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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

If you eavesdrop at your local AA [Alcoholics Anonymous] meeting, you will sometimes hear those present talking about their “Higher Power.” Most people there would probably understand this phrase to mean God and would be prepared to allow some flexibility in how others may understand God. . . .

I can understand why those who formulated the Twelve Step program did not try to define the Higher Power. They were aware that people could be at different stages of the journey to discovering who God is and did not want this to be a barrier.

—Trevor Hudson, One Day at a Time: Discovering the Freedom of 12-Step Spirituality (Upper Room Books, 2007)

Today’s Question

Does it help or hinder you to think of God as a “Higher Power”? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
—Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)

Prayer for the Week

Dear God, I admit that I cannot live life on my own power. I trust that you love me and want what is best for me. Please help me each day to seek your guidance, to love other people, and to live in a way that pleases you. Amen. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

The Upper Room Disciplines 2023: A Book of Daily Devotions, is now available for pre-order. Disciplines has been a trusted companion for personal prayer and study, and an essential resource for pastors and Christian educators for nearly 65 years. Learn more.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

3 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted July 27, 2022 6:54 am

    It doesn’t hinder me to think of God as a “Higher Power”. God has many names, even the Bible uses them. Three faiths believe in, worship, pray to the same God, but use different names. Thankfully God is in all ways always present. Thank You, Lord.
    The most recent news says Tom is doing well. Thankful for that.
    Have a meeting with our DS at 9 this morning via
    zoom. Worship is planned into early September.
    Our SPRC/ worship team leader will study to become a certified lay pastor, we’re working on improving the audio side of worship to help everyone hear the worship service.
    Plans being carried out toward the goal of moving to the Poconos. It will take some time.
    CBT is progressing too, goal setting, a 4 day daily log of activities is being kept.
    No word on Nancy yet.
    Prayers for Julie, h, Jill,Larry, Becky, Ally&David, April and her loved one, Lou, her children and Mom, Rick and Scott and all the NEM family. Prayers extend to places and people all around the world. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, Lord, for the facing of each and every day. Thank You, Lord.

  • Julie Posted July 27, 2022 9:07 am

    Higher power is fine by me. As part of the guest pastor on Sunday’s sermon he discussed Muslims and Jews and how they also worship the same God as we do.
    Everything went fine at the gynecologist’s yesterday. Thank you for your prayers.
    Prayers for Ally’s disability appeal and her health and the health of the kitties, prayers for David’s rehab work and his blood pressure, prayers for Jill as she rests her body, prayers for Robert and Erich as they continue their CBT work and also plan for the move to the Poconos, prayers for Robert’s church’s future.

  • Jill Posted July 27, 2022 2:15 pm

    I think of God as THE only Higher Power. I am unable to process Him in any other way. He is Who the Bible says He is. And that is sufficient for me.
    Last morning of summer school – and there were 3 students again. I worked with them to get their rough drafts in shape. They are due this evening by midnight. I was pleasantly surprised to see 3 had already been turned in online. I just went through one and provided feedback. Time to get my mind re-oriented towards schoolwork. I have created a list of things to do – with several involving treasurer stuff. I would rather do it early, than get caught in the onslaught the first week of school.
    A little dreary today – perfect for napping!! A few members of my tennis team are going to scout out the competition tonight. Three teams will play for the championship the following weekend, the two winners from tonight’s matches and my team. We are going to see the team with whom we are less familiar. The other team is right in our town, and we have known each other for years. Should be an enjoyable evening together.
    Yesterday, Don joined dad and I golfing. Afterwards we went back to their house, ordered in pizza and played cards. The women continue to befuddle the men – we beat them 4 games to 0. They finally waved the white flag and Becky and I went out for a walk. A full day. Not used to being gone all day, always home around 5 or 6 for Roger.

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