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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 jazz genre is also known for its effective use of “blue notes.” A blue note, as defined in Wikipedia, is “a note sung or played at a lower pitch than that of the major scale, for expressive purposes.” As such, I believe that jazz music is a metaphor for life itself: beautifully complex, ever-changing tempos, and blue notes.

For me, the blue notes of life are those low points of life, those difficult and trying seasons of life, those times of heartache and hardship that we all experience. We discover blue notes scattered across the music scales of our lives. Jesus promised the presence of blue notes when he said, “I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!” (John 16:33, NRSV).

—Michael W. Waters, Freestyle: Reflections on Faith, Family, Justice, and Pop Culture (Fresh Air Books, 2014)

Today’s Question

What “blue notes” have you experienced, and how has your faith helped you cope?
Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

[Jesus said,] “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
—John 16:33 (NIV)

Prayer for the Week

Dear God, help my generation rise to meet the challenges of our day with courage and integrity. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
—Prayer by Michael W. Waters in Freestyle: Reflections on Faith, Family, Justice, and Pop Culture
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Read more from Michael W. Waters on the Upper Room Ministries Blog. In “A Different Set of Rules,” Waters writes about growing up as a young Black boy and raising his son in America. His experiences reflect a troubling reality for Black people across the country. As you read his story, let it guide you to prayer and action. Read “A Different Set of Rules.”

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

Trinity Sunday (June 12)

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

3 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted June 7, 2022 7:41 am

    The recent attempt to sell the condo surely has been a blue spot . Thankfully that contract will be terminated today. The on going effort to resolve , determine the future of CCUMC
    remains. Read the two posts from yesterday and tried to post a reply, it didn’t work. Prayers for Jill’s migraine, Julie’s relationships with Megan and h. Bible study at 9:30 today, focus on Jesus as King even as He is “tried” and crucified. As the only completely human and divine being, Jesus experiences both at once. Thank You, Lord, for accomplishing all that the Father asked You to do.

  • Julie Posted June 7, 2022 9:14 am

    Most of my life has been blue notes with some high notes intermingled. Recently, the Crest information, kidney damage and h’s downslide have been blue notes. Throughout I have asked the Lord to be with me to lead me and give me strength and patience.
    Tried to turn off the kitchen overhead lights and neither switch functioned. So a quick scramble to find an electrician. One will be here today! I am surprised by the quick response. h still not doing well but he continues to fight me on any intervention and is determined to put his boat in the water and still drives. I will attempt to go with him to his next doctor appointment and try to enlist their help.
    Prayers for Ally and her new job as well as her and David’s health. Prayers for April and her loved one to continue to spend time enriching one another. Prayers for Jill, may she remain migraine free and may she and the person she hopes to help find solace in one another. Prayers for Lou as she immerses herself in her busy work week. Prayers for Rick and Scott. Prayers for Robert’s church’s future as well as his and Erich’s.

  • Jill Posted June 7, 2022 6:16 pm

    My bluest note was during my mom’s struggle. My faith carried me, my friends support sustained me. Walking alongside dad since then has been blue, some times more so than others, but God is at work. I am trusting Him and trying to be obedient. Yes, I fail at times, but new opportunities abound.
    Had a doctor’s appointment his afternoon and so pleasant to just stop in to a few stores on the way home, unrushed, unconcerned with the time. Grilled out dinner in a bit of rain, and tennis match later this evening.
    Spending time with my friend tomorrow – the mother of my god children. This is an absolute rarity and a tremendous gift. She starts a new job in a little over a week. I asked her if we could have a day, once I got out of school – and tomorrow is the day. It should be downright delightful.

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