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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

The lyre is a small ten-string harp that reminds us of David and his ability to soothe with music. . . . Add music to your life. What music soothes you? Intentionally choose music that gives you joy—good lyrics, brilliant instrumentals. Let music be God speaking to you this week.

—Kara Lassen Oliver, Passing It On: How to Nurture Your Children’s Faith Season by Season (Upper Room Books, 2015)

Today’s Question

What are some lyrics that reveal God to you? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Whenever the evil spirit from God affected Saul, David would take the lyre and play it. Then Saul would relax and feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him alone.
—1 Samuel 16:23, CEB

Prayer for the Week

Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep;
Thy angels watch me through the night,
And keep me safe till morning’s light.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

This week’s featured book, Passing It On: How to Nurture Your Children’s Faith Season by Season, is a practical guide to help parents, grandparents, and other concerned adults nurture their children’s faith. Author Kara Lassen Oliver offers easy-to-follow suggestions for families during the back-to-school, Advent, Lent, and summer seasons. Read more.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

Save 45% and receive free shipping on the regular and enlarged-print editions of Disciplines 2021 by using promo code DISC45. Good while supplies last.

5 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted August 10, 2021 6:44 am

    Hymns, numerous hymns, provide a wide view of God. I’m very thankful for them, they provide support as much as scripture or sermons. Perhaps, just perhaps, I have finally found the counselor I need. Some action I can take to help the situation already possible. Am in touch with both Jenny and Erich. That positive too. Made it up a mountain, literally, as well, yesterday. Hope to post again this afternoon. Blessings to all. Thank You, Lord.

  • Julie Posted August 10, 2021 8:42 am

    God is revealed to me through many genres of music. I love Country music and Josh Turner has many songs that are faith based as does Randy Travis and many others. I also love Enya, her voice and songs are soothing and remind me of God and his greatness and diverse powers.
    Prayers for April and Lou and their families. Prayers for Ally and David, may both receive help with various health issues including David’s depression. May Ally have success with the online teaching. Prayers for Larry and his health and tendency to overdo physically. Prayers for Becky and jill as they continue to deal with Larry’s health issues. Prayers for Jill as she prepares for a new school year and jury duty. Prayers for Robert and rejoicing that God has led him to an effective counselor who is helping him with some issues. Prayers that a resolution among Robert, Erich and Jenny can be achieved and they can live in relationship with one another in harmony and love. Prayers for Marti and her staff.
    Megan and I have plans to go to the Pittsburgh amusement park, Kennywood, tomorrow. I pray it does not rain all day. They keep changing the timing of the showers and storms and they are to be scattered as well. Thank you for your prayers as I continue to deal with the divorce. May God bless all who visit here today.

  • Ally Posted August 10, 2021 10:44 am

    The hymns I grew up hearing in church and the old gospel songs my daddy sang are most meaningful to me. The great hymns teach sound theology and bring joy to my soul. The gospel songs speak of knowing God in an intimate fashion. As a music therapist, I have seen the power of music connect a hurting person with their emotions. I have seen music bring a person’s spirit to life. I’ve seen music help a person with a traumatic brain injury reconnect with their speech. For me personally, music lifts me when I need a boost. It calms when I’m anxious or agitated. Music can heal!

    O blessed art, how often in dark hours,
    When the savage ring of life tightens round me,

    Have you kindled warm love in my heart,
    Have transported me to a better world!
    Transported to a better world

    Often a sigh has escaped from your harp,
    A sweet, sacred harmony of yours

    Has opened up the heavens to better times for me,
    O blessed art, I thank you for that!
    O blessed art, I thank you!

    To Music by Franz Schubert

    Robert, I’m thankful for the fruit of your hard work In therapy. Trusting that God brings healing to your family. Julie,I pray the weather holds and you and Megan enjoy your day at Kennywood. My BIL’S grandmother lived near Pittsburgh. His family loved visiting there. Thanks so much to you all for your prayers. Know that we lift y’all up as well. Be blessed.

    • Ally Posted August 10, 2021 10:46 am

      This piece is on YouTube if anyone wants to give it a listen.

  • Jill Posted August 10, 2021 7:56 pm

    I have mentioned the Casting Crowns’ song which deeply continues to resonate. So many of Sara Groves’ songs – the lyrics and the piano – put me in a good place. And Christa Wells’ music sustained me during mom’s last two months. I made a playlist of about 9 or 10 of her songs and it was just on repeat. When I could not pray – I just let her words play and speak for me.
    My sister encouraged dad to call the tele-doc today – and he got basically the same encouragement as he received at the doctor’s yesterday…take it easy for another 7-10 days. An 80 something year old is not going to heal as fast as they used to. Becky and I continue to encourage and support one another, as it seems our encouragement and suggestions to dad fall mostly on deaf ears. Maybe literally and figuratively.
    I had a nice afternoon and dinner with my friend and her dogs. She grilled out pork chops and had made her brother-in-law’s version of ranch beans. We went for ice cream afterwards and then walked the dogs.
    I continue to make some headway with school preparation.

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