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 Called--June 14, 2020


Gracious and loving God, you call us to do your work.
You have given us much, and much you require.

You hem us in, behind and before,
and you lay your hand upon us.

Lord, bless us and keep us
as we respond to your call;
let your face shine upon us,
and give us your peace.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 103; 150; 117; 139
Num. 6:22-27
Acts 13:1-12
Luke 12:41-48

Selected Verses
Ps. 139:5
You hem me in, behind and before,
          and lay your hand upon me.

Num. 6:24-26
The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.

Acts 13:2
While [the prophets and teachers] were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

Luke 12:48b
“…From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.  …”  [Jesus, to his disciples]

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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