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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

So it goes with the seed of self-love that the Creator planted in each of us—we must nurture it. Jesus obviously understood that when he urged us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. So self-love and love of others are part of the same sacred package. In fact, our love of others soon withers and dies if we do not love ourselves. As we learn to understand and nurture our own needs, we can extend the same compassion to others. “It is like a mustard seed; . . . it grew and became a tree” (Luke 13:19).

—Linda Douty, Rhythms of Growth: 365 Meditations to Nurture the Soul (Upper Room Books, 2014)

Today’s Question

How can you nurture love for yourself and others? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
—Mark 12:30-31 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Thank you, God, for sun and showers
Thank you for each lovely flower
Thank you for each stately tree
Through all these, you speak to me.
—A Gardener’s Prayer
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Through rich and moving stories from various people, author Frank Rogers Jr. shows ways to incorporate compassion in our daily lives. Start practicing compassion with Rogers.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

5 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted July 8, 2020 5:17 am

    Some how I see it easier to love others than self. It is easier to give up, sacrifice, for others than do for myself. I do it all the time.

    Lord grant wisdom to those dealing in whatever way with the virus. May reason, common sense be their’s
    that more will not die.

    Prayers for good health, well-being, safety, love, mercy, grace, and peace to all. May unbelievers lose their unbelief that Your kingdom will come on earth as it is in heaven. Thank You, Lord.

  • Jill Posted July 8, 2020 5:28 am

    Perhaps self love begins in two ways…acceptance, and then realizing we are made in His image and knowing that “God don’t make no junk” (do you remember those t-shirts and bumper stickers?) I believe He wants us to be content…which leads to humility. Through His grace and transformation, we willing become clay – trusting His workmanship. Our desire to see His Kingdom come – leads us to love others well, out of humility. May it be so, Father.

  • Ally Posted July 8, 2020 7:56 am

    Good morning UR family, I have missed you. Looking to Christ as our model of love and being obedient to His commandment to love others as ourselves, often sounds easier than it is. I can be pretty hard on myself. Self-love doesn’t come naturally. That may be the nature of humanity. My prayer is that I can love all persons as Christ loved, including myself. Loving Lord, help me. Amen.
    David and I had a wonderful time visiting family in Alabama. He held up very well, but was very tired when we arrived. He continues to grow stronger. My sister and took a little road trip to visit the cemetery where our parents and grandparents are buried along with many family on my grandmother’s side. The cemetery is attached to the little Methodist church where my Maa-Maw grew up and where she met met my Paa-Paw when he was appointed there as pastor in 1932. The farm where Maa-Maw grew up is less than a mile away, so we drove there and enjoyed the view of the valley. The house is gone but the barn and other outbuildings are still there. It is a beautiful spot and a place of peace. I signed up for a watercolor painting class, which met for the first time yesterday. I’m not that artistic, but it’s fun. It will be a week tomorrow since my job ended. Today I am found to upload my resume to Indeed and check in with a friend who told me sometime back to call her if I ever needed a job. Part of me wishes I could stay home. Praying about my next step. I know God is faithful. I claim God’s promise in Deuteronomy and Hebrews that God will never leave or forsake us.
    Robert, I too pray that people will use common sense regarding this virus and that all of us will love others and wear masks. Jill, I remember those bumper stickers well! My mama would remind us of that when we found it hard to love ourselves. Lord, give us hearts of compassion so that we can be Christ to others. Help us to see ourselves vas You see us and to love and care for ourselves as You do, Lord. Amen.

  • Julie Posted July 8, 2020 8:36 am

    I do not love myself. I am like Robert in that I find it easier to love others. God may have made me but he also made others that are difficult to love.
    Lord, I am prostrate before you. Your word tells me to find sufferings as a joy and that you use it to develop qualities in me that conform me to Your image. I have also heard that You do not give more than we can take. Well, I am at my breaking point. I feel like I am hanging on to the cliff edge with only two fingers…
    Prayers for Robert and all he does for others, may he see what a good and godly man he is and may unbeliever see You through him.
    Prayers for Jill and Larry as they continue to enjoy one another’s company and may both continue to hunger for understanding of You and Your word.
    Prayers af thankfulness that Ally and David enjoyed a joy filled trip and are safe at home. May they continue to heal.
    Prayers for April and her comments yesterday that have such richness and beauty.
    Prayers for Marcy and her many health issues, may the PT help alleviate the pain.
    Prayers, thank you and stay healthy dear UR one and all

    • Lou Posted July 8, 2020 9:34 am

      Prayers for your strength and peace Julie.

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