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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 decisions that we make to lock or unlock doors cannot be made solely on the basis of our own safety. We have responsibilities, as leaders within and examples to our communities, that extend beyond our walls. During the pandemic crisis, some of us found that our fear of personal illness paled when compared to the fear of causing harm to our communities, of becoming the center of a “super-spreader” event, sowing death and disease among the neighbors we are called to love as ourselves. The question of opening or locking our doors has become more complicated as we assess not only our bodily health but also our unseen influence in the world.

—Rosalind C. Hughes, Whom Shall I Fear? Urgent Questions for Christians in an Age of Violence (Upper Room Books, 2021)

Today’s Question

What helps you discern how best to love your neighbor? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

“I am not asking you to take them out of the world, but I ask you to protect them from the evil one. They do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth.”
—John 17:15-18, NRSV

Prayer for the Week

Lord, even though I walk through lonely and dark times, I will fear nothing, because you are with me; your guidance and authority comfort me. (Adapted from Psalm 23:4)
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Help make your church a safer place for children, youth, and vulnerable adults. Join us in October for a four-part webinar series introducing Safer Sanctuaries: Nurturing Trust within Faith Communities. Learn more here.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

4 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted September 13, 2022 6:27 am

    I don’t know for sure but expect it is a matter for the heart not the mind to decide. Very thankful that the three of us searching for Basic Lay Servant class have found one and are registered. Good news to announce at the church council meeting tonight. Back at CBT and it’s working, it will take some time but the path markers are visible . Primary day in NH , Election Day about two months away. Prayers for the people of Pakistan and all who are homeless, hungry, and lack basic necessities. There is enough for everyone, distribution s inequitable.
    Very hopeful to catch up with NEM. Blessings of peace, mercy,, grace, and love to you all Thank You, Lord.

  • Julie Posted September 13, 2022 9:35 am

    Again as described above the nuances are plenty. It is not always in the best interests of society to engage with others. We can help in many ways, show love for our neighbors through many avenues that do not always involve personal risk.
    So as I wrote yesterday, the windows were installed yesterday. They are wonderful and Megan and I are happy with our choice. Sunday she and I went to Phipps Conservatory for the summer flower show which was based on the artistry and life of Monet. We enjoyed ourselves, the displays as always were gorgeous and I learned a lot.
    Prayers for healing and pain relief for Ally. Prayers for Jill and her family. Prayers for Robert and Erich as they get back to CBT and for the CCUMC members attending the Lay Servant classes.

  • Ally Posted September 13, 2022 9:46 am

    I try to take the Gospel’s greatest commandment seriously. I don’t always accomplish this. ‘I thank God for the grace God extends. I try to seek God about how to help my neighbors and pray that my actions are like those Christ. Our neighbor has been Christ to us over the last week, helping with errands, taking us to dr. appointments as I did not feel that I should drive due to my back pain, and bringing food. Our church has been Christ to us by helping us with finances and sending someone to help out with cleaning. Please continue to pray for us. David is experiencing some balance issues. My back pain is a little better.
    Robert, good to hear that you found a lay servant class. Prayers continue for your church and CBT. Julie, hope the new windows are working out. Jill, prayers for your friend whose mom passed: that family drama will be resolved and that she and her husband find rest and peace on their trip to Italy. Prayers for your students and team as you adjust to changes. Prayers also for the teacher who has cancer.
    I pray for peace and Justice for our world. Love to all.

  • Jill Posted September 13, 2022 6:52 pm

    Remaining in prayer, asking the Spirit to direct me to where I can help. I must be obedient, and pray I am doing so.
    Today went a little easier. I had the seniors in my afternoon classes. I had a good conversation with one of the classes. I keep finding myself saying “these kids are resilient”. The truth is, we – the staff – are too…we keep showing up…hurting, tired, emotionally spent. But there is safety within the walls of the classroom. It is where we are meant to be and it is how we honor our lost colleague.
    Thank you all for your continued prayers. It is no small joy how we care for each other here, faithfully going before the Throne, with each other’s burdens.
    Father God, thank You for hearing us.

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