X

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

If we live long enough, we all have reasons to practice lament as a spiritual discipline. If you’re sorrowing, please know Jesus entered into humanity to identify with you and enter into the distress you feel at this very moment. When you are desolate, know the angels of heaven encompass you in prayer. I told my grieving neighbor the day after her husband died that I’d have faith for her when she could not. It’s compelling that laments in scripture are addressed to God. Prophets and psalmists wailed, “How long must suffering continue?” These people trusted mighty God enough to know they wouldn’t be rejected if they kept it real.

—Jan Woodard, Texting Through Cancer: Ordinary Moments of Community, Love, and Healing (Upper Room Books, 2021)

Today’s Question

What sorrows do you need to express today? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

See, O Lord, how distressed I am;
my stomach churns,
my heart is wrung within me,
because I have been very rebellious.
In the street the sword bereaves;
in the house it is like death.

—Lamentations 1:20, NRSV

Prayer for the Week

For this week’s prayer, insert the name of someone facing cancer or other illness.

Loving Heavenly Father,
I place _______ into your loving care, and I pray that you will comfort his/her heart and bring peace and calm as he/she faces pain, worry, and fear. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Take advantage of our Christmas in July special on select Advent resources using promo code CHR7. See here for details.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

Save 45% and receive free shipping on Disciplines 2021 regular and enlarged-print versions by using the promo code DISC45 at checkout. Offer good while supplies last.

4 Comments

  • Lou Posted July 22, 2021 5:11 am

    Know the angels of heaven encompass you in prayer – how wonderful that makes me feel. Traveling this morning as I know Robert is as well- blessings to all this day. The angels of heaven are praying for us all. Amen

  • Julie Posted July 22, 2021 8:23 am

    Well everyone knows my greatest lament currently…the divorce and the struggle with h over the marital assets which he views as his and his alone. He has lways acted thusly and continues to tell me he “didn’t give me permission” to buy or do suchand such. Yes you read that correctly, he told me throughout our marriage he “did not give me permission” etc. I am discovering that much of his treatment of me is and was abusive. I have read much in that regards and am trying to heal and regain my sense of self. I am also worried about my mother and her health. More on this another day.
    Prayers for safe travel for Lou and Robert and may they and their relatives receive one another with open arms and open Christian hearts and souls and forge deep connections. Prayers for Ally, David, and Marcy’s health and finances. Prayers for Jill and her students as well as Larry and Becky, may all meet one another where they are in life’s path and their faith level and learn and grow from knowing one another. Prayers for Marti and her staff and their tireless work on our behalf. Thank you for your prayers and God bless all who come here.

  • Jill Posted July 22, 2021 3:34 pm

    I wouldn’t say I have any sorrows. Yes, I have concerns, mostly for friends and their struggles. Need to keep an eye on dad. Yesterday when we met for golf, he said he had “the sniffles”. This morning his voice is raspy, but he did not have a temperature. Naturally, or maybe not, I think CoVid. He no longer wears a mask at church or in stores, despite my imploring him to do so. He says it is just allergies…here’s hoping that is the case. I spoke with my sister this morning and filled her in. Told her we must both keep an eye on him. He and I are to golf again tomorrow.
    Today, I only had 2 hours at school on the schedule. I was blessedly home by lunch. My gravel got delivered and spread fairly well by the truck. I spent maybe 10 minutes with my rake spreading it near the edges and by my garage. I also got my yardwork done. It is more satisfying than ever to have a nicely tended lawn. After dinner I will work a bit in my flower beds and take a walk.
    I am reading a book, which is a new release from the library. I got put on the waiting list in April, and of course it would become available the 2 weeks I am teaching summer school. So, I have luxuriated in reading it this afternoon and will do so again this evening.
    Traveling mercies for Lou and Robert.

  • robert moeller Posted July 23, 2021 3:36 am

    My trip to my daughter’s and granddaughter’s home went very well, was a bit nervous about making the bus to train connection, but made it with minutes to spare. A very enjoyable train ride, especially through the Berkshires of western MA. Had a sjhopping spree at a Korean grocery store i frequented in Albany NY days.

    My granddaughters never knew my wife, but miss her any way. Hopefully putting together a photo album will be helpful.

    Prayers for Julie’s situation, The “permission” issue is despicable. Sure hope resolution comes soon. Larry, Jill, and Becky are in my prayers, sure hope it is only allergies Larry is enduring. Golf may have something to do with it. A blessing Jill’s summer school class is going well. Yes, Lou, safe travel and good visits. Glad to be in the Milan (pronounced My Lan) section of Rhinebeck NY. Went by the UMC church on the way to my daughter’s. Always prayers for Marcy’s well being and health. Time for back to sleep, my early morning hour wake ups are very routine. Thank You, Lord.

Add Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *