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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

Compassion is genuine loving regard that flows freely from the heart. Its path transforms perfectionist self-hatred into authentic, empathic self-compassion. It rekindles the care we truly feel for our loved ones and fosters a relationship in which we all feel heard. … The path of compassion emboldens personhood. It restores our capacities to love others and ourselves with equal measure. It leads us back to our humanity.

—Frank Rogers Jr. Practicing Compassion (Upper Room Books, 2015)

Today’s Question

How has your life been transformed by compassion? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
—Colossians 3:12 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Lord, open my eyes so that I may see who around me needs compassion.
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.

3 Comments

  • Jill Posted August 5, 2020 5:23 am

    I believe my life has been touched deeply by not only my dad’s love and compassion for me, but my witnessing his love and compassion for mom. My mom’s love was rarely unconditional, but I have realized how she was hampered by her depression. This makes dad’s love for her, his selflessness – supreme in my mind. Not only was he selfless, but he felt it was his honor to love her so well and doesn’t even see anything grand about it. Truly empowered by God. I believe this is God’s desire for each of us…and not just towards a spouse.
    The walls of my bedroom are ready to be painted. I plan on stopping for paint on the way home from golf today. It is a blessedly cool morning with very comfortable temperatures for the day. So – with windows up and fresh air – I must get at least one coat of paint on today.
    Spent a few hours last night with my friend who is battling breast cancer. The doctor believes a lumpectomy is favorable over a mastectomy – so she will be having the procedure on Monday. She faces six weeks of daily radiation (she wasn’t quite prepared for that intensity) as well as continued chemo. I had told her about the cancer support groups and she inquired about them last night. She said she might be ready to attend. The convenience of the one meeting on line is a bonus.

  • Julie Posted August 5, 2020 8:35 am

    I was stumped until Jill spoke of her father. My grandparents marriage was a mirror image. My grandmother had seasonal depression and so was indeed capable of unconditional love for her children and grandchildren. She had also been the victum of abuse at the hands of my grandfather’s family, so she was especially loving to others including her family. My grandfather loved my grandmother in the same manner that Jill’s father did her mom. Even through my grandmother’s “episodes” which would at times lead to a hospital stay. He was steadfast and ever present to and for her. It was beautiful to behold. I remember fondly how they would share a teabag for both their teas and he always let her steep her tea first.
    Prayers for Jill and Larry and their coninued “summer tour” of the beauty of God’s creation found on golf courses.
    Prayers for Robert as he endures the rigorous prep for his procedure tomorrow.
    Prayers for Ally and David, for continued health concerns and for success finding a new job.
    Prayers, thank you and be well dear UR

  • Ally Posted August 5, 2020 12:02 pm

    I would not be where I am if not for those who have extended grace to me and shown compassion. I received this from my parents and other family members. Unfortunately, I still struggled with self-esteem issues regarding my intellect. As I struggled with one particular class in seminary (I took it twice and could not grasp the concepts. My grades both times put me on academic probation. The provost, who also acted as dean of academics believed in me and gave me a third chance to take the class. He said to me, “Allyson, I know you can get this”. I took it a third time and presented my assignments to the professor, who patiently went over every word and answered all my questions. By the middle of the semester, I had a much better understanding and completed the class with a B. I was so proud of that grade because I worked for it. But I was humbled by the compassion and kindness of the dean and by the patience and understanding of the professor. Both of these fine men have gone on to be with Jesus. They taught me much.
    David has been experiencing vertigo. He saw our dr. yesterday, who Rxed some medication which helps. Dr. thinks this is one of the lingering side effects of COVID-19. Added to my worries about how to perform my job duties, I feel uncertain about my next step. I feel that David needs me and I’m praying about opportunities which may present more flexibility in scheduling. Also, the stress of my current situation adds to my anxiety. We appreciate your prayers.
    Jill, I will be in prayer for your friend who has breast cancer. Prayers for complete and swift healing and that she will persevere through radiation and chemo. My dad was like yours regarding my mom. Most of the time, her love was unconditional, but the dynamics of the family she grew up in did hamper that at times. Her mother had severe mood swings as a younger woman and stayed in the depths of depression as she reached middle age. It definitely impacted how she related and interacted with her children. Julie, my prayers continue for your safety and feel that God will give you wisdom regarding your next steps. I pray that the love of Jesus will engulf you so that you will feel His love in a tangible way.
    I pray we all stay well and safe. Be blessed.

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