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

I’ve been brought down by the gravity of breast cancer cells invading my body, like unruly horsemen prancing into a sanctuary. I’ve stooped low before God and circumstances as I await health’s return. After struggling through difficult emotions with each new challenge, I remember who I am—God’s daughter, led by the sure hand of my Father. I begin radiation therapy Tuesday. With chemo behind me, I posted this on Facebook:
Me: That’s done!
Friend: Cue the heavenly chorus!
Me: Amen!

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

Today’s Question

When have you needed to remember “the sure hand” of God at work in your life? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

My God will meet your every need out of his riches in the glory that is found in Christ Jesus.
—Philippians 4:19, CEB

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.

3 Comments

  • Julie Posted July 24, 2021 8:54 am

    Now! Another setback in the divorce. H is refusing to answer the document my lawyer sent him requesting detailed financial information. She will send him a “force to comply” document. Can’t imagine that will go over well. H does not want me to know the financial details and also believes “it will go away” if he ignores it. This is his way of dealing with things, not something he has actually said to me.
    Prayers for safe travel and warm and rewarding visits with loved ones for Lou and Robert. Prayers for Larry as he struggles with a bad cold, may he recover soon and fully and realize his need for hearing aides especially with regards to interacting with health professionals. Prayers for Jill and Becky as they navigate their relationship with Larry and oversee his healthcare. Prayers for Marti and her staff, may they be blessed for their hard work. Thank you for your prayers.
    Tomorrow is Christmas at church with Christmas carols and refreshments including cookies afterward. I am on the committee that does the fellowship refreshments but with travel I was unable to bake cookies. I will help with cleanup though.
    God bless all who come here.

  • robert moeller Posted July 24, 2021 6:00 pm

    While there have been big moment when I was more aware of the need for God’s help, I think the need is daily. Without God life isn’t possible. Prayers for Julie’s legal problems. Cooperative negotiations with equitable outcomes are very much needed. Prayers for Jill and Becky caring for Larry. I understand the need for hearing aids, have them myself, getting meds right is essential.
    Hope Ally & David, as well as Marcy are doing well, better, needs being met, health improving.
    Yes, thanks to the UR staff for maintaining this site. Having a great time with Willa, Oona, Jenny, and Chris. My sister will visit. Erich is researching housing possibilities. It’s a complicated situation, but I am confident a solution will be found. So busy here I missed breakfast with the pastor on Friday.
    Thank You, Lord , for the many blessings of the day.

  • Jill Posted July 24, 2021 6:08 pm

    I think I carry the thought of “His sure hand being with me” – as it was so strong during mom’s struggle. I merely need to meditate on it – which I did numerous times will at the ER with dad. I had an incredible peace the entire time, despite memories of previous trips there, as well as the inability to initially get in contact with my sister. One of my greatest weaknesses, and Satan knows it, is remembering how my sister was not reachable many times when previous ER trips were made, as well as her being in Florida during much of the time when mom was diagnosed and her cancer resurfaced. I was bitter and angry. I was aware of easily slipping into that grumbling state. Ahhh, God’s grace – sufficient for my weaknesses.
    Rain delayed tennis this morning, but we got it in around noon. I am happier playing then, rather than early morning. My friend and I went to a late lunch and then to the art in the park – very near my school. My photographer friend was there, and she declined my offer to help her tear down tomorrow when the show was over.
    Dad sounds better today, but he is going to continue to take it easy, not go to church tomorrow. I bought him a cranberry oatmeal cookie at the art show, and I will take him some of the kettle corn my friend bought me.

Add Comment

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