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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

To forgive others the sins they commit against us is not our first task. First we receive the forgiveness God offers for the sins we commit. Just as “we love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19), so we can only forgive because we have first been forgiven. If we do not know what it means to be forgiven, how can we possibly extend the gift to others? Conversely, once we know from the heart what it is to be forgiven by God, how can we refuse to extend the gift to others? The totally gracious, unaccountably generous love of God is the only foundation in our faith for an exploration of human forgiveness.

—Marjorie J. Thompson, The Way of Forgiveness Participant’s Book (Companions in Christ Series) (Upper Room Books, 2002)

Today’s Question

What enables you to receive God’s forgiveness? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Come now, let us argue it out,
says the LORD:
though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be like snow;
though they are red like crimson,
they shall become like wool.

—Isaiah 1:18 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Lord, guide me to know and learn from my emotions: my anger, my fears, my grief, my joys, my love. Show me how to master them so that they will not master me.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

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Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

5 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted February 11, 2021 6:11 am

    As I understand it, God gives us the gift of faith, the ability to believe. Accepting this gift and believing, just as I accept God’s love and acknowledge God as my creator, I can confess my sins, repent, and be forgiven. All of this is possible because God loves me, loves all mankind. I, we, can love because God loved us first,

    Prayers of both thanks and concern for the situations in which each of you find yourselves. Thankful you leave posts that relate your experiences and that technology allows returning to previous days’ posts.

    I should soon be painting the mail-express car in the Canadian National Continental scheme that began in 1954. Had a great hike through snowy woods around the frozen pond at Rocky Gorge in the White Mountain National Forest yesterday. Prayers for all involved in the proceedings in the US Senate, may God’s wisdom and guidance be followed. Tomorrow our pastor is back for ZOOM breakfast. Her retirement comes the end of June. We are trying to determine what the future of the community of faith will be.God will guide us. Thank You, Lord.

  • Julie Posted February 11, 2021 8:13 am

    Each night before bed I think over the day and repent three sins that I can recall (I am aware there are vastly more sins I commit each day) and ask for God’s forgiveness. I am trying to feel worthy of His forgiving grace.
    Prayers for Robert and his church community as they seek God’s guidance for their future.
    Prayers for Jill, Larry and her students, may all be safe, well and committed to one another.
    Prayers for Ally’s eyesight, David’s stability and moods and Rachel’s bodies healing.
    Prayers for Apriland Lou and all those they love, may all be safe and well.

  • Ally Posted February 11, 2021 1:01 pm

    Good morning, family. I was networking yesterday and Working with one of my closest friends, who is a career counselor. In the midst of my business, I forgot my quiet time. In reference to yesterday’s meditation, I believe acknowledging our anger and where it comes from helps us to forgive and release. This is easier said than done. I harbor much anger over the way David’s ex-wife has continued to harass him and take him to court, even though child support has ended. She tries to claim delinquency in payments, even though it has all been paid. The county court receiver told us she receives several letters a month from the ex demanding to be put on the docket to claim court costs. She has tried to force him to pay premiums on a large life insurance policy of which she is beneficiary. It is a term policy and has expired, unless David wanted to pay several hundred dollars monthly to keep it active. Her actions have been very stressful for him. She has also attempted to poison their children’s minds against David. This hasn’t worked, but it has impacted their relationship because they feel torn. Anyway, it has been hard to not hate her for what she has done and continues to try to do. Please pray I can master this and forgive her. Re: today’s entry, it is only through the Holy Spirit that we can do anything. Zechariah 4:6 tells us,
    ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty. Giving my stuff to God And not taking it back is my biggest hurdle. Lord, help me to acknowledge my sin and accept the forgiveness You offer so that I can forgive others and have true peace.
    Thanks so much for your continued prayers for Rachel. Will provide updates as I get them. My eyes seem to be improving. Praise the Lord. David took a nasty spill early yesterday morning. Somehow he got his feet tangled in the bedding when getting up. I’m very worried about his falling, because I’m afraid he could sustain a head injury or break a hip. He is very sore today. I will call Doctor today and see if can order some PT to help him build his strength. Please continue prayers. I hope to hear about a job opportunity for which I’ve applied and submitted a resume. Very promising and what I’m looking for. Doesn’t offer benefits, but better options than Are available in my area from.ACA Marketplace. It is telework and company is based in Athens GA, about65 miles away. Case management through virtual meetings with clients. Continued prayer appreciated.
    Robert, I am in agreement with regarding the Senate proceedings. Jill, praying for you and Larry and that y’all have minimal effects from your vaccination. May you continue to stay well. July, prayers continue for your situation. Praying for your attorney as well, that they seek wisdom on best way to proceed and help you. Continued prayer for Marcy and her improvement. Prayers for April and Lou and thank the Lord for their insights. Lifting up all who will be experiencing extreme winter weather during next few days. Praying for unity and safety for all. Blessings to all.

  • Jill Posted February 11, 2021 4:34 pm

    I believe we receive God’s forgiveness through unmerited grace. How He showers us, how He loves us. May gratitude course through us unceasingly and be played out in tangible ways – furthering His Kingdom come and His will be done.
    Kind of a bleh day at school – and now grateful for a four day weekend. This used to be the long weekend where I would take a couple of additional days and join my folks in Florida. My sister would come down to the beach and mom’s sister and brother-in-law would be there as well. The last time we were all there was 2017, as mom had surgery in February of 2018. Dad and my trips are slightly postponed – but it will be good to be together at the beach again…a different beach – making new memories and recalling fond ones as well.
    It is so delightful to have sunny days and to notice the days lengthening. My runs in the morning are now about half darkness and have break of dawn. And – so pleasant to eat dinner without having to have the lights on. I suppose the snow not melting due to the cold temps helps with the brightness as well.

  • April Posted February 11, 2021 8:18 pm

    I am going to take a little different approach to the question for today as I relate what I have been doing. I have been listening to Mental Health Monday’s that our church is hosting. So many great resources are introduced and story telling from those that have finally found answers/correct diagnosis to their mental illnesses. This Monday the speaker talked about shame and how it affects the person trying to get well. Often the person will go to a provider and be handed a list of tasks to accomplish. Before and then again upon leaving the office, the person feels shame that they have not done those “simple” things and gotten sick instead. They also feel as though they cannot do them all. So, even though they sought help, they feel worse than when they first got up the courage and sought help….they feel shame. She also reminded us how the body is resilient to heal itself. Her solution to getting well: develop a state of relaxation where your body can begin to heal itself. Remember situations that relax you such as petting pets, having a cup of tea, listening to music, taking a walk, meditation, etc. When the body is not fighting with upsetting emotions, like anger or (in my opinion) trying to forgive, it can focus on healing itself. When I am healed, I am better able to deal with life. Start with 10 minutes and gradually work up. Another take-away is to think outside the box for solutions through education. I am glad she brought up shame and has given me a new look at this old emotion.
    I lift each of you to Our Lord and Savior that He might touch you in a way that you will feel Him and know that He is guiding you. I also pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to work in your life. Sending a smile….stay safe….you are loved.

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