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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 most beautiful sight for me is seeing Mom at the piano. I can hear her sweet voice right now. In fact, I don’t remember a time when music did not fill our home. Mom made me and my siblings take piano lessons until a certain age. Then we could decide whether or not to continue with the lessons. As soon as it became optional, I bolted for the front door—no more piano lessons for me. It’s one of the few regrets I have in life, especially when I see how much comfort playing the piano and singing have brought into Mom’s life.

—Robin Roberts, My Story, My Song: Mother-Daughter Reflections on Life and Faith: Mother-Daughter Reflections on Life and Faith (Upper Room Books, 2012)

Today’s Question

What memories do you have of experiencing music with your family? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the end of the earth! Let the sea roar and all that fills it, the coastlands and their inhabitants.
—Isaiah 42:10 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Dear God, this week we thank you for mothers and other people who have shown us the value of faith and singing songs of praise to you. Help us to pass on the lessons they have taught us and to demonstrate grace toward others. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

On this Mother’s Day, celebrate Mom by making a donation to The Upper Room in her honor or memory. Give today.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

3 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted May 11, 2023 7:31 am

    As a child I heard records with Glen Miller music, on a record player I played Bizet’s Ferrandole (sp?), later a bagpipe record my Dad bought me after hearing a Black Watch pipe band. Leonard Bernstein’s NY Philharmonic programs for young people. My sister listened to the Beatles on a Boston radio station. Irish and country music with cousins. Boston Pops concerts with Arthur Fiedler, German oompah band music with Dad, Ernst Mosch music from German relatives, Korean pop and folk music with my wife. Classical music records from Mom’s collection and later my own collection.
    A wonderful day yesterday, old refrigerator gone, three sports teams all won.
    Another beautiful day here. A walk with Russ soon. Bless you all, an old habit, QT in the morning, couldn’t be stopped. Thank You, Lord.

  • Lou Posted May 11, 2023 11:39 am

    Music was always a part of our life. In my childhood, I played the piano and the flute, and my brother played the saxophone and bassoon. Our practice always filled the house. My own children have played the cello acoustic guitar, bass, guitar, electric guitar, saxophone, and French Horn. With all of those instruments, there was always some type of music being played. Currently, I still love recordings of any cello music, classical music, and worship music of any type. Today, sitting outside in my backyard, the music consists of a multitude of bird calls, which is pure enjoyment. Prayers and blessings for you all this day.

  • Jill Posted May 11, 2023 4:48 pm

    My maternal grandmother was able to play the piano by sound/remembrance. She would sit down and play hymns with unbelievable chords and harmonies. It wouldn’t even have been written, I don’t imagine. She just improvised. I also remember listening to her 8 track player – Kristy Lane – I think was the name. “I come to the garden alone…while the dew is still on the roses…and He walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own.”
    I took piano lessons for many years – but, I too, like Robin – bolted for the athletic fields. I played flute in the band in junior high. This quickly passed as well.
    The last two days I have been able to get out for a walk during the school day – as I have just one class a day, as my other classes are testing. The weather is incredible – and I can now set my eyes on summer.
    Hitting with a teammate this evening, prior to a match pitting my former teams against each other. Will be challenging to spectate. My partner from my one club is playing against (on the same court) against my partner from last summer. I have had success with both of them – as we both went to states as partners. Should be a fun evening.

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