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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

Note: This week’s New Every Morning includes daily practices (instead of reflection questions) to follow the format of our featured title, Pauses for Pentecost, which offers 50 days of reflections based on a scripture theme and followed by a spiritual practice.

Maybe we too need an upper room where we can wait and pray in preparation for a fresh outpouring of the Spirit. You might remember Jesus once told his disciples that when they pray, they need to go into a room, close the door, and speak to their Father in secret. (See Matthew 6:6.) As we move toward Pentecost, I invite you to do this quite literally. It could cause this Pentecost to be vastly different from all the others. Indeed, it may be the day when the spring of the Spirit turns your life into a deep reservoir from which life-giving streams begin to flow toward others around you.

—Trevor Hudson, Pauses for Pentecost: 50 Words for Easter People (Upper Room Books, 2017)

Today’s Practice

Today, find a few minutes to go into your room, close the door, and ask the Father to prepare your heart to receive a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
—Trevor Hudson, Pauses for Pentecost
Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

When [the apostles] arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying.
—Acts 1:13 (NIV)

Prayer for the Week

Holy Spirit, turn my life into a deep reservoir from which life-giving streams begin to flow toward others around me. Amen.
Adapted from Trevor Hudson, Pauses for Pentecost
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

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Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

Day of Pentecost (Sunday, June 5)

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

4 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted May 31, 2022 5:47 am

    Great to learn Roger enjoys catnip and is doing so well. enjoyed the news from Rick, getting things sttled is a life long task. Jill has a new classroom and an easy closing school week, challenges with Dad on the golf course overcome, good times playing cards. Ally’s cooking, Julie’s botanical garden visit, Grant us courage and wisdom to deal with the challenges we personally and as a nation face.
    Gun violence is the number one reason kids die. We ate causing climate change that hurts our fellow mankind. With Pentecost coming, may we be refilled, renewed, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Thank You, Lord.

  • Julie Posted May 31, 2022 9:07 am

    I will be attending a Women’s Fellowship time at a church member’s house this evening. I have not gone before because it is a distance from my home. But I knew this would be the case when I chose to return to this church. But now with the weather being nice and also because numerous ladies asked me yesterday if I was attending, I will drive the distance.
    Megan and I went to a state park yesterday for a picnic of sorts. We need to discuss many things yet I am reluctant because Megan is not willing to see both sides as equal and true. She tends to discredit my concerns and runs roughshod over my boundaries. She insists that any and all issues are mine alone and no fault lies with her.
    Prayers for Ally and David, for the success of the disability appeal, for the success of the new work from home job, and for the success of medical treatment. Prayers for April, for success in carving out times to renew and recharge. Prayers for Jill and her students, for success on exams and setting up a new classroom. Prayers for Lou and her daughter, for success in creating moments of connection during their visit. Prayers for Rick and Scott, for success in finding time to enjoy one another. Prayers for Robert, for success with the new path forward regarding postponing the move and for success for his current church as they seek a permanent pastor.

  • Jill Posted May 31, 2022 3:54 pm

    Julie – I find this such encouraging news – you going this evening. I am praying for good fellowship, listening and sharing.
    Sometimes I feel my prayers are lifeless and vague. Maybe a short, bold, specific request beats a period of time where my mind wanders and I get off track. Yes, to desire a fresh outpouring of the Spirit. Father, may it be so.
    Got some more of my classroom moved today. The person moving into my room is anxious to get her stuff in and I am equally anxious to get my stuff into my new room. Problem is, my new room still is not cleared out. I have cleaned out all my cupboards. Stacking many things on desks in my new room. More happening tomorrow. One last set of exams to grade – will hopefully have those done and entered into the computer by the time I leave tomorrow.
    Tennis, with my team – just for practice tonight, no match due to the holiday yesterday.

  • Ally Posted May 31, 2022 7:07 pm

    I have set up a corner of our guestroom as a work station. Very quiet there and will be a good place to pray. Today I asked the Holy Spirit to renew my heart.
    I started my part time gig today. Read through policies and goals, taking notes. will do this tomorrow as well. We went to the library today and to get some fresh eggs from a friend who has chickens. Thanks to all for your continued prayers for us. Please pray for my little 16 year old Scout kitty. She’s hasn’t felt well today, but has been perkier this afternoon. Her symptoms point to renal failure. I rescued her at 6 weeks old and I know our time together is short. Every moment with her is a gift.
    Robert, I am agreeing with you in prayer that all may be convicted in their hearts and led to help stop gun violence and climate change. Prayers as you seek wisdom regarding sale of your condo and move to Poconos. Julie, very glad to hear you are attending the fellowship gathering. Hope you have a good time! Prayers that Megan will learn to respect you and your boundaries. Jill, glad to hear Roger is enjoying his catnip and feeling well. Prayers continue for his health. Prayers for you as school lets out and you have more time for activities you enjoy. April, Prayers for you in your role as caregiver and that you find ways of self-care. Prayers for Lou in her travels and that she will enjoy time with her daughter. Prayers for Rick and Scott, as they seek the Lord.
    I pray that we all experience a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit this Pentecost season. Love to all.

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