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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

Once my professor told me it was “okay,” I practiced being angry at God. I was upset, yes, but I was also a product of a conservative, well-behaved upbringing. You didn’t shout in my family; you did not go asking for trouble. Confrontation was not what the Wilsons of Jackson, Mississippi, were about. Instead, we tolerated what we could, put up with more than our fair share, turned the other cheek. So it took me a while to let God know how I really felt about the death of my friend. But eventually I was able to do it, to raise my voice and thrust my anguish heavenward. And it felt good.

—Amy Lyles Wilson, compiler and editor, Anger: Minding Your Passion (Fresh Air Books, 2010)

Today’s Question

How do you feel about expressing your anger to God? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.

—Psalm 86:15 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Lord,
Search me and know me. Shine a light on my innermost thoughts and feelings, even those I try to hide deep within. Give me courage to name the sources of my joy and my anger. Give me strength and wisdom to learn from them. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Registration is now open for RESILIENCE: Healing Practices for Mind, Body, and Spirit. Join us on September 30–October 2, 2021, as we explore a fresh array of spiritual practices to help with healing from trauma. Learn more.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

2 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted September 6, 2021 6:12 am

    The one time, thus far in my life, where I felt I had a choice of being angry with God or turning to God for consolation, I chose consolation and I was deeply consoled. I discovered my wife passed away on the family room couch. To me anger uses up a lot of energy that could be put to more productive use. I just finished reading the book of Job. Despite many hardships from Satan, Job does not seem angry, but surely is frustrated, He doesn’t turn from God , but wants to confront God. After God meets and questions him, Job is blessed abundantly for he stayed on the straight and narrow path while enduring Satan’s nasty trials. I think God trusted that Job would endure. God never allowed Satan to take Job’s life.
    Prayers for the concerns of many church members with health issues, for Julie’s court appointment,
    Jill’s school days, health concerns, and care for Larry, and for the health and financial issues faced by Ally & David. Thankful for the many and varied activities enjoyed by Julie and Megan, the golf and tennis, in person or on tv, enjoyed by Jill and Larry, and the blessings received by the NEM faith community. Counseling tomorrow morning at 9 am. Thank You, Lord

  • Jill Posted September 6, 2021 9:33 am

    If I want the deepest, most intimate relationship with God – I will not hide anything from Him. My emotions – He knows them, He created me the way He did, emotions and all. I will share with Him my despair, my weariness, my frustration, my anger. He takes it and re-works it beautifully, with much grace and leads me forward.
    Looks like a lovely day today. I will be manning the grill at dad’s – my sister and her husband are coming over around noon and we will eat and play cards. If dad hasn’t walked already – we will probably take a walk too. And, of course, have the tv on the tennis. The tv was always on on Labor Day – as the US Open is always played over this long weekend. Mom would be enjoying this very much as her favorite player was Novak Djokovic. Of course, dad is carrying the mantle for Novak now – staunchly supporting anyone mom supported. I am in the opposing corner – because if Novak wins this tournament – he pulls ahead (likely for good) of Roger Federer in grand slams won. I think I have shared what a big Roger fan I am – hence the naming of my cat. Cats and pets – in general – I don’t like them to have human names – but made a big exception for this one. I almost named him “Deuce” – but then landed on Roger.
    Putting some finishing touches on preparing for the school week. Glad it is a shorter week, as we continue to ease back into the routine.
    Robert – prayers for good listening and communication with your counseling session tomorrow.

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