X

New every morning is your love, great God of light, and all day long you are working for good in the world. Stir up in us desire to serve you, to live peacefully with our neighbors and all your creation, and to devote each day to your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

"A Liturgy for Morning Prayer," Upper Room Worshipbook

Used by permission from the Book of Common Worship, © 2018 Westminster John Knox Press. All rights reserved. This prayer appears in “A Liturgy for Morning Prayer” in Upper Room Worshipbook.

 

Today’s Reflection

As an older adult, you have a frame of reference for grief and loss that is different from that of your younger counterparts. Aside from mourning the death of friends and family, you also are grieving the person you once were. … Take time today to sit with your feelings of loss. Let your mind explore things you are mourning in this season of life. As with laments, it is important to acknowledge those losses. Be honest. Whatever you are grieving, God invites you to pour out your feelings before God.

—Missy Buchanan, From Dry Bones to Living Hope: Embracing God’s Faithfulness in Late Life (Upper Room Books, 2021)

Today’s Question

Part of your role as a faithful elder is to help younger generations better understand grief and loss in old age so they can learn to respond with compassion and understanding. With whom could you share your experiences of grief as one way to help younger generations better prepare for their own journey? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress;
my eyes grow weak with sorrow,
my soul and body with grief.
—Psalm 31:9, NIV

Prayer for the Week

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen.*
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

*Prayer attributed to Reinhold Niebuhr

Something More

Did you know that October 10, 2021 is Clergy Appreciation Day? Give a gift to show the clergy in your life how much you appreciate them. Consider this popular gift from Upper Room Books: A Guide to Prayer for All Who Seek God (Deluxe Edition).

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.

4 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted October 8, 2021 5:29 am

    My children are obvious persons with whom I could share my feelings, not sure they or I am ready for that, although I have made some effort, but no response. Prayers for Pastor Carol who will end her time with us this Sunday, for those who will carry on until a new pastor is found, for Anneliese trying to juggle a variety of health issues, for NEM needs, concerns, and joys, and for Erich as we move closer toward a plan that should be very helpful for his future. Thank You, Lord.

  • Julie Posted October 8, 2021 8:45 am

    I should do this with Megan but it would not be well received as she has told me to not complain or speak of my health to her in any way.
    One more appointment to be made and then going to them will be all that remains. I will try to dodge h to make the surgeon appointment today. A snafu with the checks for my new checking account is hopefully resolved and the checks now being printed and sent.
    Prayers for Ally and David, for their health and finances. Prayers for Jill, Roger and Larry, for their health to remain restored and may all enjoy renewed energy and activity. Prayers for Robert as he once again prepares to uproot his life so that Erich can pursue his ellusive dream job. Prayers for Pastor Carol as she prepares for her final sermon in Robert’s church and may the church find a new pastor soon. Prayers for Anneliese’s health issues. Prayers for Marti and her staff. Thank you for your prayers and may God bless all who visit here.

  • Ally Posted October 8, 2021 2:29 pm

    I don’t really consider myself an elder YET. I’m not sure I have wisdom to share with anyone. I have experienced loss and grief, a lot in the past 2 years. You don’t get over loss, not really. You get to where you can live with it. You get to the point the grief is not so gut-searing. You see the hand of God in the journey. You praise God for the love. Prayers for my NEM family today.

  • Jill Posted October 8, 2021 3:45 pm

    A young lady in the first small group at my current church was quite friendly and welcoming to me. She would always save me a seat next to her at our round table, which led to us being prayer buddies a fair amount. That first year, as things heightened, my own diagnosis, then dad’s and finally mom’s – she was a wonderful source of authentic encouragement to me. She remained steadfast during mom’s struggle and would get me simple gifts and send me cards, along with all her texts. She was at mom’s funeral and remained supportive in the time following. When I finally was able to fully grieve, later that summer following the celebration of life service for my colleague – I wrote this young lady a long email, in which I explained to her how meaningful one of her little gifts was to me. I opened up about my colleague – and she was touched. We have done lunch and ice cream in the past (pre covid). She is now working on her master’s, so her time is limited and we haven’t gotten together recently. She is in my small group currently, at we are meeting on zoom.
    Glad this work week has come to an end. My students are wonderful and I am enjoying my time with them. We have settled in and found our rhythm.
    Tennis tonight and tomorrow afternoon. Then celebrating dad’s 88th birthday and golfing with him on Sunday, following church. Good thing I don’t have any schoolwork to attend to this weekend, as I had a productive day at school.

Add Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *