          and boast of the abundance of their riches? 

Dan. 2:4b
"…Many shall be running back and forth, and evil shall increase.” [From Daniel's vision]

Acts 4:1-2
While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came to them, much annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming that in Jesus there is the resurrection of the dead.

John 16:1
"…I have said these things to you to keep you from stumbling.  …"  [Jesus to his disciples]
Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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