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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

Note: This week’s New Every Morning is structured differently to follow the format of our featured title, Rally: Communal Prayers for Lovers of Jesus and Justice, which addresses issues of social justice through a compilation of reflections and call-and-response prayers known as litanies.

Eight years ago, childbirth broke my body. I already had an autoimmune illness (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), but the effort of labor tipped me into a more severe form of ME. Though I have improved since then, my energy is so rationed that leaving the house is a luxury I can afford only once every ten days for two hours at a time in a wheelchair. Before I got sick, I drank of life in big gulps; now, I must measure out my life in teaspoons. . . .

What helps? Scripture offers relatable stories. The book of Job reminds me that sickness is great suffering. Those who also battle their bodies know the cautious optimism of tiny, slow improvements followed by rapid decline and the feeling of starting again at the beginning. But Zechariah tells us not to despise the day of small things because rebuilding the Temple seemed an agonizingly slow and impossible task—yet God made it happen.

—Tanya Marlow, “Frustrated Activism: A Litany for Those Whose Bodies and Minds Limit Them,” Rally: Communal Prayers for Lovers of Jesus and Justice, edited and compiled by Britney Winn Lee (Fresh Air Books, 2020)

Today’s Question

What biblical stories do you turn to in times of difficulty? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

He [an angel] said said to me [Zechariah], “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the LORD of hosts.”
—Zechariah 4:6 (NRSV)

Today’s Litany

ONE: Blessed are those who groan and long for healing.

PART: Blessed are we who know pain.

ALL: Blessed are those who groan, for the Spirit of God groans with them.

PART: Blessed are we who cry, “It’s not fair!” and “How long, O Lord?”

ALL: Blessed are those who groan, for the Spirit of God groans with them.

PART: Blessed are we who weep for ourselves and wail prophetically for the pain of the world.

ALL: Blessed are those who groan, for the Spirit of God groans with them.

ONE: Blessed are the frustrated, who are left behind and miss out.

PART: Blessed are we who would march but cannot.

ALL: Blessed are the frustrated, for they echo creation’s yearning to be free.

—Tanya Marlow, “Frustrated Activism: A Litany for Those Whose Bodies and Minds Limit Them”
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

The final litany from Rally was written by Britney Winn Lee in the beginning days of the global pandemic. This prayer reminds us that hope endures; goodness prevails; people surprise us; and love cannot, has not, will not fail. Watch and listen.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

Transfiguration Sunday

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

6 Comments

  • Lou Posted February 22, 2022 5:36 am

    The book of Isaiah helps me.
    Prayers of healing for all this day.
    May God bless you all and may you find peace in Him-

  • robert moeller Posted February 22, 2022 5:43 am

    Short phrases based on Scripture, Love never ends, God is with us always, sustain me along with a never give up, keep trying attitude. Thank You, Lord.

  • robert moeller Posted February 22, 2022 6:14 am

    Prayers for David’s unexpected legal issues, entrance to Ally’s Mom’s house. Julie’s digestion problems, Larry’s OH condo sale and FL purchase, Roger’s diabetes, and Jill doing schoolwork.
    Thankful for tennis match wins, Julie’s leg healing, a dynamic guest pastor, a referral to better counseling, and plans to move to the mountains of northeast PA, be closer to my daughter, and hopefully resolve the single family home issue for Erich. Have plenty to do, it will be a busy spring and summer. Thank you all for your prayers. No matter how or when said, God listens. Thank You,
    Lord.

  • Julie Posted February 22, 2022 8:19 am

    The psalms and the Serenity Prayer.
    I went to give blood yesterday and they had a very hard time getting enough for the tests. I know this means that I am severely dehydrated again. I am unable to drink much of anything because everything tastes like ashes and upsets my stomach. I can eat fine but drinking is impossible and I know this is affecting my kidneys. I fear I will be back in the hospital soon.
    Prayers for Ally and David, for yet another legal issue amid financial constraints and health issues. Prayers for Jill’s friend’s ribs and for Roger’s diabetes. Prayers for Robert that the new couseling wil be successful and for the decision to undergo another move. Thank you for your prayers and may God bless all who visit here.

  • Jill Posted February 22, 2022 4:34 pm

    My Bible naturally falls open to Job and the Psalms. Job – what a testament, example to us. And the Psalms – my prayer place, my resting place, my crying place, my exhorting place. I also have come to have a deep appreciation for 1 Peter.
    I can relate to what the writer speaks of, although thankfully, not to the extreme she is experiencing. Upon diagnosis, I was fearful that her story would be mine. As for now, I remain quite active, not without consequences at times. I have learned to listen well to my body and to not overdo things. I must keep the long haul in view, not short term pleasure.
    A really good day at school. Timing and classes was just so on point. Not necessarily due to my planning, but just a wonderful flow to the classes. Of course, students who are looking to highly achieve is a big part of this.
    Going to tennis drill tonight – ahead of our big state tournament this weekend. There are 3 teams left at our level in the state – and we will play each other this weekend. Need my game to be on point, and my body ready.
    Prayers for Ally and David and this upsetting unsuspecting turn of events. For Julie, as well, that she will be able to nourish her body as best she can, and get any necessary medical attention. And for stalwart Robert – may the plannings come to fruition, with the added bonus of being closer to his daughter and granddaughters.

  • Ally Posted February 22, 2022 7:40 pm

    The story of Elijah as he listens for the voice of God; the woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment and was healed. Other meaningful passages are Romans 8, Hebrews 11-12, Psalms 40, 56, 91, and 121. The whole book of James.
    Thanks to all for your prayers for us and the love you show. The judge and court receiver were very understanding and showed empathy. We meet with our attorney later in week to work out something to present and go back to court in 2 weeks. I do know life is not always fair, but there is a right way. The ex and her partner have attempted to bully david and manipulate the court. Our attorney told us last year that the partner is driving this, that he is a bully and brings out the narcissism and worst tendencies of David’s ex. According to David’s daughters, he was a good provider who always went the extra mile to provide for his family. He never missed a single payment of child support. He is a good man. It hurts my heart to him treated as he has been. Please lift up this process.
    Robert, prayers for your move and that it will be the right thing for your family. Julie, continued prayers for your GI issues and that you can stay hydrated. Lou, thank you for your insight and and prayers. Isaiah is one of my favorites as well. Jill, praying for the condo sale, that the process is smooth for you and Larry. praying for little Roger as well. Glad to hear you had a great school day.
    I pray for peace for all, for the cause of democracy, for love to reign. Blessings to all.

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