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.

Good Words, Good Works--Dec. 12, 2021

[Modified from Dec. 13, 2009 archive]

I thought I had posted this on time, 

but just noticed that it was not there.

 

O you whose good works are a sign that the Father sent you,

strengthen my heart in every good work and word.

Teach me the way that I should choose.

 

Hasten the day for the world’s hungry when harvests 

will be bountiful, with abundance for all.

 

You have loved us; through your grace

give us comfort and hope.

 

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 24; 150; 25; 110

Amos 9:11-15

2 Thess. 2:1-3, 13-17

John 5:30-47

 

Selected Verses 

Ps. 25:12

Who are they that fear the LORD?

            He will teach them the way that they should choose.

 

Amos 9:13

The time is surely coming, says the LORD,

            when the one who plows shall overtake the one who reaps,

            and the treader of grapes the one who sows the seeds…

 

2 Thess. 2:16-17

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.

 

John 5:36b

“…The works that the Father has given me to complete, the very works that I am doing, testify on my behalf that the Father has sent me.  …  ”  [Jesus to those persecuting him for healing on the sabbath]

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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