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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

Since this vision is the reflection of God’s glory, the reflection of eternal light and the spotless mirror, look upon that mirror each day, O queen and spouse of Jesus Christ, and continually study your face within it so that you may adorn yourself inside and out with beautiful robes and cover yourself with the flowers and garments of all the virtues, as becomes the daughter and most chaste bride of the most high King. Indeed, blessed poverty, holy humility, and indescribable love are reflected in that mirror as, with the grace of God, you can contemplate them throughout the entire mirror.

—Edited by Keith Beasley-Topliffe, Upper Room Spiritual Classics: Writings of Francis & Clare (Upper Room Books, 2017)

Today’s Question

When you look in the mirror, how do you see yourself reflecting God’s glory? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like.
—James 1:23-24 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace
Where there is hatred, let me sow love
Where there is injury, pardon
Where there is doubt, faith
Where there is despair, hope
Where there is darkness, light
And where there is sadness, joy.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Discover sacred space at home. Join our Online Academy Day Apart on October 24 with Frank Rogers, Jr. and Christopher Carter for spiritual resources that help participants navigate polarizing times and cultivate compassion and resilience for themselves, others, and the world.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

3 Comments

  • Jill Posted October 3, 2020 5:38 am

    Too often there is frustration that is evident, where there should be compassion. Also, disappointment, where there should be grace. I’ve been told I have a pretty good poker face…this can be a good and a bad thing. With my students – I think I need to be more effusive with my praise and encouragement. Really getting that sense now, as we are all separated by screens.
    Julie – I am praying for your mom’s pain management, patience through rehab. That there would be complete and proper healing of her leg.
    As an aside to Ally’s suggestion of bitter apple. I tried it with Roger, as he is obsessed with chewing and destroying all my blinds. Didn’t even phase him. Hope you have more luck with it.
    Safe travels for Ally and David and a blessed time of visitation.
    Will be celebrating dad’s birthday today at my sister’s house. I don’t think it is the wisest decision to be at her house as she and her husband are not as careful as dad and I. But – the weather is too chilly to eat outside.

  • robert moeller Posted October 3, 2020 8:02 am

    Don’t know the answer to today’s question and had a hard time attempting to comprehend today’s reflection.

    Read today a line that stood out for me. “When you love, suffering begins.” Not sure I agree 100% but there is an aspect of suffering that goes with loving. I think it is the willingness to suffer.

    Best wishes and prayers for Julie’s Mom and her leg, a solution to Roger’s blind chewing, a joyous celebration of Larry’s birthday, and the right face for the right moment when we deal with others.

    A fog like mist here this morning, then the sun breaking through, quite an amazing sight. World Wide Communion tomorrow, it will be via ZOOM during worship. Very thankful for Communion, a blessed meal with our Lord and Savior. Prayers for God’s wisdom to come to the US during this difficult time. Thank You, Lord for the blessings of the day.

  • Julie Posted October 3, 2020 8:54 am

    Currently, I see a shell shocked and numb face. I hope to others, when necessary, I display compassion, caring and a prayer filled heart.
    My mom’s surgery was postponed to noon. I feel helpless as I am so far away, but she said even my aunt is waiting to visit as there is nothing to do but wait. She does no know about the divorce papers. My brother lives in Japan which makes communication difficult. Thank you for your prayers. Mom is worried about the thought of a nursing home for rehab, but her doctor said depending how well she walks after surgery she may be able to go home instead.
    Prayers for Jill and Roger, may Roger teach her how to connect with her students through screens. May she and Larry stay safe today while celebrating. Bitter apple doesn’t work for us either.
    Prayers for Robert and his church as they celebrate the Lord’s supper togther. My church has gone back to in person worship which I think is foolish, so I will not have an opportunity to join the wold wide celebration.
    Prayers for Ally and David, may they be safe as they travel. We have the scratch posts you mentioned and they use them and also our furniture.
    Prayers, thankyou and be well UR

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