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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

And when he had died so often, still he would count it as nothing for love. For he thinks everything is little compared to his love. Even though the sweet humanity of Christ could suffer only once, his goodness can never stop offering. Every day he is ready to do the same, if it could be. For if he said he would, for love of me, make new heavens and new earths, that was little in his sight. He could do this each day, if he wanted, without any effort. But to die for love of me so often that the number passes a creature’s reason, this is the highest offer our Lord God might make to a human soul, as I see it.

Upper Room Spiritual Classics: Writings of Julian of Norwich, Edited by Keith Beasley-Topliffe (Upper Room Books, 2017)

Today’s Question

How is your life shaped by considering Christ’s death as a love offering? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. And the life that I now live in my body, I live by faith, indeed, by the faithfulness of God’s Son, who loved me and gave himself for me.
—Galatians 2:20 (CEB)

Prayer for the Week

God, our Maker, Lover, and Keeper,
Thank you for the everlasting love you have for all you have made.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

The Upper Room is committed to a ministry that is increasingly global, antiracist, and ecumenical. This is the work of discipleship and spiritual formation.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

6 Comments

  • Jill Posted October 13, 2020 5:17 am

    I must consider the sacrament of sacrificial living…surrendering to His will, His sovereignty. I must believe with everything in me that all works together for His good…my good…our good…and that He is the Author of Good.
    Even now…I must cling to this – as I found out last night that a former basketball player of mine, whom I keep in touch with and have dinner with a couple times a year – has uterine cancer. We had been in closer contact recently as she has done quite well for herself, rising to partner at a prominent law firm in my city. I asked her to be the honorary chair for my non-profit’s yearly membership drive. I went by her house last night to pick up the extra materials – and while we sat in the dwindling light on her front patio – she shared with me that she had cancer. Such devastating news. She is not yet 40 and faces chemo, radiation, a full hysterectomy, followed by more chemo and radiation. We cried together and I asked her if I could pray for her. I know her family is Jewish and I asked her about this. She said she is Jewish-ish. She said she would like me to pray with her, so I did. Of course, I could not hug her due to Covid…so frustrating.
    Even now…as Julie and Megan remain in such an incredibly challenging situation. Father – thank You for the protection You have provided thus far. Thank You for time they are able to share together on their special Sundays.
    Even now…as David and Ally have seen Your hand in David’s healing, yet this blow …hearing the news of Mary. Father – be near to Pas and David, comfort them. Continue to grant Ally the perseverance in her job, sustaining her vision until she has her cataracts tended to in December, and her constant companionship to David.
    Even now…as Robert finds simple pleasures in his trains, his walks, his recognition of beauty in Your creation and this time of year. As he remains faithfully beside his son, providing, caring, loving.
    Even now…as Marcy continues to suffer physical maladies, yet faithfully proclaims Your name and shares hymns with such meaningful words for us.
    Even now…as we think of those who have graced this space with us, yet now we wonder where they are and how they are doing. And, You, Sovereign Lord – know perfectly where they are and watch over them. Even now…this day, Father – bless Lou, April, BJ, Andrea, Connie, Rick, Betsy, Mary, Rusty and K, and others I have unintentionally omitted.
    Father – Thy Will be done.

  • Marcy Posted October 13, 2020 7:02 am

    A hymn based on Galatians 2:20

    Are You Living For the Lord?

    1 Live for Him who died to save you
    From sin’s baleful curse and pow’r;
    Live for Him who all things gave you
    And who keeps you every hour.

    Refrain:
    Are you living for the Lord?
    Are you living for the Lord?
    Only life for Him is worthy—
    Are you living for the Lord?

