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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

My mind is drawn to occasions in the past when I felt vulnerable and defenseless–times of poor decision, rejection, and disappointment throughout the years. This melancholy moment of reflection redirects my thoughts to something deep inside. Life is brief, and aging is real. I feel it in my joints. I feel it every time I lose my reading glasses or when I hear that another friend has died. Yet somehow just acknowledging the reality of aging is liberating; I don’t want to pretend to be young. I want to be bold enough to be authentic; I want to be faithful enough to prepare for life’s challenges. Some say that growing old is too depressing to ponder. But here at the beach, I confront an important truth: To be strong, I must first be vulnerable.

—Missy Buchanan, Beach Calling: A Devotional Journal for the Middle Years and Beyond (Upper Room Books, 2019)

Today’s Question

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were younger? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
—Hebrews 4:13 (NIV)

Prayer for the Week

Like the waves of the ocean rolling onto the sand, may God’s glorious grace, rush into my heart and soul, again and again.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

In a world where change, confrontation, and division are all around us, how are we to live fully and faithfully as followers of Jesus Christ? Join us for RESILIENCE, a virtual event on September 29-30, 2023 as we explore how practicing compassion can transform our relationships. Register today at UpperRoom.org/resilience.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

4 Comments

  • Jill Posted June 6, 2023 5:39 am

    I wish I had a better understanding of His sovereignty when I was younger. And the confidence that would come from being able to trace His faithfulness in my life. That He would provide the perfect timing, companions and strength for the obstacles to come.
    I started up physical therapy again, this time a very specific, targeted therapy. I am grateful to be back active, but the issue persists. Cooler temps yesterday provided perfect weather for tennis last evening outdoors. One member of our quartet was not available – so we had someone new join us, although we have been competing against each other for years. She is very pleasant and we had good tennis.
    Golfing with dad today, will meet him at the course this morning. He wants to eat afterwards. I plan on picking up just a few remaining things for my yard. I have delayed putting down the mulch, until I have these few barren spots filled. Hopefully that will happen this evening or tomorrow.

  • Julie Posted June 6, 2023 9:30 am

    I wish I had found my faith earlier. I wish I had found a quality therapist sooner. If I had started meaningful therapy sooner, I do not think I would be in the situation I currently find myself.
    I have been bombarded by emails and texts regarding the new appliances installation. So many things to do before then. I also received the email with the painting estimate. It is much less than I anticipated.

  • Ally Posted June 6, 2023 12:21 pm

    I still need to learn so many things: to give myself grace; to be detail-oriented, to see the big picture. To see myself as God sees me. I now understand a little better the importance of valuing others and celebrating our differences.
    My Walmart account was hacked. I canceled it and upon recommendation from our bank, canceled my debit card. Since this happened yesterday, I have spoken with others who have had similar problems. I think Walmart has become lax regarding security. I am thankful to have caught this before major damage could be done. It’s inconvenient to be without my debit card, but a dear friend stepped in to help me get some pet items we needed. I have an interview Friday for the part-time social services position. David sees the podiatrist and starts outpatient physical therapy next week. I thank God for the good things.

  • robert moeller Posted June 6, 2023 7:51 pm

    Whoa! What a question! There are many things, hard to decide. Though my spiritual life was going pretty well 26 years ago. That was an error. It took a tragedy to get me on an improved path, recognizing the grace is always needed. A Lord and Savior is a necessity, even then we need the Holy Spirit as well. Reading Max Lucado’s book, “Help Is Here”. It focuses on the Holy Spirit.
    I suspect I’m one of few people interested in the
    “Hessians” aka Germans who were augmentees to British forces in the American Revolution. Admittedly it’s and awkward position, but my genealogy puts me there. A new book has me back on the trail I’ve been on since I was a boy and visited Ft Ticonderoga. They certainly provide a different perspective on many aspects of America in that time.
    Prayer for health improvements, job possibilities, tennis, golf, family, cats, home improvements, spiritual growth and wellbeing.
    Thank You, Lord.

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