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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

WHEN WE DO EXPERIENCE WHOLENESS, we find capacity to handle difficult life situations and stress because we are connected to Jesus. It doesn’t mean we are free from trials, but it does mean that we have the capacity to handle them. It means that God’s love, mercy, and kindness sustain us through whatever we face. When we are growing in Christ and Christ is in us, we discover a joy that isn’t manufactured or dependent upon external circumstances. That joy is at our core and isn’t easily shaken.

—Junius B. Dotson

Soul Reset: Breakdown, Breakthrough, and the Journey to Wholeness Upper Room Books.

Today’s Question

How do tests and trials teach you about who God is and who you are? Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
—Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

Prayer for the Week

“O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” —Psalm 63:1 (NRSV) Submit your prayer to The Upper Room or share it in the comment section.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

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6 Comments

  • Bj Posted September 6, 2019 7:46 am

    Thanks Julie for your statement about the reading of the daily devotional. I wasn’t aware! May the UR family have a blessed day. Robert, how is Erich. Jill, how are you?

  • Julie Posted September 6, 2019 8:15 am

    I have learned through much adversity that I am stronger than I ever thought. I know this well of strength is possible only through God. I have learned He gives times of respite (such as the healing of the Reynaud’s I have every summer) that allow me to regroup and regain my strength. I have learned that I am capable of getting through much and that nothing lasts forever. Painful things may continue to plague us over and over but there is always a trough of rest between the buffeting. “I CAN do all things through God who strengthens me.”
    Your welcome BJ. Be aware that one must subscribe to the daily devotional. The fee is nominal and it can be accessed through their app or it can be received in its paper version. It is published in many different languages and in many countries. The contributors are from throughout the world. I enjoy reading about others experiences.
    Prayers for healing for Andrea, Connie, Erich, Robert and Marcy.
    Prayers for continues joy in abundance for Mary.
    Prayers for continued healing for Jill and Larry. I, too, am an introvert and I find it very difficult to share my inner thoughts and emotions. I have been called to task regarding this by some friends.
    Prayers for Lou and her youngest daughter, may both be successful in their new circumstances.
    Prayers, blessings, warm hugs and thank you dear UR family and UR administrative personnel. I have noticed that the reflection has been very faithfully in my email inbox each morning. I appreciate your work that allows this to be possible.

    • Bj Posted September 6, 2019 10:13 am

      Thank you again, Julie! Yep, i went through the process. I look at the other inputs that UR has, but didn’t think to subscribe to them. I remember i kept reading the repeated verses, but it was okay. Your imput has always been welcomed. I still got UR reflections from 2016 in my emails, i often reflect back on. May we all pray for one another daily.

  • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted September 6, 2019 9:53 am

    Thanks Julie!

    So glad that you are strong and deeply rooted in God’s word.

    Trials and tests have taught me that nothing is too difficult for God and I need to reply on Him no matter what.

    So glad to hear from my ex students and also simply grateful to receive a teacher’s day gift from my present students.

    Blessings!

  • robert moeller Posted September 7, 2019 5:46 am

    Yes, trials and tests aren’t fun, but they do prove God is there to help and does help. I’ll witness to that truth. Thank You, Lord!
    Lately some days I’m off doing things and the daily reflection hasn’t come before I go. Not much I can do about that, but I can go back and reply.

    My oral surgery went well and I am getting better every day. Thankful for that.

    Hopefully needed supplies will arrive soon and the storage section of the train layout benchwork can be completed. It will help put a room in order. AC is done for this year. Sure glad we had it.

    Prayers for all affected by Dorian. Glad to send help. Islands in the Bahamas were destroyed.

    Anneliese had PM treatment and Meesook has surgery on Monday. Doris had a brain MRI. Prayers for Julie and Marcy, may their health and well being improve. Thank You, Lord, for all You do.

  • Lou Posted September 7, 2019 8:53 am

    I am trying to stay centered in the joy that we can only feel when we truly have Christ at our center. Each day I get up and try again- despite the tests and trials we face. It has been just three weeks since I moved my youngest to college- I think it is finally sinking in and the newness is wearing off. I am so happy that she has been feeling so happy. She actually told me the other day “I am happy” – and she hasn’t said that in such a long time. How can I be anything but thrilled for her.
    I must admit the quiet house got to me last night- I have been keeping very busy but last night was harder. But today is a new day and I need to keep focused. I have many projects that I have been putting off – I’ve joined a church committee and my moms prayer group is back in session so I know I will find my way. Thankful the prayers and support from this prayer group. I pray for you all- missing comments from Connie- I pray you are well. Also I hope Andrea, Betsy and Sara are doing well. Prayers for Mary, Robert, Jill, and Julie and BJ. Praying especially for all of those experiencing pain and loss- particularly those in the Bahamas.
    Faith hope and love to all today.

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