Today’s Reflection
The prayerful practice of lectio divina … invites us to slow down, savor the words of scripture, and seek their meaning. Through lectio divina (Latin for “sacred reading”) we listen carefully for God’s still small voice as revealed to us through God’s Holy Word. … We savor a small selection of verses rather than feast on a longer reading. From this place of sacred stillness, we seek to better understand God’s message for us beyond the surface of the words.
—Sharon Seyfarth Garner, Praying with Mandalas: A Colorful, Contemplative Practice (Upper Room Books, 2016)
Today’s Question
After reading a brief scripture passage 4 times aloud (try Psalm 23; pause for a few moments between each reading), what word or words stood out for you? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
—Psalm 23:1-3a (NLT)
Prayer for the Week
Gracious God
whose love encircles all,
You are the one in whom I live
and move and have my being.
Thank you for the moments
when I see you most clearly.
I am sorry for the times I have turned away
from your loving presence.
With hope I look toward the new day to come,
heart aflame with your love and grace.
I am grateful that you are with me
every moment of every day.
Amen.
Prayer by Sharon Seyfarth Garner
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Join the conversation on how to make our churches safer places for children, youth, and vulnerable adults. Participate in the Safer Sanctuaries webinar series each Thursday during the month of October. Learn more here.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
4 Comments
These words stood out for me: Lord, shepherd, need, strength. Thankful I have all I need and my strength is renewed. A wonderful day at the Fryeburg ME fair, great weather, good company, lots of wonderful animals, and some good fair food. Readying for Sunday’s worship and preparing for the following week’s worship too. Off to a great start with the book on Wesley.
A cool overcast day, looks like rain, but none in the forecast, Prayers your needs are met, thankful for the daily blessings that come. Thank You, Lord
Rest, peaceful and strength stand out to me. As a caregiver, rest and peace have been stressed many times in counseling and workshops and information. Strength, because as time goes on I am finding that I have more inner strength than I ever imagined.
I took h to get bloodwork yesterday. He complained the entire time because I did not take him where he normally went. He has always struggled with change and new things. I am saddened because a concert Megan and I were to attend on Saturday has been postponed. I am very excited for the concert as it is the last time this artist will tour due to health issues. I pray he did not take a turn for the worse.
Prayers for Ally and David, for health and finances. Prayers for Jill and her family and students. Prayers for Lou and her family. Prayers for Robert as he prepares his messages for church, may God speak through him.
Well, my response got lost.
Will try again tomorrow.
I chose a portion of Isaiah 43 to read. In verses 16-21, there are several action words which describe what God says He will do: God builds, carves, summons, God tells the people to be alert. Present. New. Streams in the desert. Needed that today. I’m dry.
I have a friend who draws mandalas. Coloring them is relaxing and calming. I really love to color and need to start back
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