Today’s Reflection
[OUR MINISTRIES] happen in real places where real human lives are connected to the life of Christ. God’s call upon each of our lives is largely defined by where we are and where we’re from. I’ve discovered one of the sources of strength for the long obedience of ministry is found in naming the places I’ve been, recalling the faces of people I’ve known, and reclaiming the ways ordinary places became holy places in my life.
—James A. Harnish, Extraordinary Ministry in Ordinary Time: An Invitation to Renewal for Pastors (Upper Room Books, 2020)
Today’s Question
Which faces and places have been significant in your spiritual journey? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
When Jacob woke from his sleep, he thought to himself, The LORD is definitely in this place, but I didn’t know it. He was terrified and thought, This sacred place is awesome. It’s none other than God’s house and the entrance to heaven.
—Genesis 28:16-17 (CEB)
Prayer for the Week
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.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
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Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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3 Comments
I think of the holy moments which have occurred in just this past year. I think of intense conversations with dad, which have occurred on a golf cart, or in a booth at a restaurant. God was near and I continue to depend on Him for wisdom in choosing the right words. I think of holy conversations had on the phone with a dear friend. Many of which happened while I was driving. I can vividly remember one from last February – on my way from a tennis match, back to mom and dad’s place to be at mom’s side. My friend prayed me all the way there. Yes, the extraordinary can occur at any time, as He is always present.
My memories are vivid today, this morning. It was this night one year ago, when mom was taken to emergency and we were told that the cancer was back, aggressively and in many places. What an awful evening that was. And, of course, God was there as well. Thankfully. I just wish she had been able to sense Him and drawn comfort from Him. He surely sustained me. And sustains me still.
Father – please continue to sustain Robert and the assistance he is seeking from a counselor. Continue to grant him patience and wisdom as he seeks to assist Erich. Oh, if only Erich would find his contentment in You. Easy for me to say now. But, I, too, was a wanderer. Father – I thank You that I am Yours, safely in Your hand.
My first positive experience was with my best friend and her parents when they took me to their Episcopal church. The minister there was amazing and the congregation was like a big family. We had regular dinners and every week there was a coffee and fellowship time taht the families rotated at hosting. It was warma and inviting. It was the one and only bright spost in my life of following God. My grandfather never spoke openly of his faith, but he lived it every day.
Prayers for Jill as she remembers sad happenings of a year ago. Compassionate Father please heal her heart.
Prayers for Robert, may his dental surgery today go well with minimal pain and quick recovery.
Prayers for physical and emotional healing for Andrea, Connie, Lou, and Marcy .
Prayers for blessings for April, BJ, Betsy, Edy, and Mary.
May we hear from those who have been silent and are missed soon.
Prayers and thank you UR
Back from the periodontist, easily and almost painlessly my two teeth were removed. The worst was the novocaine and even that went better than it has with other procedures. Two teabags are now in place to stop the bleeding. Have an ice pack and necessary meds. I’ll be called in the morning. Thank you, UR family, for your prayers.
Hard to remember my earliest faith journey beginnings. My parents took me to church, we did some things at home, I went to Sunday school, later Confirmation class. Didn’t recognize it at the time but going to chapel in army basic training surely had an impact. Much later a one-on-one 10 week Bible study-faith formation class really was my Mountain Top experience. Getting through some, what for me, were tough times surely helped. I’m in the valley plodding along, trying to do what is right and trying to correct some problems. There’s a lot people who say they do not believe, do not understand, I wish, hope, pray they will have a change of heart. At the same time there is wisdom that they too can and do impart.
It is very true that God works in mysterious ways. This phrase is not a cop out for things we don’t understand, but is a very real truth.
Thank you Jill and Julie for your prayers. I’m doing what I can to be ready for my medicare wellness exam at which time I will ask for the help of my primary care doctor in finding a therapist that can help me.
Prayers for both of you, very glad you are here at the UR. I too pray for all you name, Julie, and others as well. Mikie is back in the ICU, he stopped doing the exercises prescribed as they hurt, now he has fluid in his lungs. Prayers for him and Meesook who is still enduring great pain after surgery. Thankful Anneliese was able to go for a walk in 47 degree weather. There is a storm approaching with wetter conditions in southern New England and hopefully snow in the northern part.
Thank You, Lord, for all You do.
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