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.

Sustain in Us a Willing Spirit--June 21, 2019



It is easy to conclude, O God,
that these days your word is rare
and that visions are not widespread.
Restore to us the joy of your salvation,
and sustain in us a willing spirit.
If we are cut to the heart
and ask what we should do,
give us your words and wisdom
to testify clearly and persuasively.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 51; 148; 142; 65
1 Sam. 3:1-21
Acts 2:37-47
Luke 21:5-19

Selected Verses
Ps. 51:12
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
          and sustain in me a willing spirit.

1 Sam. 3:1a
The word of the LORD was rare in those days; visions were not widespread.

Acts 2:37
Now when [the people] heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”

Luke 21:13-15
“…This will give you an opportunity to testify.  So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict.  …”  [Jesus, to his disciples] 

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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