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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

The biblical term abundant life can help us understand what it means to be awake and fully alive. Abundance describes a state of being connected, healthy, and whole. Unfortunately, many of us miss out on this awakened and abundant life. … Abundant life does not mean life without struggle or pain but rather a life deeply connected to what God is doing in the moment—in us, in our relationships with others, and in the world around us. When living an abundant life, hope and joy are accessible, even in the midst of struggle.

—Sarah E. Bollinger and Angela R. Olsen, The Awakened Life for High School Students: Finding Stillness in an Anxious World, Leader Guide (Upper Room Books, 2020)

Today’s Question

What helps you experience the abundant life God offers? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
—John 10:10 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

When I am full of worry, awaken me.
When I feel isolated, awaken me.
When I am afraid, awaken me.
God of love and compassion, awaken me. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

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Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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3 Comments

  • Jill Posted August 24, 2020 5:05 am

    Yes – I love the last sentence…our abundance is in things not of this world, but of Him…hope and joy, and might I add – peace. Last night on my walk I was listening to a podcast – and he, too, spoke of the importance of hope. And what a great hope we have. Hallelujah, what a Saviour!
    Father – thank You for the abundance You bestow on us. Not a lack of struggle or challenge, but Your providence and presence in the midst of it all.
    Many virtual meetings today, and all through the week, really. Hoping my focus and concentration are good – and that time is used well.

  • robert moeller Posted August 24, 2020 6:38 am

    Yes, all we could ever hope for comes from God who is ever present. Thank You, Lord. I think my needs are tiny in comparison to God’s abundance. I experience this abundance with the resources that help me make it through each year, month, day, hour, minute.

    Prayers for all, everyone, involved in education as efforts to teach are attempted in our current environment. Safety first.

    Prayers for all who are sick in anyway.

    Prayers forJulie, Megan, and “h” through the divorce. May it be equitable, fair, and with the least possible stress.

    Thank You. Lord, for the blessings of the day. I’m grateful for Your ever presence.

  • Julie Posted August 24, 2020 8:36 am

    I experience this at times and not others, the ability to focus on God even in the midst of adversity. I can access this more in my relationships since I have been involved with UR and you fellow posters. I have learned so much through this interaction. Thank you fellow posters and the UR team for such wonderful mentoring.
    The odd situation with h got odder last night. H had been home most of the day and as Megan and I were going to bed a person rang the doorbell. I had never seen this man and was leary to open the door. He eventually identified himself as the man h is friends with and insisted he hadn’t heard from h in hours and acted as though I had done something sinister. I informed him h was asleep and he insisted I wake him so he could talk to him and even tried to get inside when I declined to obey. I closed the door and he wouldn’t leave so I woke h and he left shortly afterward and went to their house. Apparently h is not permitted to spend time as he wishes in his own home.
    Prayers for Jill as she begins a new and strange school year. May this year go more smoothly.
    Prayers for Robert and his faith in God and His abundant provision.
    Prayers, thank you and stay well dear UR

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