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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

An older woman sits in church just a few days after her husband’s death. When the congregation begins to sing a favorite hymn, she starts to cry. A friend hugs her and whispers in her ear, “It’s OK. I will sing for you until you are able to sing again.” Sit with a grieving person today. Be his or her song of hope.

—Missy Buchanan, Spirit Boosters for the Journey of Aging: 366 Devotions (Upper Room Books, 2016)

Today’s Question

Call or visit a friend who is grieving today. Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
—Matthew 5:4 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

God, No matter my age or circumstances, make me an instrument of your peace and joy this week. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Show your loved ones how much you care by giving them Spirit Boosters for the Journey of Aging, daily reminders that they still have purpose, no matter their age.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

3 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted October 25, 2021 6:10 am

    Thankfully, at this moment, I don’t have a grieving friend or know of someone grieving. I’ve been through this tough time. I expect at some point in our lives we all will experience it.I turned to the Lord and was greatly comforted. Yesterday was a wonderful Sunday with a music focused Zoom worship, a meeting with our district superintendent, and our annual church conference. Despite being pastor less this community of faith continues. Thank You, Lord.
    It’s too early to say this is definite, but my son and I are exploring a possibility that has come our way. A local move from the condo to a house. More about this as we learn more. Prayers for wisdom and guidance.
    Hope your call today, Julie, produces the help you seek. God is always with us.

  • Julie Posted October 25, 2021 8:47 am

    The only person I know who recently lost a loved one is Lou and I wish her and her mother to find solace in one another.
    I have not called yet as h just left. I need names of therapists mostly who are conversant in such issues.
    Prayers for health and financial improvement and a fruitful urology apointment for David and Ally. Prayers for Jill and Larry as Jll continues to watch over Larry while also maintaining a respectful relationship. What a blessing that the blimp ride finally was enjoyed. Prayers for Lou and her mom as they grieve together. Prayers for Robert that the move to a house is possible. Prayers for Marti and her staff. Thank you for your prayers and may God bless all who visit here.

  • Jill Posted October 25, 2021 5:45 pm

    I just listened to a podcast on Saturday, talking about attending church – and not being able to sing some of the songs and hymns – because the words were not a present reality. And it brought to mind conversation I had with a friend – and how she said she would look over at me – when I came to church during mom’s struggle. And my head would be bowed and my eyes closed while everyone was singing. And she asked me why I came on those days. And I said – I just needed to be around others who could soulfully worship, singing the words that rang true for them in that moment. We talked about “borrowing” others faith to sustain us. I sent her a transcript of the podcast, as I am sure she would recall our conversation.
    Just got off the phone with my sister. She and her husband made it safely to Florida and are settling in. Dad will fly down in a little over 2 weeks.
    This is my year to be fully evaluated…every three years. My last evaluation took place the year mom passed, the final evaluation a week after she died. This one will be with a different assistant principal. It will happen in a little over 2 weeks- actually, the day dad leaves. Have some time to get my ducks in a row.
    Dinner at my friends and out for a quick ice cream run. The dogs came along. Now – home and will be heading to bed soon.

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