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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

When I imagine Jesus within a person who is food insecure or who has limited material resources, I see him or her as an equal participant in ministry. And I know that Jesus’ presence in others can only improve whatever ministry I am serving. Eating and serving together builds the reciprocity that Jesus modeled. Shared ministry is about welcoming Jesus into ministry with us through the gifts, talents, and offerings of others.

—Elizabeth Mae Magill, Five Loaves, Two Fish, Twelve Volunteers: Growing a Relational Food Ministry (Upper Room Books, 2020)

Today’s Question

When have you seen a ministry improve because everyone shared their gifts? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

And serve each other according to the gift each person has received, as good managers of God’s diverse gifts.
—1 Peter 4:10 (CEB)

Prayer for the Week

God is great!
God is good!
Let us thank God for our food.
Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Join our global prayer community on The Upper Room Prayer Wall. Leave your sorrows, worries, or praises, and they will be seen and responded to by hundreds of people around the world. Visit the Prayer Wall at UpperRoom.org/prayer.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

3 Comments

  • Julie Posted September 23, 2022 9:23 am

    Just this past Sunday we had a meeting after church for the volunteers for Thanksgiving. It was obvious that the team leader knew who was good at what and who would do each job based on previous years. As he listed names and what job they performed I saw each acknowledge and willingly accept their duties. I also saw the leader’s trust and relience on them to perform their duties so he could focus on other things.
    H is still very reluctant to part with his vehicles even though he cannot drive any longer. It came up yesterday and again he tried crying to engender feelings of compassion. When that failed to gain him the desired outcome he actually threatened to run away from home. Again, I was reminded that his mentality is that of a small child.
    Prayers for Ally and David, for healthy bodies and finances. Prayers for Jill as she completes the first month of the new school year. What a challenge it has been. Prayers for Robert and his fellow church members as they embark on their training.

  • Jill Posted September 23, 2022 5:46 pm

    I think of the organization which included the young moms program – they have something every night. And it always includes a meal. They knew something special happened when sitting down with others and sharing conversation with the meal. So many of the youngsters there did not have a family unit to sit down with.
    I am grateful that this school week is behind me. We had a pep assembly at the end of the school day – and the seniors were really into it. It was the first pep rally since before the pandemic. I got almost all of my grading done during the school day – so I only have to make up a few assessments this weekend.
    Dad leaves for Florida on Sunday. He is coming to my tennis match tomorrow afternoon and then we are going to grab an early dinner nearby. Sunday I will pick him up after my early church service and take him to the airport. He is looking forward to joining Becky and Don in Florida.

  • robert moeller Posted September 24, 2022 2:40 am

    I’m late posting, read the reflection, started a post, but it vanished. Sometimes that happens. Very much agree that the last sentence of the reflection explains witnessing.. The efforts of the worship team have certainly helped CCUMC continue
    In 30 years of teaching I was never able as a social studies – foreign language- ESL teacher to finish grading, let alone start grading work, at school. Glad Jill is doing well at school, kids are into a pep rally. Julie is making great progress “taking care of business”. It’s easy to understand why h is having a hard time., but there’s no way he’ll be able to drive. I’m sure the day will come when I can’t, shouldn’t be driving either. Hope I’m able to wisely make that decision.
    Good meetings yesterday at the convention, today the membership comes.
    Prayers and blessings to all for your needs and concerns. God us with us always Thank You, Lord

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