Today’s Reflection
These actions [feeding the hungry, visiting prisoners, caring for those affected by disaster] are deeds of mercy that show compassion for others and are directed toward individuals. These actions contain the seeds of justice. Seeking justice means we work for what God intends for the world. We seek God’s dream of wholeness for individuals and nations, and we work to establish systems in which all people receive equitable treatment and where oppression no longer rules.
—George Hovaness Donigian, A World Worth Saving: Lenten Spiritual Practices for Action (Upper Room Books, 2013)
Today’s Question
How are you working for “what God intends for the world”? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
He has told you, O mortal, what is good;
and what does the LORD require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
and to walk humbly with your God?
—Micah 6:8, NRSV
Prayer for the Week
Creator God,
I believe the world you created is worth saving. Give me the courage and strength and the desire to act in big and little ways to make your justice and love real on earth. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
As we enter the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that social distancing does not have to prevent us from connecting with one another and with God. The Upper Room is here to support you as you continue to discover new ways of creating daily life with God. Find resources for spiritual wellness on our website at UpperRoom.org/covid-19.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Annunciation of the Lord
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
4 Comments
Financially and through advocacy I’m working to help bring ‘what God intends for the world.”
I received this message from my former church. “the church received an inquiry from an Upper Room chat group from Minnesota – they were concerned about you, and said that you were involved in some great discussions and then you just “disappeared” and wanted to know if you were okay. They actually had reached out to Pastor Sam at Wesley (Waterbury VT) in error, and he contacted our new pastor, Pastor Shirley. (Waterbury Center VY) They had asked for your new contact information if we had it – I did not feel comfortable releasing that without first connecting with you.” THANK YOU UR COMMUNITY! YOU ARE SO SPECIAL! I’m on New Every Morning with my new email address. Very glad to be back. Lots of planning, thinking, and prep for the transition from one pastor to very hopefully another as our current pastor retires. We have been so blessed to have a pastor who works like a full time pastor on quarter time compensation. Prayers that the Holy Spirit will guide everyone. Blest be the tie that binds. Thank You, Lord.
I give to a feral kitty rescue society, I give to drives for the hungry in our community and have given to our Children’s Hospital’s free care fund. I do not practice racism or any other form of -ism and have raised my daughter to “see” likewise.
Prayers for Robert and his church as they find a new pastor, may the one he mentioned work out.
Prayers for Ally, may God lead her to the job He has for her to use the gifts and talents He gave her. Prayers for David and Lewis kitty, may God continue to heal them. Prayers for Rachel and her islet cells.
Prayers for Jill, may she continue to remain symptom free and may God lead her teaching so she discerns how to reach her mute students.
Prayers for Lou and her family, may they continue to do well.
My mom felt fine yesterday, but most effects manifest the next day, so I will check in with her. Also, the work to convert her tub to a shower stall will begin today. This will help make it easier for her following her second leg surgery which is on hold due to the pandemic.
Prayers to all of the UR posters, readers, and administrators.
It is great to read all of the ways others are doing deeds of mercy. Our church, in the month of March, does a month of March in your socks. This means we deliver new socks to be handed out by the youth groups to those in need. I like to contribute to this as it touches so many people, those that provide, those that deliver, and those who receive. And I usually purchase from Amazonsmile so that I can donate to another church with my purchases. I make a list of all the organizations I intend to contribute to during the year, so every month I consult the regular as well as the options. Then I write out my checks and am happy that I have been able to do a little to help those who are hurting in this world.
I am listening to a sermon on “The Power of a Praying Parent.” I am reminded that this is something I can do all the time, everyday of the month. And it doesn’t have to be just our kids, it can be for all kids. Maybe I will be inspired to make a prayer list and start recording the answers to my prayers.
I am in awe at reading Robert’s post on how others connected with him to see if he is okay. This is the power of the church. And the UR site is to me, a church.
Rainy day here to water our earth. May we each be blessed with the living water from God.
I try to remain faithfully before Him, asking Him to draw my attention to needs which I can meet, both financially and in other ways. I pray He finds me faithful.
I didn’t hear from my dad yesterday, which just means that my sister is keeping him extra busy. It is exactly what he needs and I will be happy to join them in another week.
Hard to believe April is rushing towards us. And Easter. He is Risen. He is Risen Indeed!
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