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.

The Strength of My Heart--Sept. 27, 2021

[From Sept. 30, 2019 archive]

 

My flesh and my heart may fail, O God, 

but you are the strength of my heart 

and my portion forever.

I do not ask you 

to spare me 

from life’s 

distresses, 

but keep me 

faithful to you today--

I will not worry about tomorrow.

 

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 62; 145; 73; 9

2 Kings 17:24-41

1 Cor. 7:25-31

Matt. 6:25-34

 

Selected Verses 

Ps. 73:26

My flesh and my heart may fail,
          but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

 

2 Kings 17:41

So these nations worshiped the LORD, but also served their carved images; to this day their children and their children's children continue to do as their ancestors did.

 

1 Cor. 7:28b

Yet those who marry will experience distress in this life, and I would spare you that. 

 

Matt. 6:34

“So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own.  Today’s trouble is enough for today.”  [Jesus, preaching to the crowds on the mountain]


Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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