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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

Jesus is so persistent because this question—who we say Jesus is—is the most important question of our lives. Everything depends on it. It can sound crazy, this idea that our take on the identity of a guy who lived in Palestine some two thousand years ago is somehow the key to life. But I really think it’s the case. And so it is for our sake— not for his—that Jesus asks us again and again, patiently but persistently, “Who do you say I am?”

—Matthew Croasmun, Let Me Ask You a Question: Conversations with Jesus (Upper Room Books, 2018)

Today’s Question

Who do you say Jesus is? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” And they answered him, “John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.”
—Mark 8:27-29 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Lord, help me know the difference between what you ask of me and what the world asks of me.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

We often think of Jesus as someone with all the answers. But over and over in scripture, he asks questions, seeking to engage with people and genuinely interested in their responses. Author Matthew Croasmun invites us to enter into conversation with Jesus by answering the questions Jesus asks. Learn more about this week’s featured book, Let Me Ask You a Question.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

Save 45% and get free shipping on the regular and enlarged-print editions of Disciplines 2021 with promo code DISC45. Offer good while supplies last.

5 Comments

  • Lou Posted August 21, 2021 5:33 am

    He is the way the truth and the life.
    Nothing else matters.
    Blessings to all this day –
    Thankful for your prayers – I continue to pray for you all. On my flight to nyc- hurricane henri also headed there -I have a rain coat and umbrella and I’m determined to not let a little old hurricane stop us !

  • Wilbert Dudley Posted August 21, 2021 7:21 am

    That’s so awesome to both feel positive about your trip, enjoy it, but further most enjoy God and Jesusus, and continue to be filled with his precious Holy Spirit. And may our awesome God bless you and Shalom on your day.

  • Julie Posted August 21, 2021 8:37 am

    he is my Savior. That is what popped into my head and so that is my true belief and what He means to me.
    Megan and I had our haircut yesterday and spent the rest of the day running errands and enjoying the time together. We had lunch both inside and outside. I was cold inside and so we moved outside. We accomplished much.
    Prayers for Ally and David’s health and finances. Prayers for Jill and Roger, may Roger be on the mend. Prayers for Lou as she travels and while in New York. Prayers for her daughter’s mental health and the prayers the new psychologist helps. Prayers for Robert and his counseling sessions, may they be fruitful. Prayers for Marti and her staff. Thank you for your prayers and may God bless all who visit. As Wibert reminds us, many read but do not comment. Welcoome Wilbert, may God bless you.

  • Jill Posted August 21, 2021 11:02 am

    My Lord and Saviour – that is He. My provision and my peace.
    Continuing to keep my eye on Roger Cat – I found a little bit of vomit on the rug under my kitchen table. Must have happened some time last night – maybe while I was on my walk.
    He ate well this morning and has been napping in the recliner.
    Our tennis team is having its end of the season party today. An early dinner and drinks at a local brewery and then our traditional pontoon boat ride on the lake nearby. There should be about a dozen of us – and the laughs will be aplenty.
    Working on school work this morning, haven’t been good about that the past few days.

  • robert moeller Posted August 21, 2021 2:14 pm

    So many posts and I am able to read them before I post. Have been retired from teaching (30 yrs) since 2007, but his time of year my bio-teaching clock kicks in, walked by schools where prep is surely underway for the beginning of school SEP in Conway NH. The mask issue is alive here too. In my opinion it is a safety issue and they should be worn. Prayers for Jill and all teachers, students, staff, and administrators. Good health for Roger, pets are precious family members. Tennis team season end party sounds great.
    Good haircuts, time together, prayers for many, safety, and health are all on my mind for Julie and Megan. THANK YOU1
    A safe fight to NYC, help for your daughter’s mental heath, and good protection from Henri for you, Lou and family.
    Thank you Wilfred, new members are very welcome. Blessings to you.
    Some years ago a Bible study looked at this question from Jesus. Yes, without Jesus I am helpless. There is only so much that I can do, Jesus is there in so many ways to help me on my life’s path. Thank You, Lord. Had some problems getting the right book for the Bible study currently underway, am doing what I can withy what I have, A new conference wide study starts in SEP, thankfully I have the guide ad the right book. Am working on a living will with my children. Dental problems are being examined, hopeful for a plan I can afford. Progress too on the model I’m working on, have a convention coming up the end of SEP, I’m a presenter. Continued counseling withy the hope that somehow Erich can be helped as well. Henri is coming, doing what is needed to be ready. Thank You, Lord for Your ever presence for all of us.

    p

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