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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 capacity for emotional transformation is even more pronounced in a group setting. Group dynamics are powerful, as group members respond at once to several people. Every person brings a unique history of struggles and strengths to the group. Inevitably, we all respond to one another’s dynamics and become a living system that transcends the sum of its parts. As the apostle Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 12, the body of Christ is made up of many parts. An eye or ear cannot function independently, and neither can we. When the whole body—the whole system—moves interdependently and cohesively, it can offer each part something more.

—Angela D. Schaffner, Gather Us In: Leading Transformational Small Groups (Upper Room Books, 2020)

Today’s Question

What is your part in the body of Christ? How can you participate fully for the health of the whole system? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Christ is just like the human body—a body is a unit and has many parts; and all the parts of the body are one body, even though there are many.
—1 Corinthians 12:12 (CEB)

Prayer for the Week

Abba,
You have given me life.
You have filled me with your Spirit.
I am your child, not a slave to fear.
I am your child; light my path and guide my steps.
I am your child; hold me.
Hold me tight.
Amen.

(Adapted from Romans 8.)
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

This Father’s Day, celebrate Dad by making a donation to The Upper Room in his honor or memory. Give today.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

2 Comments

  • Ally Posted June 20, 2021 1:25 pm

    Hello, UR family, Hope everyone is having a nice Sunday. My study group just finished our spring study. I’m a talker in small groups. I worry I talk too much. I’ve served a few roles in this group and others. Right now, I’m not sure what my part in the body of Christ may be. There have been many changes in our lives and I’m trying to find my place. I’m trying to trust God to show me my niche in this new “normal”(I feel that is sort of a cliche, but it fits right now).
    David is experiencing less pain from the fall He took a few weeks ago. Physically, and mentally, I’m hanging there. When I feel energetic, I try to get things done. I have a good lead on another job. Please pray about this opportunity: remote work with a non-profit. Thanks so much for our mental and physical health.
    I don’t see any comments for today. Praying all are well . Know I lift you up to the Lord.

  • Jill Posted June 20, 2021 6:09 pm

    I would welcome the opportunity to be more involved in the cancer support groups – we will see what things look like when we begin meeting again in person. There has been no indication given that this will occur soon. We will see what is discussed in the July meeting. I will remain involved in small groups at my church.
    Dad enjoyed the time today with my sister, her husband and myself. We ate, watched some golf and played cards and Sequence.
    It was good to be in church today. Getting into the rhythm of summer here. My sister and I are planning on biking on Monday afternoons, starting a week from tomorrow. I remain hopeful that this is going to be a positive thing. We will also celebrate her birthday in a few weeks.
    Ally – best wishes and praying for job possibility, as well as steadying physical health for you and David.
    Robert – Happy Father’s Day to you.

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