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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

If you feel lonely and disconnected, you can do something about it. Meaningful relationships are beautiful and messy. They take effort, but they are worth the investment and can lead to experiences of love, respect, and connection. Did you know science has proven that when individuals sing a song in a choir, the hearts of the singers begin to beat as one in rhythm with the music and with one another? Interconnection is possible and real.

—Sarah E. Bollinger and Angela R. Olsen  The Awakened Life for High School Students: Finding Stillness in an Anxious World, Leader Guide (Upper Room Books, 2020)

Today’s Question

Describe the feeling of connection. How does your body respond to connection? What kinds of things do you tell yourself when you feel connected? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

How very good and pleasant it is
when kindred live together in unity!

—Psalm 133:1 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

When I am full of worry, awaken me.
When I feel isolated, awaken me.
When I am afraid, awaken me.
God of love and compassion, awaken me. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

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Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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4 Comments

  • Jill Posted August 27, 2020 4:35 am

    Deep connection, gifted by God, is like no other. When it happens, I think I mentioned it a few weeks ago, it is as if God is there in the midst of the conversation. I long for it – it is so refreshing and renewing…life giving for me. Thank You, Father for the instances I have experienced it and for the people whom You have placed in my life.
    This morning I am having Mohs procedure on a cancerous spot on my forehead. I can’t remember if I have mentioned this previously. It seems like it has been a lot of physical things this year – but God has seen me through each one and I have dodged several bullets. My sister, brother-in-law and dad have had this procedure done multiple times. I am not overly concerned about it. My tennis team made the play-offs, which are Saturday and Sunday. I am hoping to be able to play, but it isn’t likely.

  • robert moeller Posted August 27, 2020 7:41 am

    My first reaction is that it will take some serious effort to remember, other than the two times I think I have felt God’s presence, the times I felt truly connected. Some of what I may remember might actually not be accurate. I don’t think I am very good at connecting or recognizing it when, if, it really happens.

    Prayers for Jill and the Mohs procedure, Jill and Megan and the upcoming divorce proceedings, Mary in her mission work, Marcy with health and well being, and of course all the UR family, named and unknown. Prayers for Anneliese, she hurt her foot getting on the lawnmower, and more recently had a bad fall. Bumped and bruised, some wounds bled, she was able to call for help and it came. She will be black and blue, sore, and laid up for a bit. Thankfully nothing broken.

    Cooler weather, windows closed, cloudy gray skies, but good progress on models. A nice trip to the Korean grocery store yesterday, A birthday memory on Saturday.

    With or without you, Jill, hope your tennis team does well in the playoffs.

    The blessings of the day to you all. Thank You, Lord.

  • Julie Posted August 27, 2020 8:27 am

    I have felt this and it is a wonderful feeling. I find it to be like my and the other person’s souls are communicating and we are in perfect harmony. As though someone knows and hears and sees you as you truly are and loves you more deeply from the knowledge.
    Prayers for Jill and may her procedure go smoothly and fully excise the spot from her forehead.
    Prayers for Robert, may the birthday memory be sweet and full of gladness. Prayers for Anneliese, may she recovery quickly, fully and with minimal discomfort.
    Prayers for Marcy who is experiencing health issues and Mary as I hope her absence is from a year long mission trip. Prayers for BJ and her mom and Rick and Scott, may Rick be beginning a new school year in person if it is safe only.
    Prayers, thank you and stay well dear UR

  • Ally Posted August 27, 2020 9:42 am

    Good morning, UR family. This week’s readings have been especially helpful for me in helping me to keep in mind how mind and spirit connect to the physical body. Today’s entry resonated with me as a singer and musician. In order to sing properly, mind and body must be connected. Today’s illustration is a picture of the kingdom of God. Each voice in a choir has a purpose. As voices come together, we help each other is the part we are learning is difficult. We practice our part until we achieve the sound we are looking for. In a choir, unity is crucial. Each singer must be aware of the sound they are making and must listen to surrounding voices in order to blend. If each singer tries to do their own thing with no direction, cacophony ensues. Chaos and disorganization take the place of unity. So each singer looks to the director to lead and direct. The harmony of different voices creates a beautiful thing. After my heart surgery last year, I took voice lessons for the first time in years in order to strengthen my voice and help with my breathing. Warming up, doing vocal exercises, and preparing a piece of music for performance helped to make my voice strong again. The mind and body must be engaged in order to breathe properly, so that one can sing properly. When I sing, I feel truly connected to God. Thank you Lord, for the gift of music and how it connects us to You.
    Please continue to pray for David, as he has been experiencing pain when he exerts himself. He has been dealing with swelling and pain in his right foot and back pain. He sometimes feels hopeless about attaining full recovery. We feel your prayers and cherish them. Thank you.
    Jill, David and are lifting you in prayer as you have your procedure. Praying for full recovery. Robert, great to hear that your models are coming along and that you enjoyed your trip to the Korean grocery. Korean food is yummy. I’m so sorry to hear of Anneliese’s fall and injuries. Praying that she has minimum of pain and recovers soon. Julie, lifting up you and Megan as you face divorce from H. I know God is with you and guiding you. Thanks so much for praying for us! Lifting up April and thanking her for her insight in her comment yesterday. Praying for BJ, Marcy, Rick, and our other regulars. These are crazy times and I’m thankful for this forum and that we are here for each other. Be blessed and stay safe.

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