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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

God’s agape love is what we are called to express toward others for the common good, and our grace gifts are given for the express purpose of doing just that. God has demonstrated love for us and calls us, in turn, to demonstrate that love toward others.

. . . Whether you journey with a small group or a class of some kind, I pray you will come to understand your spiritual grace gifts as expressions of God’s love and then choose to use them for the love of others—the common good.

—Christine Harman, For the Common Good: Discovering and Using Your Spiritual Gifts (Upper Room Books, 2021)

Today’s Question

In what ways are you using your spiritual gifts for the common good? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

[Agape love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
—1 Corinthians 13:7-8 (NIV)

Prayer for the Week

Holy God, help me discover the gifts you have given me and find ways to use these gifts for the common good of others. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Join The Academy for Spiritual Formation for a transformative hybrid experience that will empower you to live a more integrated life of peace and justice. Click here to learn more about Spirituality in Practice: Embodied Imagination for Life and Liberation and how you can apply today!

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

2 Comments

  • Ally Posted April 24, 2024 8:55 am

    As I read the reading about the grace gifts God has given, I looked at my gifts in a new way. My gifts seem to be music and teaching. I use these in my job and as a church musician. But am I using them as God wants? Am I expressing agape to others when I use them? Also, am I sharing my gifts willingly, or as a duty I feel I must perform? Lord, open my heart and let love in.
    Jill, thank you so much for your prayers for David and me. I am praying you find relief from your pain. Blessings to you as you use your grace gifts to bless those who grieve. Julie, continued prayers as you navigate your new “normal”. Thanks to all of our regular posters and for your thoughts. Rusty, I did not think your post sounded preachy. You highlighted some things church folks need to think about. Robert, we miss you. Blessings to all.

  • robert moeller Posted April 24, 2024 10:28 am

    I use my gifts to go for walks with my friend Russ, reach out to new contacts in Germany, help at church in any way I can. My son and I are cooperating a lot lately and that makes things much easier. support people who need help. Thank you Ally for your post. Thank You, Lord, for the blessings of the day.

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