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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

Thurman knew what it was like to have his back against the wall. He also knew what it was like to discover in these moments that Jesus had his back. . . . His book Jesus and the Disinherited joins mysticism and social transformation. Thurman shows the spiritual stature of Jesus, a poor, oppressed Jew, at the mercy of oppressors and subject to racism and humiliation at every turn. Like today’s young African American men, Jesus is always at the mercy of the authorities. Yet, Jesus teaches a pathway of love. His God-awareness enables him to proclaim his dignity despite the daily impact of violence and racism.

—Bruce G. Epperly, The Mystic in You: Discovering a God-Filled World (Upper Room Books, 2017)

Today’s Question

Which stories of Jesus speak to you of God’s love?
Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

[Jesus said,] “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
—John 13:34-35 (NIV)

Prayer for the Week

God who guides us in the quest for justice, awaken my heart to growing edges in my life and in the healing of the world. Amen.
—Prayer excerpted from Bruce G. Epperly, “Prayer of Awareness and Transformation,” The Mystic in You
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

This Independence Day, give back to our servicemen and servicewomen who sacrifice so much for our freedom. Support The Upper Room Chaplains’ Ministry.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

2 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted June 30, 2022 6:22 am

    The stories where Jesus heals the sick, gives sight to the blind, enables people to walk, raises people from the dead ,casts out demons, eats with sinners, calms the waters, forgives sinners, gives examples of the way we should live are all favorites.
    Recommended by our most recent Zoom pastor, Conversations with God is what we are discussing in Bible study. Scripture does not play a big , if any, role. Feelings and experience are emphasized. It’s very different. I find it interesting. A conversation with God takes place. Questions and answers keep the conversation going.. Not the latest book, it was written between 1992-1994. It’s new to me and very spiritual.
    Thankful for the care given David, h, and April’s loved one, for time spent with family and friends helping them, socializing with them, being present with them. Ally, Julie, Jill, April, Lou, and Rick, you are God’s hands.
    Finished the message for Sunday’s worship service. Need to review it, make sure the type is large enough. Tomorrow we start a new month, may have a hot day, thankfully it may be only one day. The weekly will be busy with prep for worship , worship with communion, and the strawberry shortcake event on Monday. Blessings and God’s peace to you all. Thank You, Lord.

  • Julie Posted June 30, 2022 9:05 am

    I also thought of how Jesus healed the sick and ate with sinners.
    Yesterday h started asking questions regarding his condition and rapid deterioration. We discussed the appointment with the attorney next Tuesday so that I can be given his power of attorney. I am worried about how he will respond to the lawyer when the time comes. We also discussed his no longer driving and the need to sell his vehicles and boat. He sobbed. He wants to keep “his stuff because I cannot live without my stuff.” I had my second therapy session and also attended a Zoom presentation by a woman who is married to a British person and who has lived in England. The presentation was on The Great British Baking Show. It included bakiing and tea tips and travel information and I very much enjoyed it.
    Prayers for Ally and David, for David’s healing and for Ally to feel the love of God and of those here at NEM surrounding her. Prayers for April as she cares for her loved one. Prayers for Jill as she continues to enjoy such warm relationships with her family. Prayers for Lou and her family and Rick and Scott. Prayers for Robert as he provides the message to his church, leads Bible Study and participates in the strawberry shortccake fundraiser. May his actions speak of God’s love to those he encounters.

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