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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

Today’s Scripture: Acts 10:34-43

Today’s text is about Jesus being seen after being raised from the dead. The image of being raised reminds us of Jesus’ baptism and Jesus coming out of the water. I imagine those witnessing Jesus’ baptism were thrown for a loop the way those witnessing the resurrected Christ were. …

I believe Jesus prepares us to be disciples by teaching us to be open to the unexpected. Jesus prepares us to see the world differently if we are open and not so stuck on things remaining the same.

—F. Douglas Powe Jr., in The Upper Room Disciplines 2023: A Book of Daily Devotions (Upper Room Books, 2022)

Today’s Question

How often do you open yourself to the unexpected in your relationship with God? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

So then, if anyone is in Christ, that person is part of the new creation. The old things have gone away, and look, new things have arrived!
—2 Corinthians 5:17 (CEB)

Prayer for the Week

All-seeing God, may our words and our actions help others to
see you. May we talk the talk and walk the walk as Christians.
Amen.
Prayer by F. Douglas Powe Jr.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

This week’s New Every Morning reflections feature excerpts from the current readings in The Upper Room Disciplines 2023. Disciplines provides an opportunity to look more deeply at scripture by offering a week of devotions by a single author on a particular theme. Learn more at UpperRoomBooks.com/disciplines.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

Baptism of the Lord

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

2 Comments

  • Jill Posted January 8, 2023 6:03 pm

    I have never really considered this…opening myself up to the unexpected…at least not in a spontaneous way. I suppose in being surrendered, this is a significant component. When I consider things I have “surrendered” to Him in the past – I try to be fully submitted. So – I suppose that does mean leaving the door open to unexpected occurrences. Hmmm – guess I will have to consider this more.
    Becky, Don and dad are in Florida. Dad did use a wheelchair, very reluctantly, at both airports. When I spoke with him late this afternoon, he said his knee was feeling a bit better. Becky and I were texting, and she said they all should have just stayed home until the end of January, after her operation. I am flying down Wednesday evening – and that is a major reason why they didn’t stay home. Circumstances…her surgery, dad’s injury. Don is considering staying with dad in Florida, instead of coming back with Becky for her surgery. We will see how the next several days go and how I find him to be when I arrive late Wednesday.
    No word yet on the strike. They were at the negotiation table 11 hours yesterday with “some” progress made. They returned to the table at noon today. I have heard nothing. So weird, not knowing what I will be doing tomorrow – standing before my students as usual, or standing on a picket line.

  • robert moeller Posted January 8, 2023 6:56 pm

    I don’t wait for the unexpected, but know it can and does happen. Recently receiving long ago photos of my wife from a former relative reminds me that I had some conversation with her 3-4 years before I met her again and we fell in love, married, and lived together for 23 years when unexpectedly she passed away.
    Prayers for Jill, Becky, Don and Larry, their health issues, and travel. Thankful for some positive news regarding the negotiations and hope a strike can be avoided.
    Issues at church brought about a meeting, there was progress there as well, however the greater problem. more new members still needs attention.
    Progress with the painting at home, a nice drive, a good walk, and a pleasant supper and evening. T
    Lord, Your guidance is aways needed, Thank You, Lord.

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