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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

Our churches often avoid topics that might be controversial. Yet, the Jesus I have grown to know and to love is the Jesus who was not scared of conflict. Jesus broke the rules when he asked the Samaritan woman for a drink at the well (see John 4:1-26). He paid no mind to the gossip when he shared a meal with a tax collector (see Luke 19:1-10). He did not remain silent when the Pharisees introduced the woman caught in the act of adultery; neither did he condemn her (see John 8:1-11). As we follow the example that Jesus has set, we learn how to enter more bravely into these sometimes uncomfortable or even contentious conversations. We learn how to love and to wholly embrace people and all the stories they carry.

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

Today’s Question

How does the example of Jesus guide you during moments of controversy? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly to everyone, an apt teacher, patient, correcting opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth.
—2 Timothy 2:23-25 (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

  • robert moeller Posted June 7, 2021 8:16 am

    I think these scripture passages tell us that Jesus listened a lot before he spoke, He mingles with the people, absorbs understanding their personality, even though He knows them inside out. Listening is a very important skill, and hearing goes beyond what the ears are capable of.
    What New Englanders consider hot weather will last a few more days. Thankful that AC and the insulated curtain are making life easier. Had a good weekend, worship was different even though I was at church. Had to participate via ZOOM and there were technical difficulties. Fellowship under canopies in the parking lot after the service was very good. Am closer to a church member after helping to set up the canopies. The tv table is now in its owners hands and some sanding and painting are next. Hopefully, one last coat of yellow will enable the masking needed to make the stripes on the Brill car front. Many modeling projects require new skills in new situations which may be the only time they are ever done. For me this is one of those times.
    Anneliese has several health concerns: a 24 hour bug, gout, and fibro-myalgia. Thankfully some of them seem to be subsiding. Solving how to take care of the physical property where she lives is a problem, moving is an unaffordable option. Good progress on the transition from one pastor to another continues. Plans, prep, and realization of the plans are in good shape. Mosquitoes and ticks are making walking and hiking in the woods more of a challenge. Need protection before going and a thorough cleaning afterwards. Prayers for improvements spiritual, mental, and physical health, well-being, legal proceedings, job searches, and relationships with anyone you meet. In my through the Bible reading, the Israelites are about to enter the Promised Land with Joshua leading them. Many activities this week, hope your activities all go well. Thank You, Lord.

  • Julie Posted June 7, 2021 9:13 am

    Second times a charm…I hope.
    May we all listen with all our senses to others with no preconceived thoughts or prejudices. May we see one another as the beloved child of God and treat them as we would treat Jesus. May we accept all people as and where they are and embrace their differences.
    Megan and I had an enjoyable day yesterday. We ate breakfast outside the establishment we frequent. We had a light snack midday and takeout for dinner. We went to a movie, may first since the pandemic. We went to the first show and their were few others in the theater. It was a good movie and a pleasant day. Tomorrow we are going to the Pittsburgh art festival. This is a very popular event with a juried plethora of artists. There are live performances on several stages and art installations by famous artists from around the world. They are tkaing many safet precautions including spreading the vendor tents across several city blocks. It is obviously outside with many sites to see and many different food options, many international.
    Prayers for Ally and David’s health and job search, Jill and Larry’s safe travels, Lou’s visit with her children, Marcy’s health and finances and Robert’s church as it transitions between pastors. Thank you all for your prayers and God bless you all.

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