X

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

I recently attended a church service where several adults were baptized. As part of this ritual, each one of them was asked to affirm his or her choice to be baptized by declaring several sentences that included the words, “I declare my courage to participate in the building of the reign of God that is in the world and in me.” These words moved me deeply. In that moment, I felt compelled to declare my own courage to participate in building the reign of God in the world.

—Henri J. M. Nouwen with Nathan Ball, A Spirituality of Fundraising: Workbook Edition (Upper Room Books, 2019)

Today’s Question

How can you participate in building the reign of God in the world today? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.
—Luke 9:2 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Creator God, Give me vision and mission, so that I may find new life and direction.
Amen
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

For inspiration and encouragement for aging faithfully, visit UpperRoom.org/OlderAdults.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

4 Comments

  • Julie Posted October 12, 2021 8:37 am

    The UR Devotional spoke of letting God’s light shine from yourself to the world through small gestures of kindness. I think this is a fine way of participating in building the reign of God in the world. This is definitely something I can do and sometimes it is the small gestures that touch just one that have the most impact.
    Megan had a good first day, though the first two weeks are all training and orientation. She will be driving the people who stay on the “campus” to their doctor appointments. The campus is a coompound of buildings for housing and teaching and providing services to those with physical, mental and emotional disabilities. Think profoundly crippled people whether in body or mind or both.
    Prayers for Ally and David, for better health and finances, prayers for Jill and Larry, for improved social connection for Larry and safety for Jill, prayers for Robert and his church, for God to direct the search for the new pastor, and prayers for Marti and her staff. Thank you for your prayers and may God bless all who visit here.

  • Ally Posted October 12, 2021 1:00 pm

    As I pondered today’s reading, I remembered my baptism and the vow I took when I made my public profession of faith: to uphold the United Methodist Church with my prayers, my gifts, and my service. By keeping to these vows, I help build the reign of God in this world.
    David still experiences bouts of depression. The new med hasn’t really kicked in yet. We had a talk and he has agreed to let me make him an appointment at our local mental health center. Doing that today. He’s also experienced some balance issues and trouble transferring from sitting to standing at times. All of these things have been documented as after effects of long Vivid. So we have put in a call to our primary physician about ordering some home physical therapy to build his strength. We appreciate your prayers.
    Robert, prayers continue for your church as you carry out your ministries while waiting for a new pastor. Thank you for your thoughts regarding the difficulties we may face in doing ministry. Jill, praying for you and your colleagues as you deal with administration changes. Also praying for Larry. Julir, praying for your health and that Megan’s new job continues to go well. Still praying for your divorce journey. I pray that we all remain safe. Love to all in our NEM family.

  • robert moeller Posted October 12, 2021 1:12 pm

    I add Julie’s suggestion of small gestures to what I’m doing: sharing my responses here at at Bible study, fellowship with a variety of people, worship, support of children at World Vision, financial support, church committee participation, and leading worship.
    Prayers for Megan and the tasks she does helping people, Larry, Ally, and David’s health issues,
    everyone’s well being, Jill at school, Lou helping others improve their mental health. Thank you for your prayers, there’s progress with developing plans for the future at church, at home, and ver satisfying results on my model. Laity is preparing this Sunday’s worship. Fall foliage is awesome even though it isn’t peak yet. Joy in Fenway last night-baseball fans will know what that means. Thank You, Lord

  • Jill Posted October 12, 2021 6:03 pm

    I will continue to do what I am doing – being a positive force at school, remaining actively engaged at my church through small group and in the cancer support group (at the other church). I will continue to companion dad, to listen to his memories and his laments.
    Robert – Bravo to the Bo Sox. Quite a coup, as many had the Rays in the World Series. I am happy for them, have always been a fan of the Bo Sox, dating back to Carlton Fisk and Carl Yastremski. And especially happy to have Terry Francona in our dugout now…or at least returning in good health next year.
    A decent day at school. We finally filled the final math opening. I will be mentoring this new teacher. She is fresh out of college and had spent the previous 6 weeks of the school year at another high school in our system as a tutor. She seemed a bit overwhelmed today.

Add Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *