Today’s Reflection
Take an hour of silence to reflect about the past year and [y]our hopes for the year to come.
What was your greatest joy in the year? Do you have any regrets or things you would like to do over? How have you grown as a person, employee, neighbor, or church member? Did you find a scripture passage that became a guiding light for you this year? In the new year, is there a special inward or outward work you would like to accomplish?
—Larry J. Peacock, The Living Nativity: Preparing for Christmas with Saint Francis (Upper Room Books, 2018)
Today’s Question
As you consider God’s call for the new year, what person or persons come to mind whom you need to forgive? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
Whatever you do, whether in speech or action, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus and give thanks to God the Father through him.
—Colossians 3:17 (CEB)
Prayer for the Week
Surprising God, thank you for choosing to be with us as a child who needs our care and tenderness in an often harsh world. Thank you for your humble beginnings, showing us that we don’t need to look too high or too far to find your presence in the ordinary, the humble, the poor, or the beautiful. Thank you that your love reaches us again and again. Amen.
Prayer by Larry J. Peacock
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.
2 Comments
I know I need to forgive h. However, I’ve tried to do this and I am stymied. His refusal to acknowledge any wrong doing and his continuous attempts to continue the abuse prevent my heart from softening toward him. I know that God calls us to forgive even those who do not give voice to their transgressions, but this is a process that will be long and arduous for me.
Megan and I will spend tomorrow together. Tonight she is going to a party her best friends are having. I prefer to go to bed early. I used to enjoy going out for the New Year’s Eve festivities but no more.
The big disappointment was not moving to the Poconos. A big joy was a trip there and news from there. Still working on it. Hard to remember a whole year so quickly. Hope for progress on a move to the Poconos, am cautiously optimistic. It will happen, just don’t know when.
Prayers for the injured, sick, tired, seemingly hopeless everywhere. Am aware of a lot of hurt. Trying to do my part to help alleviate it.
Home in NH safe and sound, had a good time in Rhinebeck. Had some special help after a train was canceled.
Prayers for Alexis’s healing broken leg, for David and Ally, Julie, Megan and h, and all the NEM family.
Happy and healthy New Year to all. Thank You, Lord.
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