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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

Sometimes we forget that Jesus enjoyed human friendship. He had deep relationships with many—the beloved disciple, the inner circle of three, the Twelve, the seventy, Mary Magdalene, the women at the cross, and many others. His friendships with Mary, Martha, and their brother Lazarus are notable. When I read of their time together, especially of Lazarus’s death, I am touched by the depth of emotion expressed to one another and the obvious mutuality of their friendship. Friendships certainly sustain Jesus during his earthly life.

—Trevor Hudson, Beyond Loneliness: The Gift of God’s Friendship (Upper Room Books, 2016)

Today’s Question

What friends have helped you grow closer to God? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

[Jesus said,] “This is my commandment: love each other just as I have loved you. No one has greater love than to give up one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.”
—John 15:12-14 (CEB)

Prayer for the Week

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
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

In Where We Meet: A Lenten Study of Systems, Stories, and Hope, a collective of church planters and activists invites you to immerse yourself in the stories of Jesus and the early church. Prepare to tackle challenging questions and be emboldened to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, pursuing justice and love for all. Download a free sample and order your copy in time for Lent here.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

1 Comment

  • Jill Posted February 4, 2024 1:23 pm

    My friend God brought into my life, just as I was hitting my spiritual growth spurt, is integral in my current walk with Christ. My mentor and now friend who moved to the other side of the country, at that time, her prayers and faithfulness laid the groundwork.
    Things have been busy, and I have missed a few days here.
    Beautiful sun both yesterday and today. I am about to go out for a walk. I thought it would happen yesterday, but it didn’t.
    This morning, church and worship was very emotional and sating. Cancer support group was meaningful, as always. I am grateful for the Sundays I get to sit with my best friend and worship together. This morning was one such morning. Tonight we will do dinner set up and service at the homeless shelter. She is quite significant in my life now, and I in hers. Thank you Father.

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