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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

JESUS SEEKS TO RESTORE personhood, not diminish it. The spiritual path he teaches empowers human dignity, emboldens abundant vitality, and cultivates a flourishing as radiant as the lilies of the field in full blossom. Jesus proclaims, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Such restorative vitality flows from God’s abundant compassion.

—Frank Rogers Jr. , Compassion in Practice: The Way of Jesus (Upper Room Books, 2016)

Today’s Question

How does the spiritual path of Jesus enable you to flourish? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people.
—John 1:3-4 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

A prayer of compassion from Mother Teresa
Lord, open our eyes that we may see you in our brothers and sisters.
Lord, open our ears that we may hear the cries of the hungry, the cold, the frightened, the oppressed.
Lord, open our hearts that we may love each other as you love us.
Renew in us your spirit.
Lord, free us and make us one. Amen
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.

4 Comments

  • Jill Posted January 7, 2020 4:15 am

    Jesus’ commitment to meet people where they were…to have real conversations, to be subtle yet firmly set. Compassion was a primary thought for Him, and should be for us to. And complete surrender to His Father’s will…this takes the onus off of us. We merely live out what the Spirit directs for us. May our striving cease and our dependency be enhanced.
    Grateful to be getting back into routine. A morning of meetings yesterday, then I had a medical test at the hospital – a biopsy. I am grateful for my friend who accompanied me. Grateful that one of the technicians was someone I had played softball with long ago – she was a comfort during the procedure. Discomfort was fairly minimal for the procedure. Rest was spotty last night – hopefully I will not be inhibited too much at school today. Prayerfully await the results.
    God has been a comfort through all of this. The peace, His peace remains – steady as my heartbeat.
    Prayers for the concerns of this UR family…may He hold each of you secure.

  • robert moeller Posted January 7, 2020 6:52 am

    Prayers the biopsy reveals you are fine, Jill. Glad you had it done. Yes. I am sure it is unsettling, but you have great faith, and God will see you through.

    Made a hasty purchase. The locomotive should be AC current but is DC. Otherwise is looks great at the head end of a train that ran from Frankfurt to Langenschwalbach where there was a spa.

    Erich finally had a great ski outing yesterday at a phenomenal price $15. New snow and snow making in progress, a new ski area for him, and all went well. Very glad of that. Progress too on setting up a retail business, slow and easy, learning what needs to be done.

    My cough-sore throat comes and goes, but seems to be gradually getting better.

    Have not tried to see previous posts on the new daily reflection. Hope that feature is still there.

    Prayers for Meesook, have no idea how she is doing, two others, Terri and Mikie, have surgery coming up.
    The UR family remains in my daily prayers, hope to read more posts from you.

    Thank You, Lord, for the blessings of the day.

  • Julie Posted January 7, 2020 8:16 am

    Jesus showed compassion to all, especially those normally ostracized by society. This allows all to flourish and shine, even those in the shadows and I, as one who likes the shadows, have flourished in His love and compassion.
    Prayers for Jill as she awaits biopsy results, you are in my prayers and in God’s arms.
    Prayers for Robert’s health, may the cough and sore throat clear soon.
    Prayers for Rick. I would like this opportunity to say that Rick’s courage has been an inspiration to me. He displayed great courage and trust when he posted initially regarding his husband. Given the current news regarding the UMC, this was a step that could have met with any reaction. I also want to comment my fellow posters for welcoming Rick with open arms and prayers. We showed compassion and acceptance and have been rewarded with continued insightful comments from Rick. This is the life of Jesus, both the courage and the compassion and unequivical acceptance, that allows each and everyone of us to flourish as the creation He intended when He crafted each and everyone of us in our mother’s wombs.
    Prayers and thank you UR

  • Rick Posted January 7, 2020 9:41 pm

    Greetings to all,

    How does the spiritual path of Jesus enable me to flourish? Jesus came that we might have life and abundant life. He cared for and looked after the oppressed, those marginalized by society. He showed me how to love well and care for all God’s children. I live and strive each day to be more like him.

    Indeed I have had my struggles in this life. There were times when I really did want to give up. God has always seen me through and placed amazing Men and Women of faith in my life. I move forward in my faith with much compassion and belief that I must give back and be the hands and feet of God. I had that still, warm feeling John Wesley talked about at the age of 13. I knew my calling in life was to be a pastor. I know with all my Heart that the light shines in the darkness and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light. While my light at times felt like it was being extinguished, God continues to illuminate it. You have all been a bright light to me. As I returned to school this year, I became less active in my congregation. As I’ve mentioned in the past UR has been nourishing me for many years. Whenever I felt unsure or wanted more understanding I would read all your posts. I never felt comfortable until this last year to really post…
    I am so humbled by Julie’s post, you brought tears of joy to me. You have all made me feel accepted and loved and continue to inspire and guide me in this walk.

    My thoughts and prayers are with you Jill during this time of waiting. May you feel God’s peace and comfort during this time. Robert, Praying for your health and successful start of business Erich. Julie I am indeed humbled, Blessings to you, and all the UR visitors and friends. Continued prayers to all those we have not seen since the new format.

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