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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

The pen reminds us of the importance of capturing stories, truth, and wisdom on paper. . . . Write down your thoughts—whatever they are. Each day write about a time, place, or relationship where you felt God’s presence or absence.

—Kara Lassen Oliver, Passing It On: How to Nurture Your Children’s Faith Season by Season (Upper Room Books, 2015)

Today’s Question

If you choose to write down a story about feeling God’s presence, who could you share that with today? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: Write in a book all the words that I have spoken to you.
—Jeremiah 30:2, NRSV

Prayer for the Week

Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep;
Thy angels watch me through the night,
And keep me safe till morning’s light.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

This week’s featured book, Passing It On: How to Nurture Your Children’s Faith Season by Season, is a practical guide to help parents, grandparents, and other concerned adults nurture their children’s faith. Author Kara Lassen Oliver offers easy-to-follow suggestions for families during the back-to-school, Advent, Lent, and summer seasons. Read more.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

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

2 Comments

  • Julie Posted August 12, 2021 8:42 am

    I can think of no one other than those here and we all have done this at one time or another. I am grateful for the sharing of such strong testimonials.
    Megan and I spent most of yesterday standing under an overhang while the rain poured down and thunder and lightening added to the storm. I had warned Megan that this would likely be the case but when I suggested several alternatives she was adament that we go to Kennywood. We did get to ride some favorite rides and Megan won a stuffed toy playing a game. We had a nice time because we made a determined effort to do so. The differences in our outings without h are significant. We had a great day just being there and spending time together.
    Prayers for April and Lou and their families. Prayers for Ally’s GI issues and job search and disability application and prayers for David’s mental health. Prayers for Jill as she prepares for school and jury duty while overseeing Larry’s health. Prayers for Larry to allow his body to heal. Prayers for Robert as he seeks to reconcile with Erich and may Erich realize that Robert is a wonderful father and listen to him and also seek help for his issues. Prayers for Marti and her staff. Thank you for your prayers and may God bless all who come here.

  • Jill Posted August 12, 2021 1:51 pm

    I doubt I would share it with anyone. Yes – we do indeed have a kindred spirit here – words flow, prayers abound, appreciation continues.
    I am going back and forth in my mind about whether I should return to the counselor I was seeing during mom’s struggle. This past month has been wearying – as dad’s health has fluctuated and I seem potentially more burdened than I anticipated. I keep asking myself if getting back to school and in a routine will be a huge help.
    A bit of a relief today as I was seen by a doctor/surgeon regarding a hernia diagnosis. Both he and his physician assistant were quite thorough and neither believe it is a traditional hernia. Rather – they believe my discomfort is being caused by a sport’s hernia – which is a misnomer. I was anticipating having surgery, but he recommended ceasing all activity – tennis, golf, running – and just exercise on my elliptical – for the next 4-6 weeks, while doing two weeks of max dosage anti-inflammatory. Dad was hoping to return to golf next week – the last week before I return to school. But – I told him I was going to listen to my body and listen to the recommendation of my doctor – hint, hint, hint. Truthfully, it will be tennis which will be what I will miss most – but even it would have been less often due to school starting. The four of us who play are all educators, one being retired. So – three of us are headed back to our school routines, but we had anticipated meeting one afternoon a week after school, as well as on Saturdays. I haven’t broke the news to them yet. My Fall tennis season starts up around mid-September…we will see how things are feeling by then.
    Yesterday dad had a decent feeling day – likely because he took it easy on Tuesday. So – he did his stretching and exercise routine and went for a walk in terrible heat and humidity. Not surprisingly – he did not feel well this morning. He is going to have to connect the dots and figure it out. Becky and I are out of words. He is very disappointed that I won’t be golfing for at least a month. He can play with his friends twice a week – once he gets back to feeling himself.
    I stopped by school today – and it looks like my schedule is settled. I will not be teaching a class this year before school starts – a “zero period”. I enjoyed teaching it, as it meant I could leave school early. But – I think this will be better – as I will have later evenings with my god-children’s games and Bible Study. While I don’t like getting home at 4:00 – I think it will work out for the best overall. I have five classes, instead of the usual six – so I will be mentoring two new math teachers in my building. One is a former student – and I am very excited for him and this opportunity to return to his alma mater.

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