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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? Share your thoughts.

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.

4 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted January 4, 2020 7:15 am

    As a member of the body of Christ I am enabled to do God’s work by loving and helping others with fellow members of the body of Christ. This is done through prayer and physical activity.

    Prayers for the needs, concerns, issues, safety, and well being of the UR family, my own and church family,
    friends, neighbors, and the people of the world. May the actions of my country not lead to war. Guide us
    Lord to do thy will. Thank You, Lord .

  • Julie Posted January 4, 2020 8:38 am

    First, indulge me…Dear UR Administrators: As a customer service organization, please take into account your customer base. The core individuals who take advantage of your products are no longer young. We do not all have technical computer savvy and we no longer have the eye sight of our youth. I fear that many of our friends are bewildered by the changes and unable to access this page. Again, I fail to comprehend how the changes you made improve your product or the users experience thereof. Thank you
    As a member of the body of Christ although physically isolated from other believers I can still feel part of the greater community of believers across this vast world. We are all sisters and brothers in Christ and I feel the connection to this vast community in my soul.
    Prayers for Robert as he supports Erich in his new venture. I, too, hope this latest offensive maneuver does not lead to war. I also echo your concern for the Methodist Church as it refuses to accept and include all God’s children. May they read their Bible again and see the love and acceptance outlined within.
    Prayers for Rick and his many good works, may they bear fruit.
    Prayers for those who have not been posting, may the learn to access this page….or may the UR administrators make the new site easier to navigate and read.
    Prayers and thank you UR

  • Jill Posted January 5, 2020 5:29 am

    To be an active part of the Body of Christ – it is a two way street. Sacrificially giving of time, talents, tithes to the betterment of the community and furthering of the Kingdom. Also, a humble receiving of support – which allows others to be the sacrificial giver. I know so many who joyfully give and when one is reluctant to accept help – it takes away the opportunity for another to experience the joy of participating in Kingdom work.
    Safely home from time away, very needed and enjoyable time away. Grateful for a friend to spend that time with. Fairly decent weather which permitted extended walks on the beach with only a sweatshirt needed.
    Julie – how is your daughter’s dad doing? I apologize if I missed an update.

  • Rick Posted January 5, 2020 4:02 pm

    What does it mean for me to be part of the Body of Christ?
    To be in alignment with Gods will for me and to be guided . To Be the hand of Christ to others in both the good times and the bad. To show love and kindness and be willing to listen and at times offer guidance. To pray with and for others. To use my gifts and talents and help build up the kingdom of God.

    Blessings all , thank you Robert and Julie, great to have you back Jill, I hope you are feeling rejuvenated. Keeping Connie , Mary Macy, BJ, Lou in my prayers. As well as our Leaders for peace and not war. For the UMC as it continues to lean toward division and not reconciliation for all. I pray God is indeed doing a new thing.

    Rock

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