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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 more recent years I have … intended to fast from habits that separate me from the Holy One. I have given up worry, cynicism, or social media to help me move closer to the heart of God. I have also taken on new practices during the season of Lent. Centering Prayer and mindfulness meditation are two practices that have been helpful to my spiritual journey. What clutters your heart or mind and gets in the way of your love of God or neighbor? What could you give up or take on during this Lenten journey?

—Beth A. Richardson, Walking in the Wilderness: Seeking God During Lent (Upper Room Books, 2020)

Today’s Question

Reflect on the questions in today’s quote. Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all day long.
—Psalm 25:5 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

O God, help me walk through the wilderness of these days remembering who I am and whose I am. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Join author Beth A. Richardson from Ash Wednesday, February 17, through Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021, for a special online retreat from The Upper Room, featuring the book Walking in the Wilderness: Seeking God During Lent. Learn more here.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

3 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted January 12, 2021 7:53 am

    I like these suggestions for ways to fast during Lent. Doing positive things to help others is a way I will fast during Lent this year. The money I would use to buy sweets, snacks will instead be given to help others.
    Prayers for my church as our pastor will retire the end of June. This is a very small congregation, a 1/4 pastor appointment. On sound financial footing, building in great shape, I pray there is a way forward as it is the only UMC in the area.
    Continued prayers for the end of Covid world wide and a peaceful transition. May the truth help people heal. So much needs to be done, violence will prevent positive actions.
    Bible study today, understanding the concepts of faith, belief, and hope. Very helpful in this pandemic-economic tough time. Thank You, Lord, for Your ever presence.

  • Julie Posted January 12, 2021 8:46 am

    I have been taught from the beginning of my faith that these are the questions to ponder each Lenten season. I have already begun fasting from one habit that I hope to never have again. I still have work to do to completely eradicate it from my life. I have also spoken of the spiritual practices I have tried adding which are journaling and sitting quietly in reflection. The last few days I have lapsed due to other issues. I will redouble my efforts today.
    Prayers for Robert and his church and retiring pastor. May the pastor enjoy a long and fulfilling retirement and may the Methodist conference this congregation belongs to find a replacement.
    Prayers for Jill and Larry. The little football rituals you share with Larry are common here in Pittsburgh as well. I do not understand many of your references such as the Steelers being the Browns “big brother.” I do remember when The Chew was on TV one of the hosts, chef and restauranteur Michael Symon, was from Cleveland. I remember he endured much ribbing because the Browns rarely won and if I remember correctly they even had a season of zero wins. So I am glad you and Larry were finally able to celebrate this big win. I also am sorry Ohio State lost the big game (it was on our news).

  • Jill Posted January 12, 2021 10:11 am

    Yes – “giving up” as well as “taking on” are familiar stances for Lent. Two stances, which were not connected to Lent, which I have integrated is memorization and “unplugging” in my morning time. At the start of 2020 I began memorizing Psalms. I started strong, and then waned. But, I have picked it up again this year, and am currently working on Psalm 145.
    Will have to give some consideration for the upcoming Lent season.
    My best friend and I are doing daily devotionals on the Bible App. This is a nice addition to my daily routine.
    Yes, the Browns have been woeful, ever since they “came back” to Cleveland. It has been a long stretch of miserableness with a little mediocrity mixed in. Three years ago we were winless. We are now scarred people (I say this jokingly) and why we never felt comfortable late into the game Sunday night. Now we are beside ourselves with delight.
    Michael Symon is indeed a feather in our region’s cap. I have eaten at one of his restaurants a handful of times. Unfortunately, Co-vid has hampered even his efforts, as he is closing his main restaurant in the bustling downtown area near the baseball stadium and basketball arena. The one I ate at is in a suburb and will remain open. Can’t wait to eat out at any restaurant.
    Last night my school district made the decision to move towards reopening sometime in March. Which means teachers will be prioritized for the vaccination. The first round should begin on February 1. I reached out to my rheumatologist this morning regarding her thoughts about me taking the vaccination. I expect a green light!

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