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 We Are Tested, Jesus--March 1, 2020


Lord our God, instruct and teach us
the way we should go;
with your eye upon us, counsel us.

We have not gone where you led us;
we have rebelled against you,
but to you belong mercy and forgiveness.

You sent Jesus; through him we know you;
he was tested by suffering;
he is able to help us when we are tested.

Then counsel us, Jesus, that we may change;
instruct and teach us—
and Lord, in your mercy, forgive us.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 84; 150; 42; 32
Dan. 9:3-10
Heb. 2:10-18
John 12:44-50

Selected Verses
Ps. 32:8
 I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go;
          I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Dan. 9:9
“…To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against him…”  [Daniel’s prayer for the people]

Heb. 2:18
Because [Jesus] himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

John 12:45
“…And whoever sees me sees him who sent me.  …”  [Jesus, crying aloud]

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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