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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

When you get angry, go back to yourself, and take very good care of your anger. And when someone makes you suffer, go back and take care of your suffering, your anger. Do not say or do anything. Whatever you say or do in a state of anger may cause more damage in your relationship.

—Thich Nhat Hanh, in  Anger: Minding Your Passion, compiled and introduced by Amy Lyles Wilson (Fresh Air Books, 2010)

Today’s Question

In your anger, do you tend to go first to the person who has upset you? What might it look like for you to first “take care of your suffering, your anger”? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Hatred stirs up strife,
but love covers all offenses.

—Proverbs 10:12 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Lord,
Search me and know me. Shine a light on my innermost thoughts and feelings, even those I try to hide deep within. Give me courage to name the sources of my joy and my anger. Give me strength and wisdom to learn from them. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Registration is now open for RESILIENCE: Healing Practices for Mind, Body, and Spirit. Join us on September 30–October 2, 2021, as we explore a fresh array of spiritual practices to help with healing from trauma. Learn more.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

3 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted September 7, 2021 6:33 am

    Nowadays I’m very prone to say nothing at the time someone is venting at me. Their action does not allow them to listen, I can’t get a word in edgewise. Additionally, I’m not good at making immediate well stated responses, thinking on my feet. I do need to learn how to approach the person after their anger has subsided and constructively express myself. Hopefully my counselor will help me improve. Have a meeting today.
    Prayers that wisdom will find its way to those who are unvaccinated and the pandemic will come to an end. So many vaccines have been taken, used without such a commotion. With 600,000 dead, and the unvaccinated now dying at high rates while the vaccinated live, the evidence is overwhelming. Lord, guide all of us, we most certainly need You. Thank You, Lord.

  • Julie Posted September 7, 2021 8:52 am

    Oh no, I hold things inside. This is for many reasons: I don’t like conflict, I’ve always believed that I deserve to be treated poorly, I believe if I speak up for myself I will be ineffective and perhaps even mocked or scorned, I do not like to hurt others, not even their feelings. The list could go on but this illustrates the basic issue which is that I do not believe I have value. It would help me heal myself if I could address and take care of my feelings of anger, hurt and betrayal.
    Megan and I had fun yesterday though it was windy at the lake. It was wonderful to have 2 days away from this toxic environment. There are several planning meetings this evening church for upcoming events to supprt the community. I told the women in charge that I am interested and asked if it was ncessary to sttend this first meeting as I live a bit away and they said no that few would be there. I will make sure they are aware that I want to be on any emails regarding the groups. I spent Sunday on my own and enjoyed church and shopping at the mall.
    Prayers for Ally’s and David’s health and finances, Jill’s health as the school year unfolds, Robert and Erich’s counseling this mornning, Marti and her staff. Thank you for your prayers and may God bless all who visit here. Please pray for Christina’s dad who has lymphoma and is recovering from sepsis. Christina is a friend of mine. Thank you.

  • Jill Posted September 7, 2021 12:10 pm

    I tended not to be in confrontational situations, except for ones with my mom. And, regardless of whatever had prompted opposite sides, I was always wrong – and it never mattered if I said too much or nothing at all – I was set aside until she got over “it” – whatever it was. I was never permitted to voice my anger to my dad, to state my side of the situation. I guess towards the end of this – dad would hear me, but he never ever sided with me, always with mom. Fortunately I finally matured and the last 5 or so years of mom’s life – these situations did not arise. I am grateful to have no regrets. I tend to keep my discomfort hidden from the person who has caused it and have a friend or two who will listen well and give wise counsel.
    Julie – it saddens me that you don’t believe you have value. I wish you could loudly and proudly proclaim along with the song – “I am who You say I am.” You are a cherished child of God – that is the only relationship and citizenship which matters. You are loved.
    It remains refreshingly wonderful to be back in the classroom with my students – all of whom are so respectful, eager to learn, pleasant to converse with, and eager to engage in class discussion. Hope this honeymoon period continues to last. I know it won’t, but goodness – it is fantastic to be in the classroom right now.
    Yesterday was pleasant – with Dad, Becky and Don. I know I have said it before, but it bares repeating – God has done a wonderful work in my heart. I am able to recognize in the moment just how different it is, how different I am, how I am reacting. There is pleasant ribbing going on between Don and I. And – I am engageable with my sister and it is just pleasant. I just never imagined it could be like this.
    Father – I thank You for the change You have made in me, through Your Spirit. Father – keep impressing upon Julie how loved she is, and how You only can speak to her value. I pray Christina’s dad would be able to recover from sepsis – may his medical care be on point. I pray for Robert as he continues to seek counseling which will enable improved communication and guidance with Erich.
    Father – thank You for this forum, for those who faithfully tend to it. I pray for those who post less frequently – You know there life circumstances and needs. Be near to them and guide them in the way You would have them to go. I pray Marcy is getting the assistance she needs. I think of Mary, Betsy, Connie and Andrea…oh and the gentleman – I can’t think of his name, but we always lifted him and his wife to you. Father, for Rick, Lou, April, BJ…thank You for intertwining our lives, for various amounts of time, from various edges of Your world. May You alone be glorified.

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