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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

Sometimes sorrow causes me to pray with a heavy heart. I would like to feel light and free, with my heart soaring to heights of joy. Instead, I feel down, low, with a heart that sinks. Is this prayer? Yes. As I receive the love of God, it certainly becomes prayer. I know that God is with me in my sadness. I am united with the One who loves me and whose love encompasses all.

—J. David Muyskens, Sacred Breath: 40 Days of Centering Prayer (Upper Room Books, 2010)

Today’s Question

When you feel down, what helps you remember that God is with you? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

He heals the brokenhearted,
and binds up their wounds.
—Psalm 147:3 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Pause to breathe deeply. Fill your lungs with fresh air. Hold that breath briefly. Then release the air you are holding, ridding yourself of the old and making space for the new. And as you breathe, rejoice in the gift of life. Let the rise and fall of your lungs be a celebration of the amazing gift of being alive!
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

For too long Lent has been thought of as a season of self-sacrifice and discipline, but author Max O. Vincent reminds us to approach Easter with JOY in his book Because of This I Rejoice: Reading Philippians During Lent. Use promo code EVERY15 to receive a 15% discount when purchasing this title from The Upper Room online store. Promotion ends February 28, 2021.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

6 Comments

  • Julie Posted January 30, 2021 8:05 am

    I am currently struggling with this. Late last evening I received an email from my lawyer’s husband, who is also a lawyer and in practice with her. It included a motion to the court that h and his lawyer submitted. In it they produced a “separation agreement” that I supposedly signed in 2005 which stated that I relinguished all my rights to the house and his pensions and 401(k). If this were honored I would be left destitute. Along with this was the news that my lawyer has had emergency surgery for a detached retina and will be unable to work for a month. She has asked another lawyer to take over. I went to this new lawyer before my present one and she charged me for the initial consult (which no other lawyer does) and never returned my phone calls…but cashed the check. I am terrified! Please pray for me. I would be upset enough by the new divorce development, but without my lawyer who I have faith in I am beside myself and spinning out of control. It is especially difficult to live with someone who wants to leave me destitute. Thank you for your prayers.
    Prayers for Ally and David, may David’s continued weakness, lack of stamina and overall health issues due to COVID 19 be addressed by his doctor and may David be candid with his physician.
    Prayers for Jill and her students and may vaccines be available soon so school can be in person safely.
    Prayers for Lou and may she find new interests to fill her free time.
    Prayers for Robert and his son, may counseling mend their relationship.

  • robert moeller Posted January 30, 2021 8:20 am

    Julie, most certainly you, Megan, and your situation are certainly in my prayers. Somehow there is a way through this, it may not seem so at the moment, but with God all things are possible.

    That you are able to pray for others when you are in such a predicament is amazing. Thank you for your prayers, preparations for meeting the doctor and the counselor are underway. I join you in praying for Jill, her students, Larry, Lou, Marcy, Ally & David. Thankful I am warm and safe with a virtual train show today and tomorrow. Help for Anneliese’s weight control, bathroom repair and heating adjustment are happening. Thank You, Lord.

  • Carol Posted January 30, 2021 9:11 am

    In answer to your question, before God saved me through Jesus Christ, I had a space in my heart that was empty. Since then it’s been filled and He hasn’t left

  • Jill Posted January 30, 2021 10:31 am

    Recalling his faithfulness, the assurance of His steadfast love. I read and read and read Lamentations 3 as well as the Psalms.
    So strange – I posted yesterday, it showed up that I did, and yet this morning when I read back over the posts – mine is nowhere to be found. Ahhhh, technology.
    Julie – it is a great challenge which you are facing. I pray His comfort and closeness will be real for you. And the provision which He has given in the past will be recalled as you trust Him for the needs of today. Remember the sparrows – and how much greater His love is for you. Sufficiency, strength and needs met for today.
    I have been settled in on my couch grading for some time now.
    As I stated in my post yesterday – it was nice to have a change of scenery and work from school yesterday. My office has huge windows and the sun was out. Wonderful brightness all day. Only one class to teach as my 2 afternoon classes had quizzes. So – I was able to tend to the treasurers stuff…National Honor Society and Senior Class collecting dues, despite the remote environment.

  • Ally Posted January 30, 2021 5:35 pm

    I look at the past year and see a God’s work and the miracles God wrought. I sing hymns. Sometimes I still get discouraged and sad. During those times, God sometimes feels far away. How you, my UR family, persevere through trouble and heartache, helps me be aware of God’s presence. And as this week’s prayer suggests, I praise God that we are alive.
    Julie, know that you are loved and that I am praying and trusting God for a solution. Carol, thank you for the reminder that God is with us. Robert, lifting up Anneliese and her needs and your counseling sessions. Praying for progress and healing in your relationship with your son. Jill, glad you enjoyed working from your office. Praying Larry is managing the after effects of his vaccination. Thanks to you all for your prayers. Praying that competent leadership leads to better management of distribution of vaccine and that lives will be saved. Lord, help us to remember that You will never leave us or forsake us. Amen. Blessings to all.

  • Ally Posted January 30, 2021 5:37 pm

    Jill, I’ve seen my posts disappear a couple of times. One time I misspelled my email.

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