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

It’s the unknown part of tomorrow that creates the fear and worry. There is no way that anyone can know exactly what will happen tomorrow. … Yet, as a Christian, you know that God is timeless. With the Creator, there is no yesterday, or today, or tomorrow – just endless, seamless time. You don’t need to worry about tomorrow anymore because God is already there.

—Patricia Wilson, Freedom from Worry: 28 Days of Prayer (Upper Room Books, 2013)

If you’ve enjoyed this week’s reflections, the Freedom From Worry eCourse is now being offered free to all individuals through April 18, 2020. Use the promo code FREEDOM when registering.

Today’s Question

What uncertainties do you need to release into God’s love care? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble with its tumult.

—Psalm 46:1-3 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Lord,
When I’m crushed by my fears and worries, remind me of your power and grace.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Even when separated by physical distance, we can stay connected through prayer. Join us Live on Facebook today at 11:00 AM CST for Morning Prayer led by Kara Lassen Oliver. Find The Upper Room on Facebook here.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

5 Comments

  • Jill Posted March 19, 2020 5:27 am

    The uncertainty of the time-line of this major pause is so very surreal. It seems like I haven’t seen my students in weeks. I can’t even keep track of what day it is. Student work is beginning to trickle in – and it is such a challenge to grade things on line. I am not complaining, well – maybe I am. I was grumbling to myself a bit – as I thought about the time it took to grade one thing on line. A necessary adjustment right now. It’s not like I don’t have a plethora of time. But, I have enjoyed the leisureliness of napping, reading a book. It seems like I went from one extreme to the other. My introverted self is luxuriating in it all.
    The video-conference with small group went very well last night. Technology is amazing and I see how I might need to step into that arena with my students in the weeks to come.
    The governor is hinting that this initial three week school recess will likely be longer. It seems inevitable.
    Hoping all are remaining safe, making wise decisions – for themselves and others.

  • Julie Posted March 19, 2020 8:28 am

    I agree, Jill, the uncertainty regarding the length of this pandemic, and the subsequent consequences is unsettling. I worry about what wil be available in the markets, even though we are told by Jesus not to worry about what we will eat that God will provide. I am realistic and know that Jesus did not mean that all would just be fine without my work and thought and care.
    Prayers for Jill as she grapples with technology, may her learning curve be sharp so she is tech savvy quickly.
    Prayers for Rick, may his health continue to improve, so thankful it is a mere cold.
    Prayers for Robert, may he remain safe during this time given his vulnerabilities.
    Prayers for Andrea and her family as they remain anchored in nature with hikes.
    Prayers for April who also uses the beauty of nature to nurture her spirit..Thank you for sharing such beautiful images of your flowers.
    Prayers for Lou as she councils her children through this. May she seek God’s wisdom.
    Megan continues to enjoy the new puppy at her friends’. I continue to enjoy my loving and playful kitties. They continue to act like kittens dispite their advanced ages (they are geriatric now…Sigh).
    Prayers and thank you UR

  • robert moeller Posted March 19, 2020 10:02 am

    My concern is what will happen for Erich when I am no longer here. He is doing a lot of good here, food shopping, car oil change, cleaning, and meal prep. My cold is just about gone, thank you Julie for your prayers. Missed seeing your posts. Glad to read the positive post from you. Jill, you are in the adapting to a new way of teaching mode, Yes, I suspect this situation will last longer than the initial scheduled pause.
    Spring has come despite the pandemic, warming weather, but snow showers now and then. Patience, peace, and fortitude, Lou. God is with us all. Thank You, Lord.

  • April Posted March 19, 2020 11:26 am

    Great to connect with everyone this morning and know that we are together here though physically miles apart. From one moment to the next, there is uncertainty, yet God is Faithful in all things. Tomorrow I am scheduled for an outpatient procedure. It has been scheduled for sometime and I have chosen to go ahead. The hospitals are preparing for what is to come, but there is uncertainty as to what that will be and when. All elective surgeries have been postponed. I ask that you will keep me and the healthcare team in your prayers. Thank you UR Family.
    Did you look at the Freedom from Worry elearning that is offered to us? I did and it looks to be a great 28 days, and it is free!!
    Holding everyone in my prayers, for specifics and for life in general. Our God is an Awesome God….see the flowers of the field, feel the gentle warmth of the sun, breath the clean, fresh air….Thank you Lord. Blessings and Amen.

  • Andrea Posted March 19, 2020 4:57 pm

    Robert, I pray with thanksgiving that your cold is subsiding. It have the same thought as you, that I need to be there for my daughter, I need to stay healthy and positive for her. Prayers for you and Erich.

    April, my prayers are with you. May you be shielded throughout the procedure and may your recovery be quick. Prayers for you and your family.

    Julie, we too are worried about the markets. I pray for your well-being on all fronts, and Megan’s too.

    Jill, I am sure your students value their continued connection to you via technology. I know you are a blessing to them. Prayers for you, your father, your sister and her family.

    Today’s reading is just what I needed to read. Psalm 46 is so appropriate for the circumstances we are all experiencing. I just “hung out” with my daughter and grandson via our computers, and I feel a lump in my throat, as I so missing seeing them in person. Thank you God, for technology that keeps us connected. I pray it will continue to work.

    When I woke up this morning, the first thing I thought of was: “This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” I will make the most of each day, stay in the present, and hand over (over and over again) all worries to God. Perfect love casts out fear – the perfect love of our Gracious God will infuse us with strength.

    Prayers for all dear UR friends, prayers for UR visitors, prayers for UR staff. God bless you.

Add Comment

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