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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

Of the Seven Deadly Sins, anger is possibly the most fun. To lick your wounds, to smack your lips over grievances long past, to roll over your tongue the prospect of bitter confrontations still to come, to savor to the last toothsome morsel both the pain you are given and the pain you are giving back—in many ways it is a feast fit for a king. The chief drawback is that what you are wolfing down is yourself. The skeleton at the feast is you.

—Frederick Buechner, in Anger: Minding Your Passion, compiled and introduced by Amy Lyles Wilson (Fresh Air Books, 2010)

Today’s Question

When have you noticed how feasting on your anger further harms you? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit.
—Galatians 6:7-8 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Lord,
Search me and know me. Shine a light on my innermost thoughts and feelings, even those I try to hide deep within. Give me courage to name the sources of my joy and my anger. Give me strength and wisdom to learn from them. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Registration is now open for RESILIENCE: Healing Practices for Mind, Body, and Spirit. Join us on September 30–October 2, 2021, as we explore a fresh array of spiritual practices to help with healing from trauma. Learn more.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

3 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted September 9, 2021 5:59 am

    It is hard for me to be angry, I don’t relate to this reflection.
    It was a good birthday, Erich really enjoys lobster, and this time of year, their shells are much easier to crack. Rainy days as a storm passes through the next two days.
    Hopefully the sound on my computer returns, it goes to the shop today.
    So much to pray for these days. Of course, you are included. Will review this week’s posts otherwise
    I only have general ideas of your prayer needs and thanksgivings.
    Be safe, the pandemic is everywhere. Am in Proverbs and there’s much about wisdom. None of us is without a need for that. Thank You, Lord.

  • Julie Posted September 9, 2021 8:41 am

    I can feel it eating at me, undermining my concentration and mood.
    Jill, you did not offend me, I was merely relating an example from my current life. I have been mistreated the entirety of my life and this is why it is so difficult for me to view myself as worthy of love or kindness, even from God.
    Prayers for Ally’s heart which is aching for her loses due to the coronavirus. You, my friend, have suffered so many losses and so much hardship during this insidious scourge, may God hold you and bless you with healing both physical and emotional. Prayer’s for Jill as she rediscovers her loved ones and learns to navigate warmer relationships and cultivate improved understanding and acceptance. Prayers for Lou to find a new source of joy since her babies have spread their wiings and left the nest. Prayers for Robert as he celebrates Erich’s birthday and continues his counseling as they try to mend their relationship. Prayers for Marti and her staff and their hardwork providing this site which allows each of us to pray for, rejoice with and mourn with one another. Thank you for your prayers and may God all who visit here.

  • Jill Posted September 9, 2021 3:21 pm

    I think for me, it was frustration over unmet expectations which really ate at me. My mind could not be still. It is such great relief to be beyond that now. I am grateful how God has changed me – in so many little ways, but also in significant ways. Some of which I could have had minimal impact – but He changed me from the inside out, by transforming my heart. One of the thrills for me is that I know it is lasting!
    The general landscape of my school is out of control. There have been fights the past four school days. Yesterday’s necessitated the need for metal detectors this morning, along with complete and utter searches of students and all their belongings. School got delayed by 90 minutes, throwing everyone off their games. The fights break out during class changes – some students run to the melee, hooting and hollering. Other students run to their classrooms where they know the teacher will close and lock the door and there will be safety. It is really an unfortunate situation and as long as the administration continues to not be proactive and maybe even reactive – there is no chance of turning the tide.
    Cooler temps today, so windows up and fresh air through Roger’s whiskers. Happy to be home after school. Will get dinner in me and out for a long walk. I did not work out this morning. Early to bed this evening and grateful tomorrow is Friday.
    Prayers for the emotional, mental, physical and spiritual well beings for those who visit this space, as well as for those who provide and maintain it. May God’s peace be pervasive in you amidst all circumstances.

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