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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

I marveled that it could last, for it was so little that it could suddenly have become nothing. I was answered in my understanding, “It lasts and ever shall, for God loves it.” And so everything has being by the love of God.
In this little thing I saw three properties. The first is that God made it, the second that God loves it, and the third that God keeps it. But what did I behold there? Truly, the Maker, the Keeper, the Lover. For until I am substantially united to God, I may never have full rest nor true bliss.

Upper Room Spiritual Classics: Writings of Julian of Norwich, Edited by Keith Beasley-Topliffe (Upper Room Books, 2017)

Today’s Question

Where do you find encouragement in the idea that “everything has being by the love of God”? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

We have known and have believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who remain in love remain in God and God remains in them.
—1 John 4:16 (CEB)

Prayer for the Week

God, our Maker, Lover, and Keeper,
Thank you for the everlasting love you have for all you have made.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

The Upper Room is committed to a ministry that is increasingly global, antiracist, and ecumenical. This is the work of discipleship and spiritual formation.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

5 Comments

  • Jill Posted October 12, 2020 5:42 am

    God is intentional and purposeful in His act of creating. His love for us and His desire for us to love each other and our surroundings – this is the beauty of creation. May we tenderly care for each other and for our earth.
    Prayers of peace, unity and perseverance as we embark on another week. May our words and actions be Christ-inspired and God glorifying.

  • Marcy Posted October 12, 2020 6:12 am

    A hymn based on 1 John 4:16

    Thou, Lord, Art Love, and Everywhere

    Thou Lord, art love, and everywhere
    Thy name is brightly shown;
    Beneath, on earth—Thy footstool fair;
    Above, in heaven—Thy throne.

    Thy Word is love; in lines of gold
    There mercy prints its trace:
    In nature we Thy steps behold,
    The Gospel shows Thy face.

    Thy ways are love; though they transcend
    Our feeble range of sight,
    They wind through darkness to their end
    In everlasting light.

    Thy thoughts are love, and Jesus is
    The loving voice they find;
    His love lights up the vast abyss
    Of the eternal mind.

    Thy chastisements are love; more deep
    They stamp the seal divine;
    And by a sweet compulsion keep
    Our spirits nearer Thine.

    Thy heaven is the abode of love!
    O blessèd Lord, that we
    May there, when time’s dim shades remove,
    Be gathered home to Thee!

    Then with Thy resting saints to fall
    Adoring round Thy throne,
    When all shall love Thee, Lord, and all
    Shall in Thy love be one.

    James D. Burns (1858)

  • robert moeller Posted October 12, 2020 7:18 am

    That we and everything around us is God made truly is reassuring. The understanding of it is often hard to fathom, none the less, it is reality. Yes, it was all made by LOVE. Nothing else could do such wonders.

    Prayers for Jill, all teachers, students, parents, and staff as another week of learning begins. Hope golf with Dad was great.

    Always thankful for Marcy’s posts, pray your health and well being is improving. God enables you. I am thankful for that and your treasury of hymns that are all new to me. What a delight if we could hear the music that accompanies them.

    A few modeling projects on the workshop siding awaiting parts or tools: CV caboose, Brill car, and RS3-IIIs; St.J&LC 70 tonners. Until supplies arrive, a CNR café grill car is getting attention. Actually rode two CV trains on which this car was present, but never made it to the car. I was a wee lad. From 1946-1958 this was a signature car on the Ambassador, a CNR, CV, B&M train between Montreal and Boston.

    Calls in for a plumber to fix some small, but annoying, problems.

    Blessings to all. Thank You, Lord.

  • Julie Posted October 12, 2020 8:42 am

    Even as tiny cells growing in our mothers’ wombs, God loved us as he made each cell, just as he created each miniscule part of creation. No one and nothing is small or insigificant to Him.
    Prayers for Jil and for wisdom and caution for the school administration in future decision making.
    Prayers for Marcy, who needs our prayers as she was not allowed to get her botox shots for her migraines due to a slight fever. She since developed a cough and is watching her symptoms to determine if testing is necessary.
    Prayers for Robert and I am in awe of your vast knowledge of and personal experience with trains.
    I have had a very hectic morning. The kittens are trying to get into h’s bedroom and as he is a hoarder who also eats in his room, this could prove fatal for the kittens. He became very stressed and threatened me. He has left…for now. Megan and I went to an apple orchard in Ohio yesterday that we have been visiting since befroe she was born. Jill, there are many places near here that sell many, many flavors and types of coffee and I would love to help you and Larry anytime you want a special coffee.
    Prayers, thank you and be well UR

  • Ally Posted October 12, 2020 12:57 pm

    I take comfort in the knowledge that God made for a purpose. As I asked myself how the above phrase may give me comfort, this occurred to me. For some reason, a quote from the movie Chariots of Fire came to me. One of the main characters, Eric Liddell ( if you have never read his story, please do!), said this: “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure.” When what we do has purpose and glorifies God, God takes pleasure. God loves it. Thank You, Lord!
    David and I received sad news last night. His cousin Mary, who was like a sister to him, passed away Saturday after having a massive stroke while having a heart cath and getting a stent. She called us Thursday and asked us to pray for her. I could tell she had a lot of anxiety about her procedure. We checked in 2-3 times and her phone went straight to voicemail. Her husband (David was very close to him as well) to let us know that Mary passed away. We are both heartbroken. I never got to meet Mary face to face, but we have talked and texted ever since David and I married. While he was in hospital and rehab, Mary checked in with me every day and prayed for us. We had plans to visit her and Pas (her husband) in Texas next summer if safe. I’m so sad and disappointed we won’t get to meet on this side of heaven. Please pray for Pas, as he will be lost without Mary They were married 58 years. And for David, as he was closer to Mary than any other person in his family.
    Jill, I pray that your workload becomes more manageable. My Daddy was a teacher and he spend a lot of evenings making lesson plans and grading. Praying that staying active helps you manage the stress. Glad you and Larry are enjoying golf. Marcy, I’m so sorry to hear you couldn’t have your shot. I pray that your symptoms have resolved and for healing. I know this is unsettling. Praying you feel God’s presence and that you and Roxy stay well. Robert. I agree with Julie. I’m amazed by your knowledge of trains. I pray your plumbing problems are an easy fix. Julie, I too enjoy visiting apple orchards in fall. Many It sounds like you and Megan enjoyed your trip. Praters continue for your situation with h. I pray for your, Megan’s and the babies’ safety. I pray things resolve soon and you will have peace. Thank You Lord, for Your promises. Help us all to find our purpose. Blessings to all.

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