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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

Jesus’ decision to gather these children appears to have been less for their lasting benefit and more for the benefit of those disciples—and us. In Christ’s example, we are presented with a model for responding to the little ones today: whether they be little in age, little in prestige, little in power, or little in money. What do we do, whom do we choose when our busyness and notions of self-importance meet people typically belittled as interruptions? The text closes with Jesus’ poignant embrace and blessing of the children. … Jesus’ challenge to us is simple: go and do likewise. For by embracing little ones, we find ourselves embraced in a kingdom formed by the bend in God’s arm.

—John Indermark, Gospeled Lives: Encounters with Jesus, A Lenten Study (Upper Room Books, 2008)

Today’s Question

How does Jesus’ response to the little children inspire you? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.
—Mark 10:13-14 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Holy One, challenge me today to see the world as you see it. Challenge me to seek your way and to not settle for what might be the norm.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

At times, life seems like a jumble of loose ends, but God sees from another perspective—weaving a tapestry of life and redemption for the whole world, with each person’s story as part of that narrative. Discover God Was with Me All Along: A Guide for Capturing Your Memories and Telling Your Story, new from Upper Room Books.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

2 Comments

  • Julie Posted February 26, 2021 8:33 am

    I want to weep when I see parents with young children and the parents are on their cellphone. Chidren are small for such a short time, even older children, teenagers and adult children need and deserve our undivided attention. What are these pparents actually communicating? This screen is more important to me than you. I have a rule of no cellphones when Megan and I eat out and we communicate well then. When she was young we had special toys, books and games we played in restaurants. I worry for today’s families that are missing so much.
    Prayers for Ally and David, may David be healing and may PT begin to remedy his unsteadiness. May Ally’s burdens be alleviated by the Lord.
    Prayers for Jill and her students as they transition to inperson instruction, may all be safe and well and patient.
    Prayers for Robert, may he be safe and well and may he comment soon.

  • Jill Posted February 26, 2021 11:52 am

    Jesus was so intent on communicating with the vulnerable, the challenged, the marginalized – what an example to us. He made them His focus – can you imagine His undivided attention? I can so easily be distracted.
    Busy weekend ahead. My doubles partner and I have entered a tournament about 45 minutes away. We have an afternoon match today and our normal team match tonight. I also entered the singles tournament. So – hopefully we will do well, get lots of good tennis in. Dad wants to tag along tomorrow evening. He is feeling very restless. This morning he shared that he doesn’t know what good he would be doing if we weren’t in this isolation, but he feels listless and doesn’t know what to do with himself. I wish he had went to Florida earlier – at least he could be out and about in wonderful weather down there…walking, playing pickle ball, eating outdoors at restaurants. All in due time I suppose – he flies out 3 weeks from tomorrow.
    It’s been much warmer here with much more sunshine. Almost all the snow has melted. Finally, sidewalks are clear and safe to be run on. Supposed to be fairly mild this weekend as well. Signs are pointing towards spring. The earlier dawn is noticeable as well, as I am not running in darkness. The time change is coming soon, I guess.

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