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 for Our Heart's Desire--Sept. 29, 2017


Lord Jesus, you did not teach us to pray
that God should grant our heart's desire;
nor did you instruct us to demand
everyone to enroll on our side;
you knew that our gifts differ,
each receiving a different kind.
As to the gifts we have received,
you taught us to use them according
to God's will, not according to our own.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 88; 148; 6; 20
2 Kings 9:17-37
1 Cor. 7:1-9
Matt. 6:7-15

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

2 Kings 9:32
[Jehu] looked up to the window and said, "Who is on my side?  Who?" 

1 Cor. 7:7
I wish that all were as I myself am.  But each has a particular gift from God, one having one kind and another a different kind.

Matt. 6:10
 "…Your kingdom come.
          Your will be done,
               on earth as it is in heaven.  …"  [Jesus to the crowds on the mountain]

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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