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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

A note from the author: “Celtic Christians acknowledged God’s presence in every aspect of living—from waking to sleeping, from birth to death, from mundane chores to momentous celebrations. They perceived God’s creation as a holy gift. Gratitude characterized their way of being as they affirmed the source of life and gave thanks through blessings.”

Bless to me this walking of the dog.
Early in morning, late at night,
We walk to the park and back.
Bless to me the silence we share.

Me watching, him sniffing,
Noticing the changes of each day, each season.
Bless to me my faithful companion.

In him I see the world
Through different eyes and ears and nose.

Bless to me this quiet time.

Our ritual, a time of prayer,
Of peace, of love.
Bless to me this walking of the dog.

—Beth A. Richardson, Christ Beside Me, Christ Within Me: Celtic Blessings (Upper Room Books, 2016)

Today’s Question

What part of your routine, like walking the dog, could become a spiritual practice? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

God made every kind of wildlife, every kind of livestock, and every kind of creature that crawls on the ground. God saw how good it was.
—Genesis 1:25 (CEB)

Prayer for the Week

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me.
(From a prayer attributed to Saint Patrick)
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Hear more from Beth A. Richardson in the Christ Beside Me, Christ Within Me eCourse.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

4 Comments

  • Jill Posted July 28, 2020 6:40 am

    My morning run has this potential, but I listen to podcasts – usually related to sports – and, thus, this is what has my attention. Visually – I take in things – during school I run when it is still very dark – so not much catches my attention. I do notice cats and other night critters, but not necessarily in a heavenly minded way. At certain times of the year, dawn will be breaking at the end of my run – and this definitely garners my attention and appreciation. Sometimes a simple thing like stepping on a rock or hole wrong and my ankle doesn’t turn – I quickly offer a prayer of thanks. Morning runs in the summer – I can much more easily take in the flowers, the landscape and the early morning activities of birds, pets and people.
    Looking forward to less oppressive heat, although still very humid this morning. I didn’t get to the wallpaper yesterday – but have intentions of beginning to work on it today. During this time I will listen to podcasts…I have several I am subscribed to which are not sports related. Have found a few hosted by authors of books I have read on hope amidst suffering. These have been new additions to my podcast library – and I very much enjoy them.

  • Julie Posted July 28, 2020 8:25 am

    I already do this several times a day. In the morning as I prepare my tea and finish my breakfast preparations, I pray for many people and their concerns, including those here. I pray as I finish my lunch preparations for many in the news that I have just listened to during my initial preparations. Before dinner I pray for those close to me and their concerns.
    Prayers for Jill and her upcoming school year. May those in administration seek the input of the teachers and parents. I would appreciate the names of the podcasts you mentioned on hope if you wouldn’t mind.
    Prayers for Robert and his church and their careful use of ZOOM rather than risking their members health.
    Prayers for April and her community who are a beacon of cooperation amidst a sea of division.
    Prayers for Lou and her children and the renewed harmony. May it last.
    Prayers for Ally and David, for continued health improvements and new jobs.
    Prayers for Rick and Scott, may they have a safe and uneventful move to a new state.
    Prayers for BJ and her mom and their continued health and closeness.
    Prayers, thank you and stay well dear UR one and all

    • Jill Posted July 29, 2020 5:07 am

      The Nothing is Wasted Podcast
      The Dr. Lee Warren Podcast (his latest book was so very meaningful to me)
      Grief Sown
      indoubt Podcast

  • April Posted July 28, 2020 6:09 pm

    It was 9 years ago today that our beloved Golden Retriever passed. How wonderful to read this devotional and reminisce the walks I would take with her every night after I got home from work. It was such a break to walk for 30 minutes outside before fixing supper. I can relate to everything about this poem, thank you UR for sharing Beth’s Blessing.
    Hot today and I hope everyone had a cool place to be. Oh Heavenly Father, please be with those who are homeless, during the heat or the cold. I thank you for the centers that are available, may those in need accept the services there.
    Lou, you are very welcome for anything that I post. I gain so much from all posts and rarely acknowledge individual posters. Please know that I say a thank you to each of you as I read.
    Blessings to all in our UR family that post or read. Stay safe. Know that you are a Beloved Child of God.

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