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 prayer beads] captivated me. I sat for the longest time, fingering the beads, studying their shapes, marveling at the craftsmanship and the beauty of the design. As I did, I felt a great sense of awe deep within me to this small set of beads. … What touched me most was the thought that people used these beads to pray to God. As I held the beads, I realized that people all around the world were using similar beads to connect with the Divine.

—Kristen E. Vincent, A Bead and a Prayer: A Beginner’s Guide to Protestant Prayer Beads (Upper Room Books, 2013)

Today’s Question

How might prayer beads help people connect with God? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Rejoice always. Pray continually. Give thanks in every situation because this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
—1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (CEB)

Prayer for the Week

The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you,
and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you,
and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26, NRSV)
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Have you heard about spiritual direction but haven’t been sure it’s for you? In Sacred Conversation, Marsha Crockett will help you learn more about what spiritual direction is and what it isn’t. This book invites you to experience the possibility of transformation as you stop and ponder the gifts that are offered by the grace of God with the help of a spiritual director. Learn more here.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

4 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted October 31, 2022 5:57 am

    I’m not sure how prayer beads help. I don’t see them as an aid to prayer. Have been praying without them all my life. For those who find them helpful, I certainly give encouragement to continue. Praying is important, vital.
    A wonderful service yesterday, a video from our coordinating pastor, prevenient grace explained, many hymns, and increased attendance with new people. Thank You. Lord
    Jill, that block scheduling surely lightens the load and enables, hopefully, more teacher-student contact time. I averaged 125 students a day in 5 classes for the longest time of my teaching career.
    For short periods I taught 6 preps a day or traveled from classroom to classroom between classes.
    At one school I transformed an L-shaped storage room into a classroom. What you will do when you want to teach.
    Class three of Lay Servant today, Wesley tomorrow, winter prep for the car on Wednesday. A new month and the holiday season is coming.
    Prayers for well-being, health, caregiving, learning, safety, and spiritual growth. May God guide us in our voting. Thank You, Lord.

  • Julie Posted October 31, 2022 9:04 am

    I know Catholics use the rosary to pray and other religions use prayer beads also. Knowing that others are employing the same prayer practice could help connect users through understanding that we all use the same techniques to pray to the same God.
    I spent yesterday going to church, running errands and going for a walk. I picked up takeout at my favorite restaurant where I am friends with the manager. I had a wonderful day because I was away from h. I desperately needed this respite from the tension as my health has been suffering and I fear having to go back into the hospital.
    Prayers for Ally and David, Jill and her family, Lou and her mother, and Robert, Erich and the CCUMC.

  • Jill Posted October 31, 2022 9:24 am

    I have never used prayer beads or any other type of manipulative to help me focus during prayer.
    Well, I welcomed two beautiful kittens into my house and heart yesterday afternoon. My friend and I went to brunch yesterday and visited 3 pet stores and a pet shelter. I left the shelter with two wonderful gray and white kittens. They were very scared, and one of them still won’t let me hold him. He just keeps hissing at me from his little pink mouth. They are fascinating to watch – I have them barricaded in my kitchen for now. My heart is full.
    It was a wonderful weekend of time spent with friends. I am grateful for it.
    Julie – I am glad you were able to do some self care yesterday. Will be praying for your physical strength as you continue to endure.

  • R. Martin Armstrong Posted November 1, 2022 8:04 am

    Focus

Add Comment

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