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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 SCRIPTURES repeatedly acknowledge the existence of a sure pathway in life and greatly expand our understanding of what it is about. On becoming king of Israel, young Solomon earnestly prays to the Lord: “Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?” (1 Kings 3:9). Solomon recognizes that knowing good from evil lies at the heart of discernment. Jesus carries the matter even farther. When Peter sees great good in Jesus continuing his ministry, Jesus rebukes him for failing to see the still greater good God desires to give (Matt. 16:21-23).

—Marjorie J. Thompson and Stephen V. Doughty
The Way of Discernment Participant’s Book
Companions in Christ Series

From pages 17–18 of The Way of Discernment Participant’s Book, Companions in Christ Series by Marjorie J. Thompson and Stephen V. Doughty. Copyright © 2008 by The Upper Room. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. Learn more about or purchase this book.

Today’s Question

Can you think of a time when you focused on human wants and needs more than God’s desire?  Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”
—Matthew 16:21-23, NRSV

Prayer for the Week

Creator God, Show me the way that is good and acceptable and perfect. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.

Something More

Join the staff of The Upper Room in praying for the victims and their families of the mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton.  Pray with us.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

Sponsored by The Upper Room. Copyright © 2019 | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA

4 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted August 7, 2019 6:25 am

    As a human learning to put God first is a constant effort. Yes, I am quite sure that I have put human needs and wants before God’s plan.

    Progress is being made, not in jumps and leaps, but at a quieter pace. Hopeful to have a new bed for Erich soon, the frame is on the way, just need the rest.
    The AC is working well and making a huge difference. Thankful for that.

    No news yet on Doris who had surgery yesterday for lung cancer. Prayers still for Anneliese, Meesook, Marcy, and Julie and their health issues. Prayers that God’s wisdom will come to Washington DC and measures will be taken to make the USA safer. It’s logical than in a country that has more guns per capita than any other, people are being shot and killed. Something needs to be done. Without it the question is, who’s next?

    Of f see my dentist/periodontist for a plan on taking care of my teeth and gums.

    Safe moving for Betsy, hope you are done soon. Thank You, Lord

  • Julie Posted August 7, 2019 8:39 am

    I believe we all fall into this trap daily. There are small and large choices that we make following human rather than godly wants and needs. I believe we need to take better assessment of each choice, especially the small. By choosing what God wants from us in the small chioces we build a foundation to use when big choices loom.
    Megan and Ii spent the day at an amusement park. We had a fabulous time together. However, we had to leave the kitties unattended but h was to care for them after work and all evening. The kitties are both 15 which is elderly in kitty years and need special care for their health. When we retuened, late in the evening, h was gone and we saw his truck at the house in the neighborhood he goes to often.
    Prayers for healing for Andrea, Lowell, Connie, Erich and Marcy.
    May Betsy and Robert and Erich find success in new homes.
    Prayers for Jill, may she relax and regain strength for the new school year.
    Prayers for Lou and her daughter to share warm memories to hold as each embarks on new adventures separately.
    May Mary be given abundant joy.
    Blessings, prayers, warm hugs and thank you UR viewers and posters

  • Anonymous Posted August 7, 2019 10:26 am

    Yes, there have been times like that, but I think as I’ve aged, I have naturally found that following what I believe God wants of me is the smoothest route, feeling I am in close alignment. My inner voice is quick to detect the static of error.

    A surprise birthday party at my daughter’s house on Sunday – I felt so loved. Truly, God has moved in and blessed the mother-daughter connection.

    Prayers for all dear UR friends and all who visit here today. Wishing all a blessed day.

    • Andrea Posted August 7, 2019 12:14 pm

      The previous comment is mine.

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