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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

Immersing myself in God’s creation always fills me with delight and wonder. My kids are very accustomed to me running inside the house and saying, “Hey! The sunset is awesome. Hurry outside!” They never hesitate. They get up, run outside, and stare with me at the sky, noting the changing colors, the cloud formations, and the descending sun. Nature has played an important part of my family vacations. My children and I love going to the mountains or the ocean and finding joy and serenity in the world God has given us.

—Christopher Maricle, Deeply Rooted: Knowing Self, Growing in God (Upper Room Books, 2016)

Today’s Question

Which parts of God’s creation provide you with joy and serenity? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

O LORD, our Sovereign,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

—Psalm 8:1 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

God, give me the humility to know that I am a growing work in progress. Give me the grace and understanding to see the growth in those around me.
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.

5 Comments

  • Jill Posted July 22, 2020 5:35 am

    Just last evening the sunset was beautiful in its simplicity. My friend from church and tennis – we met to play for a bit. When we had finished, we sat on the bench and talked for a while. We both miss interaction so much. Time whittled away and the sky continued to transform. It wasn’t so much the array of colors, but the depth of a few colors in the cloud line. We finally went our separate way – and as I drove home, I was headed in the direction of the sunset. The depth and beauty of the blue was beautiful as the night sky developed.
    I am missing my time at the beach this summer. I so enjoy sunrises there, watching the birds hover over the ocean and flit along the shore near the water. The early risers like me, often out there with their dogs, leisurely walking along, taking in the beauty of an uncrowded beach. I just close my eyes, and I am there…the picturesque scene, the morning sounds greeting the day, and- oh – the smell of the saltwater.
    Father – You abide with us in the rhythms of our lives…the loss of a treasured pet, the dissonance of a significant relationship, the healing and renewal of body strength, times of respite. Oh Father – the tenderness of our hearts – hold them, mold them, sanctify them to Your glory.

  • robert moeller Posted July 22, 2020 5:43 am

    The awesomeness of God’s creation can be seen almost anywhere on the earth. I am thankful to say that I have seen it in many locations Mountains, lakes, and the Grand Canyon stand out,

    Sorry this is late, prayers for Julie at the passing of Chazi. I have experienced putting pet down and it’s very tough. Had to do that to Isis not long ago, she had cancer. Pearl came along bot long after and has been a blessing.

    Thankful for ice cream with a friend, renewed email from a long ago student, progress with models, cooler weather, a good but tough movie, good meals, and yesterday’s Bible study..

    Prayers for everyone touched in some way by the pandemic, that is a vast spectrum of people from patients, caregivers, family, and friends, including those not infected.. We all endure in some way. Lord, may Your wisdom come to everyone that they may know what to do. Thank You, Lord

  • Julie Posted July 22, 2020 8:27 am

    Having just visited my hometown, the mountains come immediately to mind. Williamsport is in the foothills of the Appalachians and the mountains are wondrous and soothe my soul each time I visit. I love streams that gurgle over rocks and waterfalls. I also enjoy sunrises and sunstes. I love the scent of lilacs and roses. God, the creator, has gifted us with many beautiful sights, sounds and smells.
    Prayers for Jill and her friend and may Jill continue to be well enough to play tennis and golf.
    Prayers for Robert who does not avoid painful memories and images. May he be rewarded with increased understanding.
    Prayers for April as she tends God’s creation unselfishly, may more join her.
    Prayers for Ally and David and their continued recovery and Ally’s work situation as it relates to caring for David.
    I found mouse droppings yesterday. The irony does not excape me in that I am a cat person. Tazzie is too spoiled to indulge such base iinstincts. The exterminator is here to assess the situation.
    Prayers, thank you and stay healthy dear UR one and all

  • Ally Posted July 22, 2020 10:21 am

    I was talking with a friend the other day who was getting ready for a trip to the beach. She asked me if I preferred the beach or the mountains. I truly love both. I’m fortunate that where I live is about 3 hrs. from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia and about same distance from coastal Georgia. Both bring me joy and peace. Closer to home, there is a 4-H facility on a lake that we like to visit. It has easy walking trails and a lake. It is a place which brings us sweet peace and serenity. Fresh summer veggies and fruits certainly bring joy.
    Please lift up David: the diuretic depletes his body of potassium and magnesium. His legs hurt and he’s been having trouble sleeping. He takes potassium and is starting a magnesium supplement as well. He also has some minor swelling in his feet. Dr. advised him to monitor the swelling and watch his salt intake.
    Jill, thank your beautiful prayer. Truly lifted my heart. Robert, sounds like you are finding joy in your daily life. How wonderful that a former student reached out to you. Julie, prayers continue as you mourn your little buddy Chai. I’m thankful you have Tazzie. Kitties are for spoiling😊💜. Thank you for your prayers for David and me. Lou prayers continue for you and your daughter. I pray for April and her work to make the world more beautiful. Lifting up our other regulars: Marcy, Andrea, Rick. Praying that they feel the Lord’s presence today. I pray we all feel a measure of joy today. Blessings to all.

  • April Posted July 22, 2020 9:26 pm

    I find joy and serenity in seeing how all the green colors in nature blend together to become beautiful masterpieces. The greens do not fight with each other, they just are themselves and look lovely beside any other color, including another green. I am out on the back porch and so enjoying the sound of the fountains at the end of a warm summer day. It was cloudy today so perfect for pulling weeds without getting sunburned.
    It is great to hear that you will soon be starting work Ally. May it be work out well for you and David. Medications seem to have positive and negative effects. I pray that David may find a balance and continue with his recovery.
    Julie, how nice that you could get away with Megan and Tazzie. I smiled at Tazzie and her moussing skills. We had a golden retriever who did not notice mice either.
    Jill, I lift you and all other teachers up in prayer as you await the unknown regarding school for the students. The time to begin is getting closer each day and so many questions still to be answered. May the safety of all be a top priority.
    Robert, it is so nice that you have such an interesting hobby with the trains. Also that you connect with Zoom for studies. I listened to an inspirational webinar last night and it inspired me with new thoughts.
    Lou, may you feel God right there beside you as you meet the challenges of each day. Your love for each of your children comes through your posts. How blessed they are to have you as their Mother.
    For our UR Family, blessings to each. For the issues in our world, thank you Lord that you are in control. Our God is an awesome God.

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