Today’s Reflection
HUMAN BEINGS live in story like fish live in water. We literally experience our lives as a narrative—not as a series of random events but as a sequence of connected occasions and experiences stitched together in narrative form. In this way, our experiences take on coherence and meaning. We learn to understand the world, other people, and God through a narrative lens. We also live surrounded by God like the very air we breathe, often invisible to us but absolutely necessary for life.
—Michael E. Williams, Spoken into Being: Divine Encounters Through Story (Upper Room Books, 2017)
Today’s Question
What narratives have contributed to your understanding of God? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”
—Jeremiah 33:3 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
I love to tell the story
For those who know it best
Seem hungering and thirsting
To hear it like the rest.
From “I Love to Tell the Story” by
Katherine Hankey, The United Methodist Hymnal, No. 156
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room or share it in the comment section.
Something More
During Advent we think about a wondrous mystery: that God chose to become human and lived among us. Rediscover The Wondrous Mystery this Advent.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
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9 Comments
Good morning, UR family! May your day be filled with God’s presence and be blessed. I always remind myself of the scripture reading of the kjv, Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” My prayer is, Lord, order our steps and direct our paths. Amen.
Jesus said in Matthew 11:29-30 (kjv), “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Thank You, Lord, for Your mercies this morning, thank You, for Your amazing grace.
My understanding of God has been shaped by the narratives shared within this group. Also, my Catechism classes during my middle school years within the Episcopalian church. I have learned much about God and love from both.
I spent the day with Megan yesterday visiting a favorite orchard for apples and apple dumplings with ice cream. We have a lot of baking ahead! We also spent time in Barnes and Noble, one of our favorite ways to while away many hours.
Prayers for Jill on her birthday, may she enjoy many more as happy and memorable as this one has been.
Prayers for BJ and her first posts which are filled with scriptures and insights. You are a wonder.
Prayers for Mary, may her week with her students be productive.
Prayers for Robert and Erich, may Erich remain healthy and employed. May Robert continue to be involved with mnay different groups and activities.
Prayers for Andrea, April, Betsy, Connie, Lou and Marcy.
I was wrong yesterday. Eleven innocent Jewish people were murdered last year at this time. May we stand firm against hate and reman firmly in God’s love. May we see EVERYONE as His child.
May we treat all as an angel.
Thanks Julie! I always look forward to your posts about your happy days with Megan!
Reminds me of mine with my mom.
Healthy and happy relationships have contributed to my understanding of God.
Blessings and may all have a great relationship with God and others!
Good morning, again to you Julie! For some odd reason this morning, I was wondering do you bake. I sure do want a fruit cake. Wow! Yes, your words are within. May we put God first and may we teach our children that Jesus is Lord.
I have my grandmother’s fruitcake recipe. Would love to make it for you!!
Julie, you are wrong for that! Now, Julie I am in Mississippi. I was very curious. But, I am not gonna put you in this spot at this spur of a moment. I am gonna see can I order one. But, I really appreciate the response.
Tasks often divert me from plans I have and announce. My timing is off, but I made it back and enjoyed the posts from yesterday. Made it to Portland ME yesterday, bought Korean food and walked along Back Bay Trail.
Yes, Bj, Julie, and Mary! I enjoy your helpful posts. Thank you! Erich goes to fill out paperwork for his job today. He baked an apple pie the other day, it’s almost gone.
Thankful for Julie’s time with Megan, precious. Prayers for positive developments with housing, health, and jobs.
Marcy too comes to mind.
The Bible, devotional, reflectional, and musical narratives help me understand God, but also experiences, the actions of people, and God’s creation. Thank You, Lord.
I can see God’s movement in the narrative of my life, especially the past 15 or so years. And these past 2+ years, I am still in awe at the inner-weavings of His masterpiece, which I am grateful to be a part of. The people He has brought into my life at just the right time, for His purpose, for my good and for theirs.
A time of celebration this past weekend with so many of those wonderful people. A surprise birthday party for me, put on by my sister. She absolutely has such a good heart. I need to be so mindful of that and get beyond my issues with her. She is who she is and how she is and I need to accept her and love her.
Prior to the party, my friend and I had such a wonderful time together Saturday and Sunday. The concert was wonderful, stops along the way enjoyable. Such a memorable time.
My heart is full and grateful. Even though so very tired each evening, I have a difficult time falling asleep because my mind is so active with the thoughts of the weekend.
Robert – I am glad Erich has a job. Is it in resort management again?
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