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

Jesus claims that his very self is the sustenance we’re looking for, that, even though we may chase after many things in our lives, we only need one thing: him. In our world, this is perhaps the most offensive claim Jesus makes: he—and only he—is what everyone needs. Many of us don’t like to think of ourselves as having needs. And if we concede that we have needs, we imagine that we’re unique enough that no one-size-fits-all solution exists. Still, Jesus says that he is the source of life for all. Does this offend you?

—Matthew Croasmun, Let Me Ask You a Question: Conversations with Jesus (Upper Room Books, 2018)

Today’s Question

Do Jesus’ words in John 6 offend you? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

And Jesus said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.” Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. So Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”
—John 6:65-69 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Lord, help me know the difference between what you ask of me and what the world asks of me.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

We often think of Jesus as someone with all the answers. But over and over in scripture, he asks questions, seeking to engage with people and genuinely interested in their responses. Author Matthew Croasmun invites us to enter into conversation with Jesus by answering the questions Jesus asks. Learn more about this week’s featured book, Let Me Ask You a Question.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

Save 45% and get free shipping on the regular and enlarged-print editions of Disciplines 2021 with promo code DISC45. Offer good while supplies last.

3 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted August 20, 2021 6:01 am

    No, I am not offended. Have lived all my God knowing life in the belief that Jesus is the way. I have over time gained knowledge, understanding, come closer, but still acknowledge that without Jesus salvation from my humanity is impossible.
    Back to ZOOM worship with the Delta variant causing increased infections. Mask wearing in crowded indoor public places.
    Prayers for Afghanistan, Haiti, fire and flood effected US, those in storms’ paths, the needs and concerns, joys and blessings of the NEM family, my church, progress with my own physical and mental health, and thankful that through it all God is always there. Thank You, Lord.

  • Lou Posted August 20, 2021 7:30 am

    A strange question for me – His words do not offend – they comfort me. He is the Way. Without Him we are nothing.
    I am leaving tomorrow for a long planned trip to visit my youngest in NYC and help her move- prayers for us and for safe and easy travels. I am watching the hurricane predicted to move up the east coast – wary of that. Prayers for ease and safety and a good and productive visit. This child of mine has been struggling more with her anxiety and secondary depression lately. I helped her locate a psychologist near her and she made contact and will begin seeing her this week. My youngest has always been so sensitive and the family changes plus starting college have been difficult transitions. Prayers for her as she starts a new school year.
    Prayers for teachers and students everywhere as they return to in person learning after a long and trying time. May God guide them and keep them safe. May God continue to lead us all and protect us with his love. Continued prayers for all here at the UR.

  • Jill Posted August 20, 2021 7:41 pm

    Far from offensive, I find His words a balm. He is sufficient. He is fully satisfying. He is, indeed, all that I need.
    Prayers, Lou, for your travels and your time with your daughter. I hope the psychologist is a good fit, that your daughter feels comfortable with her.
    Dad and I enjoyed a nice dinner at an Italian restaurant. Wanted to eat outside. But, even with the umbrellas – the angle of the sun was such that we weren’t really shaded, so we went back indoors. Dad has enough lasagna for another meal – which makes him happy.
    Took a walk this evening and stopped to visit with a neighbor. A lovely evening, a bit of cooler air setting in.
    Roger came to life a bit yesterday as I grilled out pork chops for dinner. He loves them and was begging for them while I was eating. I cut up tiny pieces and placed them on his food mat. I was leery of giving him too much on such an empty stomach. But then he had some cat food which is the most like human food I have ever seen – it is shredded chicken and there is water/broth with it. I was so pleased he lapped up all the broth. I mixed some water in with the chicken that remained in his dish and he lapped it up too. Was thrilled to get some liquid in him. He is still not eating like himself – but everything is staying down and he seems to have a bit more of an appetite tonight. Keeping my eye on him. Thank you all for your prayers.
    May the concerns mentioned here continue in our prayers – for Robert and Erich, Julie and Megan, Ally and David. The concerns around the virus, our nation and the world are indeed numerous. Lord, hear our prayers.

Add Comment

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