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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

Gurus can be next-door neighbors whom you perceive to be ‘walking the talk.’ They are people who are further along and better equipped than you. And they enhance your progress.”

Swami’s words softened my autonomous shell, and the faces of the saints on my path came flooding forth. They were the faithful pilgrims of Binkley Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, Duke Divinity School, and my hospital chaplaincy. They’d led with their love and example—and helped me see my spiritual potential. Where would I be without them? Had my family, friends, and local church “gurus” not invested time, attention, and care with me, would I have even turned out to be a Christian? Would I have been ordained? How would I have moved forward?

—J. Dana Trent, Saffon CrossThe Unlikely Story of How a Christian Minister Married a Hindu Monk (Fresh Air Books, 2013)

Today’s Question

Who are your “gurus“? —Who has led you with their love and example? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us,
—Hebrews 12:1 (NRSVUE)

Prayer for the Week

In your infinitude, O God, you humble me. As I strive to better understand you, help me recognize this striving in others. Your presence is revealed in so many beautiful ways. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

During the 40 days of Lent, beloved author Beth Richardson invites us to make space for the Holy One in the wilderness of our lives. With daily reflections and weekly spiritual practices, Walking in the Wilderness provides a spiritual feast for readers during one of the more challenging seasons of the year. Get your copy for only $10 (33% off) with promo code WWLENT.

Lectionary Readings

  • Jeremiah 1:4-10
  • Psalm 71:1-6
  • 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
  • Luke 4:21-30

Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.

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

4 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted February 1, 2025 6:14 am

    There may be more rhan I recognize, and some were more influential than others, but I would start with my parents. I was in church before i recognized it because of them. The next “guru” isn’t a person, but an opportunity to attend church extended in army basic training, Then come the first of two Korean pastors. I met him in America and he married Soo Ok and I in Korea. After Soo Ok passed I met another pastor who helped my faith put down deep roots . Since then there have been several pastors who have helped my understanding oif God’s love. Currently, a Bible study and The Upper Room are sustaining my faith as my life with Erich continues. Thank You, Lord

  • Jill Posted February 1, 2025 6:53 am

    My first guru is now my friend who lives cross country, pretty much off the grid. She is 16 years my elder, yet took a keen interest in me since I was in middle school. She mentored, doted, loved and befriended me. It wasn’t until she retired and moved away that all the seeds, watering and fertilizing began to come to fruition. Then our cross country communication ebbed and flowed, but we have more closely reconnected recently – as our moms (best friends) died a few months apart. Our very elder dads are still here, and dear friends themselves. And she is present – even tho very far away. Her intermittent communication is timely and packed full of love, goodness and wisdom.
    I am so grateful for her. She has stepped into the space of quietly praying and supporting me.
    It was a struggle as I tried to rebound from my cold/upper respiratory thing this week. It was helpful to have no students yesterday and just meetings. Even with that, I have practically lost my voice. I am feeling much better, but sound dreadful.
    My god son’s team won a big game last night – beating the team ranked one above them. My god son played fearlessly and had his best game of the season. I have three more regular season games of his to attend as I will be missing the last three when I go to Florida to be with dad and Becky in a little over a week. There is another game this evening.

  • Ally Posted February 2, 2025 12:05 am

    My first gutu was my grandmother. She taught me about God’s grace through unconditional love. she died when I was 12. I was heartbroken and felt cast adrift. I struggled a few months and God sent the next guru. He was my pastor through middle school and high school. He baptized me a few weeks before my 13th birthday. I felt he “got” me when no one else did. He remained my mentor and friend from 1975 until he passed in 2021. There have been 1 or 2 others.
    David has. An appointment with his primary on Wednesday. He has been experiencing pronounce md weakness in his muscles and has not been moving around well. He’s had a couple more falls and I am worried. I’m really trying to remember that God is on God’s throne and not despair in the craziness. I need to apply for my social security so I can retire in July. Many SS offices have experienced rifs and applicants have to make appointments in a chaotic system. I’m worried about everything. Hold me up, Lord. Thank you for my friends here.

    • Lou Posted February 2, 2025 7:06 am

      Prayers and love for you Ally

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