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

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).

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

Today’s Question

How have you handled the “blue notes” in your life? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

[Jesus said] I’ve said these things to you so that you will have peace in me. In the world you have distress. But be encouraged! I have conquered the world.
—John 16:33 (CEB)

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.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Through rich and moving stories of people from various faiths, author Frank Rogers Jr. shows ways to incorporate compassion in our daily lives. Start practicing compassion with Rogers in our Academy Recommends eCourse.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

Save 45% on Disciplines 2021 and get free shipping with the promo code DISC45. Good only for the regular and enlarged-print editions and while supplies last.

2 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted June 27, 2021 7:11 am

    Have experienced the “blue notes”, the worst ones I didn’t handle so well, made it through them, had some help that made a big difference, but on my part I didn’t do so well. In some ways I’m still struggling, overall I’m at peace.
    Pastor Sue’s last worship service today, a big farewell-thank you is planned. Thankful it can be done in person, although those far away will have ZOOM.
    Face time with my daughter and then I’m off to help set up tents for shade.
    Blessings to you all, Thank You, Lord.

  • Jill Posted June 27, 2021 7:02 pm

    I believe I am able to handle the blue notes much better than in times past. Because God has changed me so significantly. So many things have shifted, softened, wisened. Praise to Him alone.
    Good to be in church, getting back into a regular rhythm. My pastor has been on sabbatical since Easter. He is due back in August, I believe. The youth pastor was in the pulpit today.
    Ally – I got this book when it came out and found it thought provoking. I would recommend it. I believe his perspective is worthy of consideration.
    Played in the outing today with dad. It was very warm, and the storms stayed to the north of us. I got my lawn mowed last evening, following my visit with my friend.

Add Comment

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