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.

When Sins Overwhelm--July 3, 2019


Jesus, there was no basis
for an accusation against you.
When our own sins overwhelm us,
and we are in the gall of bitterness,
and in the chains of wickedness,
give us the strength to repent,
so the intent of our hearts
may be forgiven.

Then, with all our hearts,
may we serve you

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 65; 147:1-11; 125; 91
1 Sam. 12:1-25
Acts 8:14-25
Luke 23:1-12

Selected Verses
Ps. 65:3
When deeds of iniquity overwhelm us,
          you forgive our transgressions. 

1 Sam. 12:20
And Samuel said to the people, “Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil, yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart…”

Acts 8:22-23
“…Repent therefore of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.  For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and the chains of wickedness.”   [Peter, to Simon the magician]

Luke 23:4
Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find no basis for an accusation against this man [Jesus].”

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