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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 SPIRIT ALSO sends us clues for our spiritual lives on a daily basis, not just when we are facing big decisions or major challenges. Attentiveness is a spiritual practice for every part and moment of our lives. Seeking God’s presence, finding our presence, looking to feed our souls, and being aware are all avenues that deepen our spirituality.

—Valerie K. Isenhower, Meditation on Both Sides of the Camera: A Spiritual Journey in Photography (Upper Room Books, 2012)

Today’s Question

Can you practice being aware of God’s presence in each moment?  Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

“But surely, God is my helper;
the Lord is the upholder of my life.”
—Psalm 54:4 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Breathe on me, Breath of God.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room or share it in the comment section.

Something More

Sight Psalms is a daily online photo inspiration from The Upper Room intended to help people reflect on God’s presence in the world and in their lives through the use of images. Subscribe today.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

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6 Comments

  • Bj Posted October 25, 2019 6:58 am

    Good morning, and much love to this UR family! I have felt the presence of God’s love with this family for at least 4 years. You all are great prayer warriors. In my early mornings I will read UR reflections before I open the Bible. It is something about this group that I love. There are times when no one has posted, I get disappointed. I know this is wrong, because I know God has givien me knowledge and understanding to do like wise. Oh yes, the presence of the Lord is here with this group! It says in Psalm 16:11 “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. If we ever needed the Lord before, we sure do need Him now. Robert, how is your son’s back? A back is nothing to play with. I only experienced it one time in early May. Julie, just hold on, a change going to come. Just as you prays for me, God done already prayed and is praying for you. He got this, don’t you feel it in the atmosphere? Jill, there is always love in your heart, but we just can’t keep trying to please someone. God knows our hearts! Mary, may your prayers continue. Thought for today- “Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. May all of you have a blessed day.

  • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted October 25, 2019 8:07 am

    Yes, I can practice being aware of God’s
    presence in each moment by praying constantly and giving thanks to Him.

    Blessings and may God’s presence always be with us as we pray constantly and give thanks to Him!

  • Robert Moeller Posted October 25, 2019 8:11 am

    That is a very worthy goal “practicing being aware of God’s presence in each moment.” How to attain it and do other things at the same time is a challenge.
    I thanked God for the ability to work on the railroad station model. I can see what I am doing, am able to figure out what to do. Without God given gifts this would not be possible.

    Yes, Bj, I too am delighted to read the posts of the UR family. Thank you for your prayers. My son’s back has recovered, heat applied to the area does wonders.

    I also believe that a solution to Julie’s situation will come, hopefully soon.
    Prayers for Marcy’s health and well being. I’m thankful that Jill is able to do all that she does.

    Put God first and all these things will be given unto you.

  • Julie Posted October 25, 2019 8:16 am

    I echo BJ’s eloquent words regarding this group of faithful Christians. I add that the UR Sight Psalm is one place I find I can be attentive to God’s whispers. I hear Him often in the sights and words shared in that forum. Today was no different, it touched me and gave me much to ponder.
    Prayers for BJ who is also quite the prayer warrior. I feel exactly as you do about each member of this group. And you are certainly included in my love.
    Prayers for Connie and her forget me nots. So good to hear from you my friend.
    Prayers for healing for Andrea and may she enjoy much time with her grandson.
    Prayers for Lou and her love for her area and the nature she enjoys.
    Prayers for Jill, may her discomfort resolve and may she feel well and full of energy. I checked the previous post and performed the action you suggested. Hint, Roger is precious, I will update my picture using Chai and Tazzie.
    Prayers for Mary and may her weekend be full of time with family and friends doing her many hobbies. Of course may it also be abundant with joy.
    Prayers for Robert, may his health be great and his trains run smoothly.
    Prayers, blessings, warm hugs and thank you dear UR family, including non posters

    • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted October 25, 2019 11:54 pm

      Thank you Julie!

      May God fill you with His love, joy and peace!

      Just received news that a good friend is with the Lord.

      May God comfort and be so close to the family!

  • Andrea Posted October 25, 2019 8:33 am

    This simple reflection says so much. I think of a small book I used to have, “Practicing the Presence of God” by Brother Lawrence, a 17th century Carmelite monk.

    Being outside in the beautiful fall color is a sure way for me to be attentive to God. Silently saying to myself my Lectio Divina passage is another. When I was still working, I meditated every evening before going to bed, visualizing sitting at Jesus’ feet. I keep intending to pick that up again but now, older, with more time, I find other things to do in the evening, such as write and read, and I get sleepy so much more easily. I need to re-think this, as I found meditation to be so beneficial.

    I echo BJ. Thank you to the regular posters who are here every day or nearly every day. Prayers and blessings.

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