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

When Jesus is our friend, we celebrate differences with friends. You disagree? Instead of drifting away, friends of Jesus labor toward reconciliation, knowing that Jesus didn’t run off when we were difficult, wrong, or less than faithful. Martin Luther King’s insight, “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend,” makes me wonder how many friends I’ve missed out on.

—James C. Howell, Unrevealed Until Its Season: A Lenten Journey with Hymns
(Upper Room Books, 2021)

Today’s Question

How often have you missed out on a potential friendship because you disagreed with someone? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father.
—John 15:15 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

O God, we give you thanks for hymn writers of the past and present. Help us to always have a song of praise in our hearts and minds, especially in times of trouble. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Bring the world together each day through The Upper Room daily devotional. Give to the international editions of The Upper Room here.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

1 Comment

  • Jill Posted March 12, 2023 1:36 pm

    This is pretty hard to answer, but I would doubt if I missed out on a friendship. I suppose what factors into this is how I would define “friendship”. I think I am a friendship snob. I have a two – which I consider my “best” friends. Then I have a bit bigger of a ring – where I would call them friends. All other relationships I would classify as acquaintances. And I am good with that. I enjoy these relationships – but being a “friend” to me involves a significant commitment of time, authenticity and love. I consider myself rich to have two “besties” and four super solid friends.
    Good to be in church this morning and touch base with someone I hadn’t seen for over a month.
    Tennis match here in a bit. Had a zoom call with a student, to review for a test tomorrow.
    Did not end up getting together with my best friend last night. It was fine, the kittens and I enjoyed more couch time.
    This week is pretty quiet with not too much happening after school – the way I like it.
    Prayers for this new week, for those who come here to share and pray.

Add Comment

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