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

Sometimes I imagine God as that beggar, sitting on the side of the road and calling to us through our own fears, hopes, and struggles; calling to us through the fears, hopes, and struggles of others. The question to ask ourselves if we want to be open, available, and responsive to God is this: Will we stand still long enough to pay attention?

—L. Roger Owens, Everyday Contemplative: The Way of Prayerful Living (Upper Room Books, 2022)

Today’s Question

How would you answer the question in today’s reflection? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Jesus and his followers came into Jericho. As Jesus was leaving Jericho, together with his disciples and a sizable crowd, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus, Timaeus’ son, was sitting beside the road. When he heard that Jesus of Nazareth was there, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, show me mercy!”
—Mark 10: 46-47, CEB

Prayer for the Week

Nurturing God, tend our whole lives like a patient gardener. May our desire for you grow as grace works the soil of our lives. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Enjoying this week’s reflections? Learn more about how to use Everyday Contemplative as a guide for the season of Lent by joining our free webinar with author Roger Owens on Monday, January 30, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. (CT). Register here.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

3 Comments

  • Ally Posted January 29, 2023 9:51 am

    As I read yesterday’s entry, I prayed that I would be in a place to hear God’s voice. Today, I prayed before I read today’s reading to be still as I listen, that God would give me ears to hear. So I will attempt to be still, to listen, and by Holy Spirit, discern what God has put on my heart.
    Pray for continued healing for David, physically, he is progressing. I do believe he is deeply depressed. He’s back on his meds and We hope this week to get a referral from his doctor for an appointment at the mental health center. I pray kindness and compassion for us both, and that we can extend to each other and to ourselves, a measure of grace.

  • Jill Posted January 29, 2023 5:05 pm

    Ally – isn’t that really a huge thing – extending to ourselves a measure of grace. We are merciful and generous in grace we extend to others, especially those we love. And, we must…WE MUST…do so to ourselves as well. I think that would make God smile. Today at church, we were encouraged to pause and consider what would make God smile. The one (out of ten) leper who returned – surely this made Jesus smile. May we consider this. May we also smile at ourselves.
    Will my mind stand still long enough to focus on the other…and see Christ in someone else’s eyes? Sometimes I feel like I do well at this. But, most certainly the abundance of the time I fail…I move to quickly or my eyes are strictly on myself.
    Both church services were good this morning, each striking a resonating tone with me in a different manner – but both needed. A nice walk this afternoon – taking in a podcast – further cemented the goodness of the day. My heart needed a re-boot after last week – and it happened. Thank You, Father.
    Lots of chores accomplished today, as well as school work and Bible study prep for small group. Winding down now and taking in some football. My week starts out easy, and finishes with quite a bit on the calendar. Will relish these next two days, home right after school.
    Ally – continued prayers for you and David -that he would continue to get what is needed…physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually. You be good to yourself.

  • robert moeller Posted January 31, 2023 8:08 am

    LATE, but I had the opportunity to read two posts, that doesn’t always happen.
    YES! Standing still is important, a prerequisite for listening.
    Thankful David is progressing physically, hope the meds are what is needed if he is depressed.
    It’s Tuesday morning and book study soon.
    Love yourself as you love your neighbor.

Add Comment

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