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

Readers of [the Gospel of] Mark learn quickly that Jesus values the sabbath, but he also seeks to redefine it. He sums up his sabbath rebellion against legalism for his followers by saying, “The Son of Man is lord even of the sabbath” (Mark 2:28). Jesus consistently breaks the rules and seeks a relational sabbath: He touches people; he heals; he redeems; he teaches—all from a powerful, mystical force beyond his humanity.

—J. Dana Trent, For Sabbath’s Sake: Embracing Your Need for Rest, Worship, and Community (Upper Room Books, 2017)

Today’s Question

How often do you set aside time to be with the people who are most important to you?
Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

[Jesus] said, “The Sabbath was created for humans; humans weren’t created for the Sabbath. This is why the Human One is Lord even over the Sabbath.”
—Mark 2:27-28 (CEB)

Prayer for the Week

Holy God, help me find freedom in the gift of sabbath. Guide me to build regular sabbath time into my life. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

The Upper Room’s newly updated Prayer Wall makes it even easier to connect with others and with God. Visit the Prayer Wall to submit a prayer request or to join our global community. Pray with us today.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

3 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted July 9, 2022 5:42 am

    Not often enough. Since middle school it has been tough for me to do things with Erich. I try, we took a chairlift ride up Cranmore Mountain the other day. He’s frustrated about our current situation. We have a plan, but it requires some patience. He sees time going by and nothing happening, but it was his decision to take the house off the market. There are some plans being put in place that should help him feel more secure.
    Prayers for Ally, her relationship with a job related friend, her disability application, and David recovering. Julie is in a rocky road caring for h, but thankfully has a therapist helping with ways to
    handle the situation. Church is helpful too. Jill has plenty of activities between family, church, friends, tennis, golf, running, Roger, and support groups. All her students passed!
    There will be a prayer meeting at church on Sunday. I’m not sure how this will be received.There is no Zoom. Our district is offering lay servant classes. Our former pastor will help. I don’t know what this community of faith’s response will be. This month will be a test. Our tech support person has colon cancer and will be having surgery, he had planned to leave this month regardless. There have been some sparks of hope with a new member taking on needed roles. We’ll know soon what the future looks like.
    Beautiful weather, a bit warmer, but not humid. Could use some rain. Thankful for the blessings of the day.

  • Julie Posted July 9, 2022 8:57 am

    It never seems as if there is enough time spent with loved ones. We just try to do our best.
    H is declining and he continues to be demanding and chafes at every restriction that keeps him safe. He wanted a phone, which I bought him but it is not what he wanted and he threw a tantrum and refused to take his meds.
    Prayers for Ally’s work related relationship dilemma and disability appeal and David’s rehab and recovery. Prayers for Jill and her family, may Larry be gentle with himself on the golf course. Prayers for Robert and his relationship with Erich and his church as they continue to seek a new way of continuing forward without a pastor. Prayers for the church member with colon cancer.

  • Jill Posted July 9, 2022 5:01 pm

    I would like to have more meaningful time with my two closest friends, but it just doesn’t happen due to various reasons. My one friend whom I travel with and enjoy her dogs, there just doesn’t seem to be an interest in spending time together this summer. I am trying to not let it bother me, but it is noticeable on my part. Her birthday is coming up this week, so I will see if she would like to get dinner. She is to play in a golf outing at the end of the month with dad, Don and I. Yet, she cancelled on us golfing a week ago. So, I will just let that be. My other friend is so busy with training for her new job and her son’s activities – I believe I have realistic expectations with our relationship.
    Little Roger just hasn’t been himself this week. Not interested in eating much at all. He is getting skinnier. He did come to bed with me last night – the first time in a long time.
    Spent the day at Becky’s…another full day of card playing. I definitely need to get out for a walk here, after I see if Roger will eat anything.

Add Comment

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