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.

Prayer and Supplication with Thanksgiving--Sept. 11, 2021

[On the 20th year after the terrorist attacks, 

this is a meditation from my Sept. 15, 2001 journal]

 

Our reaction to the terrorists is like Jezebel's 

to Elijah's slaughter of her 400 prophets: 

our hearts are set on vengeance, and SOON.  

 

Paul admonishes us not to worry about anything, 

but in everything by prayer and supplication 

with thanksgiving to let our requests 

be made known to you.  

 

He promises that if we do, you will give us peace, 

a peace that surpasses all understanding.  

Grant us such peace, and guard 

our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  

 

May we sing our praises to you as long as we have being. 

In the name of the one who is well pleasing to you. 

 

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 104; 149; 138; 98

1 Kings 18:41-19:8

Phil. 3:17-4:7

Matt. 3:13-17

 

Selected Verses 

Ps. 104:33

I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; 
          I will sing praise to my God while I have being.

 

1 Kings 19:1-2

Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword.  Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, "So may the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life like the life of one of them by this time tomorrow."

 

Phil. 4:6-7

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

Matt. 3:17

And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased."


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