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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

The fundraiser as servant is a countercultural notion. In a world that values money more than everything else, it is a short jump to say that if we make more money, give more money, or raise more money, then we are more valuable and have more power. Servant fundraisers—or servant fundraising boards or committees—recognize this illusion and make decisions to counteract it. Fundraising may be a mission-critical role for a faith community or organization, but it is not more important than any other role.

—Nathan Ball, Henri J.M. Nouwen, A Spirituality of Fundraising Workbook Edition (Upper Room Books, 2019)

Today’s Question

Where do you observe people living in a countercultural way of service? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

“For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
—Mark 10:45 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Dear God,
Show me how to use my talents and treasures in ways that demonstrate my love for you and for my neighbors. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

“Lord, stir us up to holy action,” cries Rally, spurring people to compassionately continue the important work of loving God and neighbor until all of God’s people feel safe and seen.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

3 Comments

  • Jill Posted October 27, 2020 5:00 am

    I am not sure how to interpret this question…counter-cultural way of service. I guess when I think of the worldly perspective on this – business people seem to “serve” or “volunteer” to pad their resumes, hoping to climb the corporate ladder. Similarly – others “serve” to look good in the eyes of their peers. But, as children of God, we are to serve from a heart of humility and love, in order to bring God the glory.
    So – to get to the question – if my take is correct – my first thought was the people who volunteer their time with the youth at the center where I worked with young moms. They simply hang out with youth, sharing meals with them, helping them with schoolwork, caring for their children.
    My school board unanimously chose to remain remote through mid-January/end of the semester. I am prayerfully considering how I will address the students I see, particularly the seniors. They see their senior year slipping away – a year much anticipated and now, quite possibly, the biggest disappointment in their lives. My heart aches for them and I don’t know what impact my words will have.

  • Julie Posted October 27, 2020 8:37 am

    I thought of Mother Teresa and how she humbled herself to serve those at the fringe of society. I know we don’t get political but I also thought of President Obama. He seemed to truly grieve when each mass shooting occurred. He also seemed to subjugate himself to his service to the people of this country.
    Prayers for Jill, and I am relieved for her and Larry’s health that she will not be back in school. I know to the seniors this is the end of the world but maybe you can give them perspective. This is but one year of their lives and they still have college and many other milestones to look forward to in the future.
    Prayers for Robert and his congregation as they also continue to be safe and worship via Zoom.
    Prayers for Marcy, may her eyesight improve quickly.
    Prayers for Ally and David, may all go well for them this week with health and doctor’s appointments.
    I found out (by snooping) that h has Parkinson’s. I told him early on that he had this and he vehemently denied the possibility. I guess his doctor’s finally came to the same conclusion.

  • Ally Posted October 27, 2020 2:27 pm

    Reading this phrase, I think of my friends who, despite their own health issues, have a adopted a little boy with special needs they were fostering. This should be the norm, not the exception. Not sure I’m cut out for that, but I have committed to seek God’s wisdom regarding how I can serve others in a radical way.
    David and I both have several Dr. appointments coming up this week and next; 2 on election day. Praying for good outcomes , as Tuesday appt. will determine if I can have my surgery in December. David has appointment with wound clinic. We are praying for an effective treatment.
    Jill, prayers as you seek God about how to best serve your senior students. It is a heartbreaking thing. I think of all the things we took for granted when while young. Thank you for serving your students. Sending ear scratches to Roger. Marcy, praying that you feel well today and that you and Roxy remain safe. Ear scratches to Lucy Lou. Robert, how your church stays connected through Zoom is a true blessing. Julie, I am praying for H and his Parkinson’s. I wonder if his illness has played a role in some of his actions. Praying safety and wisdom for you and Megan. I too think of President Obama and his kindness toward the children he encountered and how he advocated policies which helped the poor. He was also a great example of loving husband and father; Excellent role model to young folks, an example of decency and how to treat others. Ear scratches to Tazzie and the little babies. All, please lift up to the Lord those in the path of Zeta. In this craziest of years, who would have thought there would be 28 names storms! Where does our help come from? Our help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. God does not slumber or sleep. Be blessed.

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