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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

As you read about these different types of adverse childhood experiences, you may recognize some of them in your own life. If you have known any of these experiences personally, take note of how you are feeling right now. Consider some of the effects that these events have had on your life now or in the recent past. The work of building safer sanctuaries is important, but do not let the importance of your current task negate your own feelings in this moment. It is vitally important that you can take care of yourself as you do this work, and part of this is considering your own history. If you are a trauma survivor and feel you may benefit from talking more about what you’ve experienced, please take the time to call someone and seek help. You may consider talking with a pastor or trusted friend or church member about counseling resources in the community and getting connected with more support.

Angela D. Schaffner, “Awareness of Reality,” in Safer Sanctuaries: Nurturing Trust Within Faith Communities (Discipleship Resources, 2023)

Today’s Question

What resources does your faith community offer people with adverse childhood experiences?
Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

The Lord is my solid rock, my fortress, my rescuer. My God is my rock— I take refuge in him!— he’s my shield, my salvation’s strength, my place of safety.
—Psalm 18:2 (CEB)

Prayer for the Week

Holy God, we recognize that all people are entrusted to our care. We respond to your will for us to watch over one another. Help us keep our eyes alert to dangers and keep our ears attentive to even silent cries for help. Use our community to be a place of safety for all. Amen. [prayer adapted from Safer Sanctuaries]
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Now available in Spanish, Safer Sanctuaries is a trusted source of guidance for churches and other affiliated institutions as they work to reduce the risk of abuse in their communities. Learn more at SaferSanctuaries.org.

Lectionary Readings

  • Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
  • Psalm 19
  • 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
  • Luke 4:14-21

Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.

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

4 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted January 24, 2025 5:57 am

    Most certainly conversation with the pastor or church members is available. Our safe sanctuary policy is in effect. Thank You, Lord, for guiding us to care for others.

  • Gail Posted January 24, 2025 9:06 am

    I live in an ATL suburb (kind of) & I wonder how many people/ professionals ere are prepared to deal with these issues. If you asked me for a referral I would be hard pressed to come up with a name. Maybe there’s an 800 number? Maybe a good counselor is sufficient. I can encourage people to seek help for mental health problems.

    • Gail Posted January 24, 2025 9:27 am

      Perhaps we should get in the. Habit of extending grace to all, whether they are. Christian or not. Those who are part of the body need it, and those who are not need it just as much!

  • Larry Eugene Dyer Posted January 24, 2025 10:15 am

    Love and open arms !!! A faith community is not based on human institutions…………

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