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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

If at all possible, take a walk around your neighborhood today. As you walk by each dwelling, say a prayer for the neighbors there. Pray for their protection and safety, their peace and health, their family life and relationships. Pray that they experience a joyous Christmas and blessings for the coming year. Bless their pets or their gardens, their vocations and their hobbies. … Pray for the neighborhood as a whole, for peace between neighbors, for the flourishing of a healthy sense of community.

—Melissa Tidwell, Embodied Light: Advent Reflections on the Incarnation (Upper Room Books, 2013)

Today’s Question

How often do you pray for people in your neighborhood? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Do not take revenge on others or continue to hate them, but love your neighbors as you love yourself.
—Leviticus 19:18 (GNT)

Prayer for the Week

Light of the world, who made all things, speak me
afresh that I might not only hear your word and receive
your essence, but also embody the word you have spoken
in me. Amen.
Prayer by Melissa Tidwell
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

For many people, this time of year is not always merry and bright. Whether they have recently suffered a loss or the season simply brings up old wounds, almost everyone has moments of darkness and sorrow during Christmastime. Join us in praying for those in need or share your own prayer request at The Upper Room Prayer Wall.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

3 Comments

  • Jill Posted December 25, 2022 6:32 am

    Merry Christmas to those who gather in this holy space.
    Unto us a Child has been given. Fall on your knees.
    Prayers of safety, wholeness and awe.

  • Julie Posted December 25, 2022 8:07 am

    Merry Christmas to all who visit here today.
    Thank you, Lord for the gift of your son, our Savior.
    Thank you Lord, for the gift of friendship.
    May all be blessed today.

  • robert moeller Posted December 25, 2022 8:46 am

    Merry Christmas dear New Every Morning family!
    Yes, we gladly thank God for sending His only begotten Son to us.
    Jesus lives in every believer for Jesus is Emanuel – God with us.
    A wonderful idea to pray for the neighborhood. There a some neighbors I pray for,
    but today’s reflection urges us to expand. Of course it is the right thing to do.
    Christmas blessings full of the love of God, peace, joy, grace and mercy.

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