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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

To be with Jesus is to be with people who are poor; to know Jesus is to know people who are poor. If our reason for serving is to care for the “least of these,” then we are called to recognize Jesus in those we serve and to spend the time to build a relationship with them. Jesus is present among people who lack food, drink, and clothing and those who are strangers, sick, and imprisoned.

—Elizabeth Mae Magill, Five Loaves, Two Fish, Twelve Volunteers: Growing a Relational Food Ministry (Upper Room Books, 2020)

Today’s Question

When have your relationships with the “least of these” helped you notice Jesus? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

“Then those who are righteous will reply to him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink? When did we see you as a stranger and welcome you, or naked and give you clothes to wear? When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
“Then the king will reply to them, ‘I assure you that when you have done it for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you have done it for me.’”

—Matthew 25:37-40 (CEB)

Prayer for the Week

God is great!
God is good!
Let us thank God for our food.
Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Find a food ministry in your area. Visit www.foodpantries.org.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

4 Comments

  • Jill Posted March 2, 2020 4:04 am

    Certainly, my time spent volunteering with the young moms program was an eye opener in many ways. Seeing not only their need of Jesus, but mine as well. To love them well, without hypocrisy, without stereotyping…to love them as Jesus would love them. To love them so they would be drawn to Him. Working with those who are in need – financially, maturity, in need of a Saviour – often brings me “but by the grace of God, there go I.” Thank You, Father.

  • robert moeller Posted March 2, 2020 7:15 am

    Interaction with the poor is very much a part of life at my church. There is a very diverse congregation. Many expected this church to fail and it is thriving. Bible study is led by a poor couple. In the past I’ve seen Jesus through the poor on mission trips. Jesus said the poor would always be with us, there are many opportunities to see Jesus.

    Prayers for everyone in this coronavirus time. The needs, concerns, and joys of the UR family are in my
    prayers. Thank You, Lord.

  • Julie Posted March 2, 2020 8:37 am

    I grew up poor and so I am intimately familiar with need. I am extra senstitive to need in others. Ihave helped in many capcities in the past, but am currntly only able to give money, food and clothing. I feel that many people despite their intentions, hold themselves apart from the needy. They see the need but fail to see the humanity, the divine ineach person. From my unique perspective I see each as a divine person, able to give me as much if not more than I can evr offer.
    Prayers for Jill as she begiins her new med, may it help ease the pain and stiffness with no side effects.
    Prayers for Robert as he searches for a therapist and vehicle, may God lead him to both.
    Prayers for Rick as he continues to carve out time for spiritual renewal and relaxation despite a grueling course load.
    Megan and I went shopping and to a movie, then her birthday dinner choice. She ordered Pizza Hut and I got takeout from my favorite local pizza restaraunt. We looked at refrigerators as ours has started to smell of smoke and I fear the compressor is going.
    Prayers for Andrea, April, Betsy, BJ, Connie, Edy, Lou, Mary and Marcy.
    Prayers and thank you UR

  • Rick Posted March 2, 2020 12:10 pm

    My former congregation, had a feeding program for which I volunteered to help out . It was deeply moving experience my first night. I felt an array of feelings. I had never done anything like that and felt so Ill-equipped. That evening was a cold night with winds and heavy rain. Our guests were cold and hungry. I followed my Pastor’s lead as well as members that had been serving for many years. I ended up serving that community for more then 5 years. The relationships formed with our guests and getting to know the homeless volunteers was a special time for me. I learned to be present to listen and to be intentional with our guests. It’s were I learned what Jesus was asking us to do.

    Rick

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