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.

Glory and Honor and Thanks--Dec. 17, 2015


We have been foolish, and in our foolishness
the door has been shut,
but you have delivered us from our strong enemy,
who was too mighty for us.
You have awakened us, as from a strong sleep--
we give you glory
and honor and thanks.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 18:1-20; 147:12-20; 126; 62
Zech. 4:1-14
Rev. 4:9-5:5
Matt. 25:1-13

Selected Verses
Ps. 18:17
He delivered me from my strong enemy,
       and from those who hated me;
       for they were too mighty for me.

Zech. 4:1
The angel who talked with me came again, and wakened me, as one is wakened from sleep.

Rev. 4:9
And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to the one who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever…

Matt. 25:10
"…And while [the foolish bridesmaids] went to buy [oil], the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went with him into the wedding banquet; and the door was shut.  …"  [Jesus to his disciples]

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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