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.

Not my Heart's Desire, but Yours--Jan. 4, 2016


Lord Jesus, I dare not ask you to grant
my heart's desire or to fulfill all my plans--
my plans and desires may well lead to disaster.

You are the light of the world; we must
try to learn what is pleasing to you,
and work the works you give us.

Help us to remember all
your good works.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 20; 145; 93; 97
Josh. 3:14-4:7
Eph. 5:1-20
John 9:1-12, 35-38

Selected Verses
Ps. 20:4
May [the LORD] grant your heart’s desire
          and fulfill all your plans. 

Josh. 4:6-7a
"…so that this may be a sign among you.  When your children ask in time to come, 'What do those stones mean to you?' then you shall tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off in front of the ark of the covenant of the LORD.  …"  [Joshua to the twelve Israelites who carried the memorial stones]

Eph. 5:10
Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. 

John 9:4-5
"…We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work.  As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."  [Jesus to his disciples]
Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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