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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

In caring for others we use up a great deal of physical and mental energy. If we do not replenish these limited resources, we run the risk of compassion fatigue. We cannot fulfill our God-given callings to be compassionate human beings in bodies that are constantly neglected and overextended. How we feed, exercise, relax, listen to, and nourish our bodies are matters relevant to faithful discipleship. As Francis of Assisi lay dying, someone asked if he would have changed anything in his ministry. Significantly he responded, “I would have been more kind to my body.”

—Trevor Hudson, A Mile in My Shoes: Cultivating Compassion (Upper Room Books, 2005)

Today’s Question

What do you do to relax and rejuvenate? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

You remember our labor and toil, brothers and sisters; we worked night and day, so that we might not burden any of you while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.
—1 Thessalonians 2:9 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

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.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

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Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

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5 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted June 29, 2021 5:23 am

    Thankfully when I’m tired, sleep is not far away. It’s a rare day when I can’t fall asleep. Jesus too, could and did sleep, even in a storm on the Sea of Galilee. It’s very amazing how sleep rejuvenates us. Of course food is also necessary.

  • robert moeller Posted June 29, 2021 6:00 am

    So much happens in just a few days, glad to catch up with NEM news. Busy days for Julie’s ex after his Mom passed away, there was a warm celebration for Pastor Sue, never would have guessed your Lebanese-Syrian heritage, glad you found the spices, I can handle hot, dry weather better than hot , humid weather. anything above 80 is “hot” for me, I’m a milk shake fan- vanilla is best. prayers for your Mom. Ally & David ,hope David is doing better after ER visit, a lot of waiting goes on there, hope your home church has a good new pastor soon. Jill, you are very active in sports, helping Dad play golf, biking with Becky, dealing with Blue Notes, sadness vs compassion, reading books, and lots of social interaction with friends, garden and lawn work. Lou, yes I can imagine being a mental health worker as a potentially draining job, thank goodness there are people like you who can help people, not sure how you do it, but it is very needed and welcome. Thankful you have church, children, and Mom. April Yes it can be very hard to be fully present, thank God that there is Glory Strength to help us make it through each day. Blessing to you all. Thank You, Lord

  • Julie Posted June 29, 2021 8:53 am

    I actually enjoy my morning time on the eliptical. I listen to music and read as I do the hard work. I also read the Bible, several devotionals and this group of comments.
    Yes Jill, the Milkshake Factory is very thoughtful of all its patrons. I thought they were only in the greater Pittsburgh area. Is there one near you? I always have one with strawberries and bananas and they use huge pieces of real fruit! Megan, who loves everything smores had their smaores on Sunday. Megan’s dad’s name is Bruce which will make talking about him easier. He will have no reason to return to his hometown after this trip so I understand his prolonging his stay.
    Prayers for April as she works on being present with those who need her. Prayers for Ally, David and Marcy’s health and finances. Prayers for Jill, Larry, and becky as they spend more tiime together, may their relationships grow more fulfilling. Prayers for Lou as she uses her skills to counsel her patients. Prayers for Robert and his church as they welcome Pastor Carol.
    Thank you for your prayers and God bless all who come here.

  • Jill Posted June 29, 2021 2:50 pm

    Compassion fatigue is real. Care-giving for a griever is real too, I am finding out. Sometimes for me, it is as simple as vegging out in my recliner, under a blanket with Roger amongst it, watching one of my taped shows. I think being active helps too. I played tennis the day before mom died, just because I needed something different.
    Dad and I golfed this morning, and it was borderline too hot/humid. He was getting worn down, as was I. Tonight my cousin’s youngest son has a ballgame. I asked dad if he wanted to go with me. It will still be hot and I will need to be aware of my patience. Dad doesn’t always wear his hearing aids and I must carefully guard against frustration. I knew he would be disappointed if I didn’t ask him.
    I wish there was a Milkshake Factory near me. When I was in Pittsburgh for a conference, there was one within walking distance of the hotel where I was staying and the conference was being held.

  • Ally Posted June 29, 2021 4:51 pm

    When I worked in forensic mental health, I often felt burned out. I suppose burn-out is one way of expressing compassion fatigue. My daddy dealt with his teacher compassion fatigue by gardening. I deal with mine with my daily quiet time, by playing guitar and keyboard, singing, reading, visiting the library, Cooking, taking a walk downtown or on our green way, watching a favorite movie, taking short trips with David. If I need a major top-up, I take a personal retreat and immerse myself in prayer and meditation for a day or 2.
    David is feeling better. Thanks to all for prayers for him and for my job search. All of you are dear to me and I lift up prayers for you and the things close to your hearts daily. Be blessed.

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