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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

Go back for a moment to the Second Step. It reads: “We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity” (emphasis mine).Take a few moments to think about these last words. They point to a Higher Power who is on our side—who cares about us; who wants to help us change for the better; who is always reaching out to us, wanting to make something beautiful out of the brokenness of our lives.

—Trevor Hudson, One Day at a Time: Discovering the Freedom of 12-Step Spirituality (Upper Room Books, 2007)

Today’s Question

How does viewing God as someone who cares for you make a difference in your life?
Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
—1 John 4:7 (NIV)

Prayer for the Week

Dear God, I admit that I cannot live life on my own power. I trust that you love me and want what is best for me. Please help me each day to seek your guidance, to love other people, and to live in a way that pleases you. Amen. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

The Upper Room Disciplines 2023: A Book of Daily Devotions, is now available for pre-order. Disciplines has been a trusted companion for personal prayer and study, and an essential resource for pastors and Christian educators for nearly 65 years. Learn more.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

5 Comments

  • Robert moeller Posted July 28, 2022 5:32 am

    Have been taught this for a very long time, hopefully it is ingrained in me. Knowing that God loves us no matter what life brings is reassuring, enabling, strengthening. God is always with us, now and forever. God’s love is a gift. Thank You, Lord.
    While there will be some more pastor less days ahead, knowing that a certified lay pastor is being training for this community of faith is reassuring. Patient persistence is needed to keep moving forward.
    Prayers or all of the NEM family. I need to connect with you to learn how you are doing. Blessings as the month of July comes to a close. Tom is doing well, may be home today. Stay safe and cool.

  • robert moeller Posted July 28, 2022 7:05 am

    Glad to catch up with NEM, A mix of good an not so good news. Glad David is coming home from rehab, Jill is getting treatment and resting from sports, she supports her friend who was abused, summer school underway, card games going well. ,Julie had a good check up. Prayers for patience with h, Julie, tough role you now play after 25 years of a rough relationship. Jill’s tennis can hopefully return in time for playoff matches, Hope everyone does well with this weather.

  • Julie Posted July 28, 2022 8:38 am

    I am working through my brokeness in therapy. It is good to know that God is not only healing me physically but working to heal my emotional wounds as well.
    Prayers for Ally’s health and her disability appeal and financial health and David’s blood pressure and rehab, prayers for Jill’s body to be restored through her period of rest, prayers for Robert’s church as they continue without an ordained minister and await the certification of the lay leader.

  • Ally Posted July 28, 2022 10:16 am

    God is the one who enables us to care for others and is the One who is there when humans let us down. God promises us that God will never leave us or forsake us. I must remember that in my weaknesses, God is strong. God cannot be anything but faithful.
    David graduates from therapy Friday and signed his discharge papers yesterday. He comes home Tuesday. He is ready. Please pray he stays strong and that we have no more falls. pray please for my mental health. I feel depression creeping up on me.
    Robert, good news to hear that your fellow church member is doing well after surgery. Good news also about your worship leader training as a lay pastor. Prayers for your church as you move forward in ministry together. The Lord has laid on my heart United Methodist churches committed to staying UM and faithful people who want to stay UM, but are in churches who may leave. I feel God leading us to offer a place to heal to those losing their faith community.
    Julie, glad you got a good report. You know I’m with you as you endeavor to care for H. Jill, I am praying for your friend leaving her abusive marriage. prayers for you and your tennis team, time spent with Larry, and comfort for you going home to a house without little Roger. I send hugs and pray that your memories of his sweet presence bring a smile.
    Thanks to all for your prayers for my kitties. Scout is a little sneezy, and Lewis is not 100%, but doing ok.
    stay hydrated. Love to all.

  • Jill Posted July 28, 2022 6:06 pm

    God’s compassion and intimate awareness of my life means everything to me, it continues to change and evolve me into a person who can glorify Him in my daily actions. He calls me to surrender and keeps beckoning me to His side.
    An enjoyable lunch and time with my friend. We are beginning a new book about sanctification from a deceased author. She refers to these authors as DOGs – dead old guys. We had a good discussion on the intro and first chapter. She very much enjoyed her sushi lunch and we also got ice cream.
    I had my first stretching session today with the trainer. I felt some improvement on my walk this morning. I had my treatment this evening, so hoping to see some improvement by this weekend. I spoke with a few members of the team last evening, while we watched our future competition at a playoff match. My teammates are incredibly understanding and encouraging. I am grateful this has been such a positive experience. I treasure it.
    I keep encountering firsts without my little Roger. But, they are all ok. I can’t really believe it myself how ok I am. Would give anything to have him with me right now, but God is so gracious – and I still continue to be grateful for all the time we had together while I was teaching from home during the pandemic and the 8 months I was able to care-give for him. Our time together was an absolute treasure and I think so fondly of him.
    Ally – will be praying for David’s return, for safety and for encouragement for your heart.

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