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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

As I began speaking to scripture, it began to speak to me. I am not saying that I started receiving answers to all of life’s problems. I still worried about being a good enough person. Past mistakes or hurts still bothered me. I still wondered where God was during painful experiences. But I truly felt in conversation with God while I took part in my own spiritual growth and understanding. I found myself drawn further into the mystery of Christian faith, further away from certitude, and closer to a life with scripture I had always longed for but had not believed possible. I discovered room in my relationship with God for faith, reason, and imagination.

—Jane Herring, One Day I Wrote Back: Interacting with Scripture Through Creative Writing (Upper Room Books, 2015)

Today’s Question

What might help you discover new depths to your relationship with God? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.

—Psalm 119:105 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Creator God, I am listening. I am listening.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Come pray with us! Post—or respond to—prayer requests and praise reports on The Upper Room Prayer Wall.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

5 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted June 2, 2020 7:04 am

    Bible study., able to write that, but it is slow going. ZOOM Bible study today on forgiveness.

  • Jill Posted June 2, 2020 7:05 am

    I am hoping, as I delve into long-resisted Old Testament study, that God will speak to me through His Word…giving me a more rounded knowledge of OT history, as well as applicable learnings and foundation.
    I find it interesting what the author states above…”drawn further into mystery…further away from certitude”. I ask God to create in me that hunger, that desire…to move me away from my desire for linearity, for logicalness, to a willing trust in Him, His upside-down Kingdom. A radical trust, I suppose. Loosen my grip on confidence in certainty. Surrender, I suppose…surrender into His assuredness. Father, help me.
    While the relief I have received being on my new treatment is wonderful, I have been suffering some of the common side effects. While one seems to be subsiding, stomach distress has been heightening. I am due to see my specialist in three weeks. I would humbly ask for your prayers as I navigate this, wanting to remain active…but trying to manage these new symptoms. When to call the doctor, or to just wait and see if my body adjusts. Thank you.
    Dad and I had a lovely afternoon of golf, in just about picture perfect weather. Thankfully, my stomach was ok for the time we were out there, after a pretty intense morning.

  • Julie Posted June 2, 2020 8:41 am

    I find the author’s words interesting. Although I do not feel capable of “creative” writing, I have always enjoyed journaling and would love to return to it. I could take the general steps she outlines and adapt them to journaling.
    Prayers for Jill as she struggles with medication side effects. Ah yes, how well I can relate to your stomach issues. I spent many nights “bowing” in front of the toilet when I started the vasodilator. My stomach distress gradually lessened, although many nights I go to bed with a stomachache. I pray your issues will resolve to a bearable level as well.
    Prayers for Robert and his Bible studay group, may they all stay safe and healthy.
    Prayers for Marcy as I pray that her absence is because she is receiving medical care for her DVTs.
    Prayers for Ally and David, may they both recover from the effects from COVID 19. May Ally grow strong and have less fatigue and may David continue to gain physical and mental function.
    Prayers for Andrea and her family as they remain amidst civic turmoil.
    Prayers for April and her family, may they all be safe and healthy.
    Prayers, thank you and good health dear UR

  • Julie Posted June 2, 2020 8:43 am

    Please continue to pray for Chai. He spent the day at the vet yesterday, but still hasn’t eaten and is dripping a few spots of blood after visiting the litterbox. Thank you

  • Ally Posted June 2, 2020 1:17 pm

    I believe that means of grace such as prayer, meditation, study, worship, and acts of service all provide opportunities for listening for God’s voice. I try to devote part of my prayer time each day to listening. Time away in personal retreat have helped me clear away the clutter of everyday life. Several times over the last 20 or so years, I have spent time at a retreat center. These have been some of my most fruitful times with God. Spending time learning from other believers also deepens my relationship to my Lord. Though we in UR community don’t meet face to face, I have learned so much from each of you and cherish your words of exhortation and encouragement. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
    David is better today, and we have decided to proceed with a trip to visit my family for the weekend. The swelling in his feet has gone down some and home health nurse felt that his spot of breakdown on his back is better. Please pray for him as he continues to recover.
    Jill, I pray you adjust to your medication and feel more “normal” soon. Julie, know that I am lifting up your Chai. Does he have a urinary blockage? That is so scary. My Jeremy is prone to blockages. I pray he heals and feels better soon! Robert, enjoy your Bible study and stay safe! I pray safety for all of us. [Loving Lord, I pray for all our family here will be safe in these scary times. I pray that justice will flow like a mighty river. Help us to care for each other and to love our enemies. Help us to draw closer to You. In the name of Christ we ask this, Amen.

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