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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

Prayer matters to me. I want to set a pattern of prayer for my family that feels natural, real, and easy. Though it may be awkward for me to pray with my kids, I have no trouble finding words to pray for them in my private prayer time. I am often on my knees for them, pleading with God to protect them, help them, shine on them, and make me a better mother for them.

We pray for our kids because the Bible tells us to, but we mostly pray for our kids because we know that out of everything we can do for them, prayer may be the single most important act. We pray for our kids to build them up, to give them strength, to seek wisdom, and to protect them. Praying for our children is just as important as praying with them. It is part of building a spiritual foundation for them to stand on when they are older.

—Jenny Youngman, Scrambled Starts: Family Prayers for Morning, Bedtime, and Everything In-Between (Upper Room Books, 2015)

Today’s Question

When have you experienced God as a mother hen spreading her wings to protect you?
Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

As a mother comforts her child,
so I will comfort you.
—Isaiah 66:13 (NRSV)

God will protect you with his pinions;
you’ll find refuge under his wings.
Psalm 91:4 (CEB)

Prayer for the Week

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Traditional Doxology
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

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Learn more here.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

4 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted May 15, 2022 5:58 am

    Alive after a heart attack, reassured struggling to pay off debts, safe on a long trip by myself, confident a new home will be found. Thankful God is ever present, God given gifts enable me to help others. Zoom-in person worship this morning, thankful the weather has cooled. Expecting rain for a few days.
    Hockey isn’t everything, the Leafs took the Lightning 7 games. Glad to see them in the playoffs.
    Blessings to all who come to NEM. Thank You, Lord.

  • Jill Posted May 15, 2022 3:18 pm

    God protected my mental and emotional states during mom’s struggles. Of course it was very challenging – but I was never pushed to the brink, and never unaware of His peace and of His goodness.
    Roger’s numbers are incredibly lower – actually too low. His first two were around 200 which was great. But then his next 2 were around 50 which is dangerously low. The last one I got was around 100. Currently he is highly irritated with me and not letting me draw his blood. I don’t blame him. He really wants his dinner – but I am going to try again in a little bit. I wish he could understand that if I could just get this next one, then he could eat.
    Have enjoyed time in my flowerbeds today. Got 3 1/2 flats planted, with a nap in between. My friend is picking up Thai and coming over for dinner and discussion on the book we are working through.

  • Rick Posted May 15, 2022 6:00 pm

    Definitely many times in my life , especially when I was deployed in times of war. When my dad was loosing his battle with heart disease. Praying for all concerned especially Roger, my cat LC has been a diabetic for almost 5 years. Blessing too all.

  • Ally Posted May 16, 2022 12:24 am

    There have been times when I felt God’s presence when it felt as if God were holding me close: when my daddy was sick and we knew he wasn’t going to be with us much longer. In the years since, in times of fear and uncertainty.
    Thanks to all of you for your prayers during this time of uncertainty. Know that our prayers are with you all.

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