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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

When we approach Jesus as an historical figure, a vague entity, or an image on stained glass, our relationship with him can become one that occurs on our own terms. We feel as though we can choose when, how long, and the depth to which he can take part in our lives. But when we invite him into our car ride home from church, into our living rooms, and into our messy lives, we invite a different experience altogether.

—Angela D. Schaffner, Revealed: What the Bible Can Teach You About Yourself (Upper Room Books, 2019)

Today’s Question

How do you approach Jesus? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

The Word became flesh
and made his home among us.
We have seen his glory,
glory like that of a father’s only son,
full of grace and truth.

—John 1:14 (CEB)

Prayer for the Week

Holy Spirit,
Search me and make me teachable.
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 September 8, 2020 5:11 am

    Thankfully, by the grace of God, I am progressing along the continuum (in the right direction) mentioned in the reading. Reverence remains a must, but more frequent thoughts and conversation are required for meaningful relationship. May I never be satisfied, continuing the pursuit.
    It rained buckets here yesterday – all day long – remaining very dark. However, the course dad and I were playing was south. We played the front nine, with an eye to the sky. On the last hole, the wind picked up and we weren’t sure. I played the best I had ever played, lowest score ever on 9 holes. We checked at the turn, and they said the rain remained off to the north. So we headed out, and the sky looked the best it had looked the whole time. But, a ranger spotted lightning and everyone was called off the course. Nary a drop of rain, but we were not able to continue. As we headed home, we encountered the rain we had seen in the distance.
    I was able to use the extra time well – taking a quick nap and then getting to more school work. I spent some time in the evening with a colleague on line – testing out each others’ technology and bouncing questions and ideas off each other. One more day of meetings today, and I will see seniors tomorrow.
    Julie – praying for your strength and endurance. Father – please continue to sustain her, each day.

  • Julie Posted September 8, 2020 8:23 am

    This is a concept I never consiously thought about, but I guess I am on the continuum also. I am somewhat in the middle but closer to Him being a real person who is with me at all times.
    Prayers for Jill and thank you for you prayers. I ask God to help you and your students this coming year, may you teach them not anly math but also kindness and caring as well. May all stay safe and well.
    It was dark here so I rechecked our weather forcast yesterday morning and…it had changed to rain around 4pm and that is what occurred here. Megan and I were going to go to a state park near here but we stayed closer to home and went to a municipal park instead. We had lunch and spent hours just talking and enjoying the sunshine when it peeked out.
    Prayers for Robert and may he continue to learn and grow and remain active in body and mind.
    Prayers, thank you and stay well dear UR

  • April Posted September 8, 2020 8:58 am

    I remember reading this book not too long ago. At the end of each chapter that told a story, there were 3 questions, the one that I remember most was “so what” like how does this apply to your life. At first I was uncomfortable with this question, but slowly, I got used to it and even asked myself, yes, so how does this apply to my life, what can I learn…and then I would have that thought several times during the day. there is so much to learn from reading the Bible and reading into the story to see all of the nuances and the “real” story. the themes this week remind me of that book.
    I approach Jesus in the way that I would like Him to respond to me, as a friend, a confident, judge, mentor, etc. However, just because I approach Him this way, the fact that I do approach Him is most important and from there, He takes the lead to respond to me in the way that I need…not always the way that I would like. But I trust Him, and try my best to understand. And yes, there are times when I do not do what He told me to, and I recognize that, so He gives me another chance and I try again.
    Lately the sermons I have been listening to have the theme of Awake and Rise Strong. God is trying to get my attention and I need to pivot, not panic, (another webinar that I listened to). I am waking up (I think) and will invite Him in to guide me. As it is said, we can’t undo the past, but we can make today the day that we change.
    Labor Day marks the end of summer, for sure, and now we move to the beautiful days of autumn. The colors are so vibrant, the air crisp in the morning and so warm by afternoon, evening will come sooner and time to get inside to cozy up with soup and a good book.
    I hold you all, UR Family, in my prayers and thoughts. May you and your family be safe. May the students, including Lou’s daughter, and teachers, including Jill, have a good semester. May the rest of us continue to learn and teach others about Jesus and how He is a part of our lives in the stories we tell. Our church recently sent the Upper Room daily devotions to us. I read it online, so shared it with a neighbor. She accepted it after I explained where it came from and that I read it online, but it is read by so many around the world and she might be one of them too. I will check back with her but when I read mine, I pray she is reading too. I may order it for her if she is….
    Blessings dear UR Family. May you walk with Jesus at your side, the Holy Spirit within you, and Our Heavenly Father watching over us.

  • robert moeller Posted September 8, 2020 2:08 pm

    HAVE TO ADMIT I AM NOT DOING AS WEL;L AS I HAVE AT OTHER TIMES APPROACHING JESUS. Need to repent and change. Wish I knew the why. Hope my modeling has not taken me off the path.. Hymns aren’t coming to mind, prayers during the day are absent, I’m not looking at others with God’s eyes. Bible study about wisdom was good this morning. Discussed what wisdom is, how we acquire it, is it feminine or not, looked at many Bible passages where wisdom is discussed, evident, practiced. Very helpful discussion. The UR daily devotions are available online through church, a great idea, sharing them and this reflection makes sense too. Safe and successful school year to Jill and all in education, more great golf, that has to perk you up. Safety, comfort, and peace to Jill and Megan. Thankful for April’s blessings. A birthday is remembered here, my son, Erich, shares the day with VT Senator Bernie Sanders.
    Chicken pot pie for lunch, time for a nap. Thank You, Lord.

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