    2 Sitting at the feet of Jesus,
    Learn from Him the word of truth;
    Find the chart to guide your goings,
    Blessed guide for age and youth. [Refrain]

    3 Bringing succor to the needy,
    Comforting the sad, the lone,
    Giving many a cup of water
    To some loved one of His own. [Refrain]

    4 Doing humble, daily duties,
    Faithfully as unto Him,
    Serving with your true heart-service
    Till the day of life is dim. [Refrain]

    Carrie E. Breck (1901)
    Music: Edmund S. Lorenz (1901)

  • Julie Posted October 13, 2020 8:55 am

    This is a truth that anchors my faith and is the bedrock of my faith. It is because of the love of God that he gave us his Son to die for us. That Jesus loved us so that he assumed our guilt and sin before his Father and accepted our punishment and death. That is the reason for faith and the inspiration for the faithful.
    Prayers for Jill and her former basketball player, now friend, who is suffering. Jill suffers with her friend as she enters cancer treatment and all the pain, both physical and emotional that entails. May the young woman feel Jill and our prayers sustaining her through this fight.
    Prayers for Marcy, may her health be improving.
    Prayers for Robert and his health which is aided by his daily walks, which boost physical, mental and emotional health.
    Prayers for Ally and David and their relative Pas as they all mourn the passing of Mary. May God sustain and comfort them.
    Prayers, thank you and stay well UR

  • Ally Posted October 13, 2020 2:22 pm

    Christ’s death and resurrection is a gift that keeps on giving. Christ’s ultimate love offering teaches me about living sacrificially. I struggle with this, I admit. Part of me is impatient I want to see abundant blessings regarding the hard things. The scripture from Habakkuk with the UR devotion today truly expressed what is in my heart and on my mind today. Waiting is hard. Lord, help me to focus on your acts of love.
    Thanks so much to you all for your prayers this year. 2020 has been hard on all of us. Thank you for helping us get through by praying. David is still sad over the loss of Mary. Please continue to lift him up, Also my sister Amy, called yester to let me know she has something up with her breast and her dr. has ordered a mammogram. Dr. is not very concerned, but felt a mammogram is needed. Amy had one scheduled, but dr. worked to get it moved up, so it will be Monday. I’m trying not to freak out, but she is my baby sister and we are very close. I know God has this.
    Jill, thank you for your beautiful prayer. My heart broke as I read of your friend’s diagnosis. Such devastating news. I pray that she will feel God’s presence and comfort and peace. I pray that God will touch her body with healing and give her strength. I pray for you too, Jill, as you process this news, asking God to comfort your hurting heart. Marcy, I pray that you are feeling well and that you, Roxy, and Lucy Lou are all doing well. Thank you for sharing your lovely hymns. Julie, thank you for your heartfelt prayers They mean so much during this challenging time. Know I’m also praying for your and Megan: for your safety and for wisdom as you navigate your way through. I thank everyone for your beautiful insights into living sacrificially. Be blessed.

  • Rick Posted October 13, 2020 6:32 pm

    How is your life shaped by considering Christ’s death as a love offering?
    Accepting Christ’s death as a love offering, I’m forced to think of his suffering, death and resurrection. This made me think of UMC hymm, “Because He Lives”. “I know he lives and because He lives, I can face each day.” I have to a dmit, I’ve been having difficulties staying connected. I’ve allowed myself to become isolated and at times I’ve felt lost. The move and having to drop school this semester and all the work searching for a home in these times has been very difficult. I’ve felt alone and feel like I lost me in the process. I’ve been up in the rafters as Marcy states so beautifully. This last week I have felt Christ leading me forward to return to scriptures and Hymns of my faith. My heart and my prayers are with you all. Thank you Jill, for your beautiful prayers for all. I’m thinking of you all and the love and grace you offer freely here. I’m holding you all in prayer, for your joy’s and concerns, this evening and in the days ahead.

  • robert moeller Posted October 15, 2020 5:49 am

    Bible study – a review of the brothers and sisters in Christ from other denominations. interrupts QT with New Every Morning. I have to go back to read. Prayers for Jill’s friend with uterine cancer, Julie’s journey through divorce, Ally’s business and eye sight, David’s health, the loss of Mary, Marcy’s health and well being, the dear UR members named and unnamed – miss hearing from them, and the issues we, as Americans face. Guide us God, strengthen us, enable us to stay on the path that leads to You. Without the redemption Jesus provides, God’s grace, mercy, and love are not ours. Thank You God for sending Jesus. Thank You, Jesus, for Your sacrifice for us.

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