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.

For Our Heart’s Desire?--Sept. 24, 2017

[From Sept. 29, 2017 archive]

 

Lord Jesus, you did not teach us to pray 

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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