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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

In baptism we become part of the body of Christ. We are incorporated into this process of discipleship that moves throughout history and around the world. Our baptism took place in a specific place, from which we may have long ago moved; yet, our baptism is into the body of Christ, a mystical event that transcends our place and our time.

—George H. Donigian, In Days to Come: From Advent to Epiphany (Upper Room Books, 2017)

Today’s Question

What does it mean for you to be part of the body of Christ? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling.
—Ephesians 4:4 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

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
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

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Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

3 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted December 30, 2021 7:56 am

    Being a member of the body of Christ, I am, according to God’s plan, God’s hands and feet, and through me God works. Thank You, Lord.
    As the worship team continues, opportunities to deliver God’s message arise. I’m thankful that worship can continue. Prayers for the worship team that we continue until a pastor is found.
    A light dusting of snow last night, but roads and sidewalks are bare,
    Looking for a new Bible study book to present to the group on Jan. 4th. One early suggestion is The Call by Adam Hamilton. He is a favorite author in our group, but we are flexible.
    Prayers for Julie’s job search and legal challenges, All & David’s , health, well-being, and disability application; Jill on vacation, Larry’s condo sale, Lou’s youngest child.
    Progress on the plan that hopefully leads to a future for Erich. Thank you for your prayers.
    Camera issues are being resolved so photos for the model article should be done soon.
    our bishop leads worship this Sunday via ZOOM. Thank You, Lord

  • Julie Posted December 30, 2021 8:33 am

    Exactly, I agree with Robert and would add that this extends to the church as well. The church is something like a body and we must each do our part for the church to do God’s work.
    Prayers for Ally and David, for health and finances and Jeremy to remain well. Prayers for Jill’s safe travel and Roger’s continuing health issues. Prayers for Lou’s youngest and their relationship. Prayers for Robert and his group to find the perfect book for their next Bible study. Prayers for Marti and her staff.
    My acid reflux continues to worsen due to all of the stress. Thank you for your prayers and may God bless all who visit here.

  • Ally Posted December 30, 2021 10:25 am

    For me, belonging to the body of Christ means connectedness. Even when I feel alone, feel that my prayers fall on deaf ears (like now), I am not alone. God has a calling for me. I pray that God will give me ears to hear. As the writer of today’s UR meditation for today, I pray for joy even when I don’t feel joyful.
    My cousin Susan is still on a vent, but O2 has been decreased. She is critical, but stable. She’s following verbal commands. I praise God for each scrap of progress. She has a long road ahead. Thanks so much for your prayers. God is a good Father. Repair guy came to look at the washer. It needs a water valve and the part has been ordered. Praying for funds for repair. Jeremy is more like himself than he has been in over a month. Pray for continued restoration of his urinary tract health.
    Robert, prayers for your church as you continue without a pastor. Prayers for continued progress for Erich. My study group also enjoys Adam Hamilton’s books. Take a look at books by Amy Jill Levine, professor of New Testament at Vanderbilt University as well. Julie, prayers for a job which will provide adequate income. Prayers also for your legal issues, that you will receive a fair and equitable settlement. Prayers for Jill, for a safe and enjoyable trip, for little Roger to do well while she is away, for his restoration of health.
    I pray we all find our place in the body of Christ. Blessings to all.

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