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

Our weaknesses invite us to lean into God, to know that we cannot and need not do it alone. Weaknesses remind us of our human limits and our dependence. But God comes in our strength too. Like all our virtues, our strength is a grace from the Lord, a gift of the Holy Spirit, who lives in us. May we see our moments of strength and our moments of weakness as invitations to draw more closely to God.

—Lauren Burdette, This Life That Is Ours: Motherhood as Spiritual Practice (Upper Room Books, 2019)

Today’s Question

When have you come face to face with your weaknesses? When have you been surprised by your strength? [questions from This Life That Is Ours] Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

[The Lord] said to me [Paul], “My grace is enough for you, because power is made perfect in weakness.” So I’ll gladly spend my time bragging about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power can rest on me.
—2 Corinthians 12:9 (CEB)

Prayer for the Week

Dear God, may I see my moments of strength and my moments of weakness as invitations to draw more closely to you. Amen. [prayer adapted from from This Life That Is Ours]
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

While personal reflection is the most popular use of The Upper Room daily devotional, did you know there are many other ways to use it in your ministry? Here are eight of our favorite ways to encourage daily life with God in your congregation (and beyond) with The Upper Room. Read more 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 May 11, 2024 5:27 am

    Weaknesses in math, physical strength, negotiating financial deals, and personal relationships, my strengths are faith, patient perseverance, a positive attitude, and determination. Thankfully, God has seen me through many tough times. Thank You, Lord.

  • robert moeller Posted May 11, 2024 5:33 am

    Thankful for the great news that my post is no longer “awaiting moderation” There’s no 0 beside the word Comment. I’ve returned to NEM. It is a very joyous long awaited moment. Prayers for Ally & David, April, Jill and family, Julie and Megan, Rusty and K, Rick and Scott, Lou, and all the NEM family. I’M BACK!! Thank you Upper Room. Thank You, Lord.

    • Rusty Posted May 11, 2024 8:39 am

      Woooo! Welcome back Robert! Praise God. It is good to have you back!!

  • Lou Posted May 11, 2024 6:00 am

    Thankful that Robert’s posts can now be seen- amazing that he kept posting everyday and was “with” us even though his posts were not seen by us- I went back and read many of your posts Robert- thank you for your dedication and faithfulness! So glad we can now see your posts!
    I’m back from assisting my mother – she did well through her surgery – she is quite amazing for 88. I do wish I lived closer to be able to help her more but I see her as often as I can. Thanks ful for her progress and God be with her during her recovery. God bless you all and God bless mothers especially this Mother’s Day weekend.

  • Jill Posted May 11, 2024 6:23 pm

    I am feeling my weaknesses right now – and the word to sum them up…different situations, but same word…helplessness. I feel utterly helpless in regards to seeing a solution on the horizon to my discomfort. Doctors seem at a a loss. Even more helplessness is felt with regards to my best friend – and seeing her go through so much. She has an absolutely fantastic counselor and together they are unearthing some deep seated things. Rawness, utter rawness. My friend’s capacity has far been exceeded, yet she faces each day. We weep together, I hold my questions. I don’t try to fix. I just want to run to her and hold her. Instead – for the most part – I remain on the other side of the phone.
    However – we got a bit of time together today, at an outdoor market and at a nursery. She got her mom a plant for Mother’s Day and I began some of my flower buying. We parted ways in the parking lot following a long hug. I am so grateful I got to put eyes on her today. Tomorrow will be a very challenging day for her.
    I saw my rheumatologist yesterday and she spent quite a bit of time with me. She ordered various types of bloodwork. Even testing me for Lyme’s disease in an attempt to “rule things out.” A few results appeared in the patient portal yesterday and the 3 I saw were within normal range. At this point, I don’t even know what I am hoping for…something to show up, or for everything to be normal.
    Dad and I are playing golf tomorrow afternoon – keeping up our tradition since mom passed. Going to be a bit cooler than we would prefer, but it should be sunny.
    Robert – so good to have you back sharing with us.
    Lou – I am glad your mom’s surgery went well.
    To the mom’s present on this site – I hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day tomorrow.

Add Comment

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