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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 [John 12:24], Jesus is primarily speaking of his own death. At first his death will appear as a tragedy, but in the end it will be a triumph. His death will be the ultimate victory of the resurrecting power of God over the forces of evil, sin, and death.

Though Jesus’ death is unique, he invites his followers to die as well. Like a seed that is planted in the ground and dies, Jesus invites us to die to ourselves in order to bear good fruit. We are asked to lay down our lives in love to be raised to new life.

—Trevor Hudson, Pauses for Lent: 40 Words for 40 Days (Upper Room Books, 2015)

Today’s Question

What do you need to die to this Easter in order to enter more fully into the life Christ wants to give you? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

“Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls
into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain;
but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”

—John 12:24 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Holy God, as I walk through this Holy Week, help me to remember all that Jesus experienced in the last week of his life. Guide me to remember his greatest sacrifice, and help me as I seek to follow Jesus. Thank you for your great love. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

This Holy Week, join us on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. (CT), for prayer and worship in The Upper Room Chapel. Also, on Maundy Thursday, we will also release a new video reflection on The Last Supper Woodcarving in honor of The Upper Room Chapel’s 70th Anniversary. Join us on Facebook and YouTube.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

Good Friday

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

3 Comments

  • Julie Posted April 7, 2023 9:37 am

    I assume I need to die to sin. Sin takes so many forms, including the inability to forgive even that person who has harmed you.
    I didn’t make it to Maundy Thursday at my church. I was not feeling well and was exhausted. I had looked forward to what sounded like a rewarding session. Caregiving is tedious and tiring is all I can say. Today I meet with those who will provide caregiving services for me on Sundays when he can no longer be alone.

  • Jill Posted April 7, 2023 5:24 pm

    My generic answer is expectations. God has brought me a long way down this road – but I assume there is still quite a distance to span. I think it is much more subtle now. Yet, having been so accustomed to having expectations (mostly unknowingly, I think???) – this is a big mind shift. Maybe mostly just an awareness as to how easily I can have them. And how it is wrong and can be so detrimental in relationships. Father, I continue to ask – Lead me in Your righteousness. In this area and wherever else You deem necessary.
    Today is the fourth anniversary of mom’s passing. Dad seemed pretty good – no tears during our time together. Some memories shared, without quivering voice or long pauses. Even a few full on laughs, similar to when we would all get to laughing when the five of us were together.
    Becky, Don and dad went to his church this evening for Good Friday service. I will be going with my friend to hers, here in just a bit. Last night was the first night she stayed with me. It is going to be a good transition, with me being on break next week. She goes home at noon tomorrow and will return Wednesday after work. I am not sure where/if her son has an AAU basketball tournament next weekend.
    Cooler here, but good to have the brightness of the sun.
    May all who stop by here be blessed in their remembrance of our Wonderful Saviour and His ultimate sacrifice today.

  • robert moeller Posted April 7, 2023 9:38 pm

    Not sure yet, but I hope a simple sharing of the family photo collection will help ease tensions. I was the go between who helped it happen. Back in NH after a wonderful time with Jenny, Chris, Willa, and Oona. It’s a long drive, 6.5 hours including breaks, traffic stoppages, and a busy travel day. Thankful for a safe trip and good weather
    Thankful for the help Julie will have when h can’t be left alone and for the healing in Jill’s family at the 4th annual of her Mom’s passing.. Prayers for the friend staying with Jill.
    Attended Maundy Thursday service via zoom., meditated on Jesus’s faux trial and crucifixion during my drive home The only immeasurable . Good coming from a very terrible death is only possible with God. Thank You,
    Lord.

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