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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

We can keep talking. In this conversation about sexuality, as with all of the other brave conversations, the goal is not to convince people of our beliefs or change anyone’s mind about the topic. It’s not the time for proof-texting scripture or for debating theological interpretations of the Bible. Rather, the purpose of this session is simply to listen—even if we might feel a little uncomfortable—for as long as we are able to do this brave work. I believe it is possible to keep talking about sexual orientation and gender identity with fellow Christians, even those with whom we disagree, if we can cultivate affection for one another and listen with compassion.

—Elizabeth Hagan, Brave Church: Tackling Tough Topics Together (Upper Room Books, 2021)

Today’s Question

What spiritual practices help you cultivate affection and compassion? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor.
—Romans 12:10 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Lord, grant me the patience and grace to listen, the courage and wisdom to question and speak, and the bravery to create safe space for tough topics.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

The Upper Room is committed to a ministry that is increasingly global, antiracist, and ecumenical. This is the work of discipleship and spiritual formation.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

2 Comments

  • Julie Posted June 12, 2021 8:07 am

    Seeing people as God’s children who have flaws and diffeerent life circunstances. That they are no different than myself.
    No update yesterday from my ex husband regarding his mother. He and his brother were going to ask the doctor to take her off oxygen but Megan told them now that she was improving it was unlikely he would comply. Today is the last day Megan is home before visiting them. She will be leaving tonight as she like to drive at night. She will return late Wednesday night. So I will have to survive 4 days with h.
    Prayers for Ally and David’s health and job search. Prayers for Lou and her children’s and Jill and Larry’s travels, may they be safe. Prayers for Marcy’s health and that she is able to talk to me today. Prayers for Robert and Erich and their continued healing. Thank you for your prayers.

  • robert moeller Posted June 12, 2021 1:29 pm

    God made all of us and we are all not alike. God tells us to love one another. I agree, seeing God in others and becoming involved in conversations with any and everyone are helpful to understanding God’s creation. Long established. solidified attitudes on many topics, not just sexuality, need revisiting. Prayer can surely help.

    Prayers for Julie, Megan, an ex- mother-in-law, husband, and their family. Tough decisions and circumstances, safe travel for all involved. Safety and well-being at home with h. God most surely is needed in this complicated situation.
    Sure hope Julie is able to speak with Marcy, send well wishes, you are, dear Marcy, in our prayers and are sorely missed. It’s a TRY AGAIN day trying to produce stripes on the front of the CV Brill car.
    Yes, continued prayers for Ally and David’s health and job search, Lou and her children’s and Jill and Larry’s travels, may they all be safe.
    As Pastor Sue’s ministry comes to an end, I’m very thankful for the effort she has given for 20 years.
    Evidence of her work appeared today as we cleaned the church preparing for in person worship tomorrow. Indoors, outdoors, the church was cleaned and prepped. We gather at 9:50 outdoors for a hymn sing, can’t be Methodists without singing, then in for worship, and have another hymn as we exit. A tailgate will follow. Thank You, Lord. Some sense of normal is returning.
    May you all have a blessed Sunday whether in person or via ZOOM, Our service will try to do both.
    The pandemic has opened a new ministry door with ZOOM.

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