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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

All the saints had their foibles, their dark side, their embarrassing moments. But for us flawed mortals, even their flaws are beacons of hope, hope that God can use even us, in spite of our inadequacies. We will see that it is often the case that God uses saints precisely through their weaknesses. For us would-be saints, it is hopeful to know that our giftedness can emerge out of that place where we have been wounded.

—James C. Howell, Servants, Misfits, and Martyrs: Saints and Their Stories (Upper Room Books, 1999)

Today’s Question

What hope do you find in the idea that God “uses saints precisely through their weaknesses”? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

But [God] said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
—1 Corinthians 12:9 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Loving God, I give you thanks for those who have pointed me to you and your love. I give thanks for those who have challenged me to be your hands and feet in the world around me. Give me the confidence and desire to do the same for others, to be an example of faithfulness. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

After a significant loss, many people rush to get back a sense of normalcy without allowing themselves time to heal and learn from that loss. Our loving and compassionate God longs to walk with individuals on a transformational journey through loss toward becoming more emotionally and spiritually whole. What Loss Can Teach Us: A Sacred Pathway to Growth and Healing shows readers that God offers an “on ramp” to the process of tending to their pain. Discover more.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

All Saints Day

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

3 Comments

  • Julie Posted November 1, 2021 9:15 am

    I have so many weaknesses and faults. Right now I just feel like one big mess. I have so much going on now I can’t think straight They sold the one car available in this area. I am very weary . I have no idea if there are any cars available anywhere and I do not know what is happening regarding the surgery and I do not know where I will be living this time next year or how much money I will have or have to spend to buy a house.
    Prayers for Ally and David as they face tomorrow’s appointment together, may they receive good news and if not may they gain strength from the Lord and one another. Prayers for Jill and her school work and upcoming review. Prayers for Robert and his church laity, may they continue to lead the congrgation forward with their God given talents and gifts. Prayers for Marti and her staff. Thank you for your prayers and may God bless all who visit here.

  • robert moeller Posted November 1, 2021 4:17 pm

    How amazing is that, God uses our weaknesses to accomplish his work. The world looks for our strengths. I’m thankful for renewed resources, a unified effort to use them well, Erich’s surgery healing well, a guest pastor coming to lead worship and offer communion, a new issue of The AMBASSADOR, CVRHS’s journal, off to the press, and a return to Bible study tomorrow. Julie, the Lord knows your needs, human hands acting on God’s behalf will supply what is needed. Prayers for good surgery results, a car you can buy, and both income and a home in the future. A successful review, a healthy Roger, well-being for Larry, and good trusted friends for Jill. This has been a topsy turvy week since last Tuesday, bur things are settling down. Thank You, Lord.

  • Jill Posted November 1, 2021 6:17 pm

    It is when we own our weakness and submit our inability to Him, that He brings about surprising and unexpected grace for the circumstance. When we are fully reliant on Him – this is when we are the most “useable”. The upside down Gospel…when we are the end of our rope, we find His sufficiency is all we need. (Matthew 5, The Message).
    Julie – I pray that you can find some comfort and sustenance in knowing He clothes the lilies of the valley, as well as tending to the sparrow – surely He is with You. He knows exactly where you will be one year from now, and how each of your needs will be met on every day from now until then. Robert is spot on, human hands will assist you – because the Lord will provide – through His family, His church. Remain before Him, confessing your uneasiness and ask Him to come alongside as His will is done.
    Some beautiful colors are emerging and we are heading towards our first frost. This should bring about a quick change. Short evenings, and time change this weekend. Not fond of it, but so it is.
    We have teacher meetings tomorrow, and I have a meeting scheduled with a colleague to help me prepare for my evaluation. Was able to get some work done towards that end today.
    Dinner at a new restaurant tonight, since the one my friend and I intended to go to was closed. First time I have ate in a restaurant in a while. There were very few customers and I felt safe. Getting my booster and flu shot tomorrow during lunch.

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