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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

Note: This week’s New Every Morning is structured differently to follow the format of our featured title, Rally: Communal Prayers for Lovers of Jesus and Justice, which addresses issues of social justice through a compilation of reflections and call-and-response prayers known as litanies.

Telling the truth about pain includes those moments when our bodies cry out in protest against death and violence and the agony we cannot prevent from unfolding. Telling the truth about pain includes the heartbreak of silence and isolation, when the shame of fear and the fear of shame drive us into a corner, far away from the reminders of peace and joy, far away from the embrace of acceptance and wonder, far away and abandoned to chaos. Telling the truth about pain is a hard, honest, mind-body-spirit exploration of the landscapes in which God with us and God for us find their meaning: the ashes that might be replaced by a garland, the mourning that might know dancing again, the parched tongue that might find its voice for praise.

—Rachel G. Hackenberg, “When Holy Days Are Hurting Days: Christmas Litany Amid Wars and Rumors of War & Easter Litany for Long Nights of the Soul,” Rally: Communal Prayers for Lovers of Jesus and Justice, edited and compiled by Britney Winn Lee (Fresh Air Books, 2020)

Today’s Question

How might you tell the truth about pain in the presence of God or a loved one today?
Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

He heals the brokenhearted,
and binds up their wounds.
—Psalm 147:3 (NRSV)

Today’s Litany

VOICE ONE: Sometimes pain becomes familiar and love a distant memory.

VOICE TWO: Tears and bandages are good news when all else is taken away.

ALL: Come, bring the spices and oils.

VOICE ONE: Come, bring the spices and oils,

VOICE TWO: And now lay down these preparations for death.

ALL: Feel the dawn on your face and your skin.

VOICE ONE: Take your time. Resurrection doesn’t rush.

VOICE TWO: Christ is here, calling you by name.

ALL: Peace be with you. Peace be with you. Amen.

Rachel G. Hackenberg, “When Holy Days Are Hurting Days: Easter Litany for Long Nights of the Soul”
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

The final litany from Rally was written by Britney Winn Lee in the beginning days of the global pandemic. This prayer reminds us that hope endures; goodness prevails; people surprise us; and love cannot, has not, will not fail. Watch and listen.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

Transfiguration Sunday

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

2 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted February 27, 2022 7:12 am

    One of those I don’t know how to answer this questions. I want resolutions to a long standing problem. There is a plan, we are working to accomplish it, but I can’t guarantee results. Some of it is out of my hands. I just do what I’m enabled to do.
    Wonderful snowshoeing yesterday, enjoyed good meals, the condo association meeting went well, have material needed for Lenten study. Progress getting things ready to sell the condo, lots of options in our hoped for Poconos goal. I’ll also be closer to my daughter. This is one of life’s big surprises. Glad I’m still in the Northeast. Thank You, Lord.

  • Jill Posted February 27, 2022 3:30 pm

    I struggle to speak of my pain, be it emotional, spiritual or physical…at least to other human beings. I am grateful that God sees my pain, knows the reality of it and remains by my side. I try to be mindful of these “light and momentary afflictions” and I believe I have an appropriate awareness of how much others suffer more than I.
    Robert – I am praying for wisdom and discernment, as well as good timing, as you plan this move to the Poconos region.
    Pretty incredible tennis this weekend and our team did not fare as well as we had hoped. I am grateful for the opportunity and trying to appreciate the level we got to. I have been playing for this tennis club since 1991 and this is the first time we had ever made the State championship level. We didn’t get the banner and there is disappointment, but there is much to be proud of…our little club representing Northeast Ohio.
    Praying for Julie’s health and well being. Prayers also for Ally and David.
    May we bear witness to His love this week.

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