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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

In a life fed by the inner springs of divine love, we can go beyond the external demands of God’s law to its very heart. In this realm, we do not act from anger against others; we quickly reconcile ourselves to sisters and brothers with whom we have been in conflict; we speak our truth without exaggeration or distortion; out of sheer generosity of heart, we offer more to others than they can rightly claim; we love those who hate us and pray for those who misuse us. By grace we can live by a higher law than retribution, guided by spiritual principles that transcend common notions of human justice.

Marjorie J. Thompson, The Way of Forgiveness Participant’s Book (Companions in Christ Series) (Upper Room Books, 2002)

Today’s Question

How have the “the inner springs of divine love” led to transformation in your life? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
—Ephesians 3:18-19 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Lord, guide me to know and learn from my emotions: my anger, my fears, my grief, my joys, my love. Show me how to master them so that they will not master me.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

The Academy for Spiritual Formation invites you to a unique online experience: Spiritual Formation in Today’s World. Learn more about the Academy and this transformational one-year online offering here.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

5 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted February 8, 2021 5:54 am

    Couldn’t post here yesterday, a 2917 comment window opened with posts from people I remember well from those days. Today back to normal. Yes, I believe the “the inner springs of divine love” have led to transformation in my life. I’m trying again to resolve the conflict my son has with me. Have a new counselor and seemingly a good start. Wish it was more than once a month, but finding someone with Korean connections is very difficult and this is possible with my new counselor. Will soon have a new email provider. My current provider has not been able to resolve a problem that keeps me from receiving replies. I pray for positive results in all your circumstances for the UR family, and lift up especially Marcy and Julie. Thankful for ZOOM worship on Sunday, FaceTime with my daughter, and resources for car maintenance today. Thank You, Lord.

  • Lou Posted February 8, 2021 8:24 am

    The same happened to me but I enjoyed reading the posts from old friends as you did Robert. Transformation in my heart is a slow process for one person as the hurt runs deep but God knows my heart and He is working on me I know. Someday I will get there – I try every day. Blessings and love to the UR family today – another very cold day. Continued prayers for the homeless and those who have to work in this cold- I am thankful to have a warm home and the ability to work from here. Thankful for the UR and all of you and your faith filled posts and prayers. Thankful for the gift of my loving family. Thankful for the work that God is doing in me daily. Praying for you all and your needs.

  • Julie Posted February 8, 2021 8:32 am

    I do believe that God’s love and His Spirit within me have led to transformation in my life. However, I continue to struggle with forgiveness. This is not true in most instances but is certainly true in my present situation. I can’t help but wonder what the people who write these sentiments would feel if someone they had never harmed attempted to leave them destitute and homeless while they made off with close to 2 million dollars.
    Prayers for Robert and Erich as they attend counseling and work to understand one another and communicate better.
    Prayers for Jill and Larry, may both remain healthy until the can receive both vaccination doses.
    Prayers for Ally, may her eyesight be improving with her new medications. Prayers for David, may his mood continue to improve and may he continue to take his meds. Prayers that Rachel went home this past weekend.
    Prayers for Lou and may her issues be resolved and may all be well with her.
    Prayers for Marcy. I spoke with her on Saturday! She is doing much better as her new meds have relieved her depression as well as her migraine. She says she feels better and more positive each day.

  • Ally Posted February 8, 2021 2:46 pm

    I don’t know where I would be if not for “divine springs of love”. I am not by nature a very forgiving or positive person. It is through God’s love that I can love and extend grace. God has shown that a beautiful peace is possible through the act of forgiveness. For me, it’s a day by day thing. I forgive daily and may have it to do over again the next day. Thank You Lord, for Your grace and divine love.
    Rachel was discharged from the hospital on Saturday. She and her parents will stay in Charleston several more weeks to monitor Her blood sugar and progress the transplanted islet cells make in helping her body make insulin. She continues to receive PT. God’s hand has truly been on Rachel. Thanks for your prayers and please continue to pray. Another close friend has passed away of COVID. She was in her70s, but in good health. Please pray for her husband and family. She was a devoted wife, mom, and beloved granny. David is still unsteady, but seems better today. He is in better spirits. Please lift up 2 work from home job prospects. I have submitted my resume. I know God has the right position for me. I have my follow-up eye appointment tomorrow. I think I’ve seen some improvement. We will see what the Dr. says.
    Jill, prayers that your work with your students continues in a positive direction. I know you are looking forward to your beach break with Larry and your sister. Robert, many prayers for your session with Erich. I ask God to give you both wisdom and ears to hear. Thankful for your blessings. Jill, forgiveness is difficult under average circumstances. I pray for your safety and a fair settlement for you in your divorce. Thanks so !ugh for your prayers for all of us in the midst of your troubles. Lou, like you, forgiveness is day to day. Thank you for your insight. So good to hear good news from Marcy. Praise the Lord for meds that have helped her feel better. Sending her love and continued prayers. I pray we all say safe and that distribution of vaccines becomes more organized. I pray that God will work in the hearts of those who deny the dangers we face and they will out others ahead of themselves. May we all make room in our hearts for Jesus and His love. Blessings to all.

  • Jill Posted February 8, 2021 5:04 pm

    Yes, what a strange flashback it was yesterday – but good to see names and sage words from those who used to grace this space with us. And to see the “regulars” – we remain knit together in this little pocket.
    Ahhhh – to be able to even desire “to love those who hate us and pray for those who misuse us.” Father – may You continue to cultivate in me a desire to do this. With You, all things are possible – and You can do an amazing thing. Yes – I want this to be true of me, yet I know the depravity of my soul. But, I have a Gatekeeper Who is making ALL things new. In His time. Yes, Father – may it be so.
    I am scheduled to receive my first dose of vaccine Saturday morning. I am encouraged. With a four day week this week and again next week – yes – things are moving in a positive direction.
    It was good to attend my god-daughter’s game on Saturday. I spoke with my friend and she said she may be able to get a ticket to the first tournament game also. I will be hopeful.
    Julie – praying for a good conversation with you and the new lawyer tomorrow. I pray she will listen well and that you will feel heard. May you come away with more assurance of a plan moving forward, which will protect you and Megan.

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