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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, O God, this tender evening,
The trees, branches raised in praise,
The sky, soft glow darkening into dusk,
The homecoming of young and old.

Bless, O God, this sacred moment,
The quiet pause between day and night,
The birds, flying to safety in bush or brush.
The colors of the sunset—
Orange to red to purple to black—
Creeping across the sky.
Bless, O God, this night to come.
The safety of shelter, the supper to nourish.
Hearts of joy or souls bent in sorrow.
Renewing rest and hope for one more day.
Bless, O God. Bless.

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

Today’s Question

How could offering a blessing at sunset help you notice God as the day closes? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised.

—Psalm 113:3 (NRSV)

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.

5 Comments

  • Jill Posted July 27, 2020 5:36 am

    Anytime we pause – to notice the significant or the simplicity – we have the opportunity to be grateful and to offer a blessing and prayer. Played tennis with friends last evening and as dusk drew nearer I was hoping for another magnificent sunset. But last night’s sunset and ensuing dusk was not memorable. But nevertheless, a closing of another day. Another day lived in these isolated times. I was thinking about how this may only be the beginning of this stretch of isolation. 4+ months in and – to me – it has been more bearable as the summer has provided opportunities to see others outside and feel mostly safe. But – I think about the Fall ahead, I will be seeing dad less, opportunities to dine outdoors will be significantly reduced as temperatures drop. I must continue to be grateful for each day, each opportunity, and yes – each sunset – even if it is mostly ordinary. I must find the uniqueness of each moment.
    A stifling morning already and dad and I will hit the links. Storms are a comin’. I think we will be able to finish our round before they arrive.
    I have decided to remove the wallpaper from my room…it has been up a LONG time. But, its time has come. Trying to decide on what color to paint the walls. But, first – I think I have quite a project ahead of me getting the wallpaper down. It seems like so many people I know have taken to painting multiple rooms in their homes during this isolation. I guess the bug has finally bit me, too.

  • robert moeller Posted July 27, 2020 6:38 am

    Here in the Mount Washington Valley there’s a spot favored by many to watch the sun set behind a mountain peak. There’s easy access, quite a few cars can and do park there. The mountain is in the distance with green fields and trees stretching between the lookout and the mountain. Below the lookout the Saco river flows. God shows up in every sun rise and sunset and all through the day no matter where you are for God is ever present. Thank You, Lord.

    Staying cool in a heat advisory for today. It doesn’t hold a candle to what other people experience, but for New England it’s tough and potentially deadly.

    Trying to find a way forward with my combine, hope replacement decals are available and obtainable.

    My grandfather was a skilled wallpaperer. Every time we went there, new wallpaper was up. Hope all goes well.

    Be safe, cool, dry and blessed. The Lord is with you, now and always. Thank You, Lord.

  • Julie Posted July 27, 2020 8:39 am

    There is so much beauty to dwell on throughout the day. I am more likely to notice the sunrise and I thank God for the beauty and the sight to behold it. I notice God as my day draws to a close with bedtime prayers. I recognize His gift of rest when I sit with my feet up and Tazzie on my lap after dinner and the day are behind me.
    Prayers for Jill as she and Larry play golf together, may they stay safe from too much heat and dry from impending rain.
    Prayers for Robert and his safety as temps soar. It is very hot here as well but we, like Jill, are expecting rain later which will bring a cold front and the temps the rest of the week are much more normal. I pray your area experiences the same relief.
    Prayers for April and her community and their cooperatve spirit as they repaired the tree together. May they all continue to join forces to tend God’s creation.
    Prayers, thank you and stay safe dear UR one and all

  • Teresa Posted July 27, 2020 8:55 am

    The night and dark has/is a place of fear. To see God in the night and dark is to know God is…allways.

  • Lou Posted July 27, 2020 10:37 am

    I am good about starting my day with my meditation with God and my prayers – less thoughtful about this later in the day- I love on a golf course that allows me to see the sunset often – a rare thing living so close to Chicago in an urban sprawl- I so enjoy the sunsets and my view. As a child I grew up in a small two story cape cod style house and my bedroom window faced west. My bedroom was painted a glorious bright yellow (my favorite color) and when the sun set I loved to be up in my room where the sunset lit up my room even more in a golden glow. Good memories there.
    My mission will be to say a sunset prayer thanking God for his goodness for the day done and for peace to descend like nightfall.
    Prayers to all of the UR faithful – may you be safe and blessed by God’s love today. Thank you April for you kind words to me about a week ago- I do go back and re-read the posts from all to try to keep up to date if I miss a day- since I usually check in early sometimes posters have not posted- I don’t always acknowledge it but I am grateful for all of your prayers for me and my children. My youngest and I resolved some of the tensions and we have been getting along so well. Her birthday is this week and I’m trying my best to create some special moments even as we work to limit our contact with others and are not planning a large celebration like she usually enjoys – different times…
    Blessings and God’s peace to all today.

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