Today’s Reflection
The Holy Spirit draws us into a deeper shared life by widening our circle. I am sure that you have noticed the deep-seated human tendency to draw a circle around our lives. Usually we put people we like within our circle: those who agree with us, those who look like us, those who believe like us, those who worship like us, those who live like us. These are the people with whom we associate—get to know, give our time to, form friendships with. They are part of the “us,” the ones with whom we share our lives, the people we include. Other people are part of “them,” those whom we do not want to know, those whom we exclude. Sometimes we may even think that God prefers those who are inside our circles to those who are outside them.
When the Holy Spirit brings us alive to God’s presence, the same Spirit challenges us to widen our circle.
—Trevor Hudson, Holy Spirit Here and Now (Upper Room Books, 2013)
Today’s Question
Where has the Holy Spirit widened your circle to include someone you had previously excluded? [question adapted from Holy Spirit Here and Now] Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all.
—Acts 10:36 (NRSVUE)
Prayer for the Week
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
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Amid the fullness of spring, are you longing for sacred rest? Take a pause, rediscover sabbath, and reset your soul with three life-giving resources from Upper Room Books. Learn more here.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Day of Pentecost
- Acts 2:1-21 or Ezekiel 37:1-14
- Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
- Romans 8:22-27 or Acts 2:1-21
- John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
3 Comments
Perhaps yesterday during condo association outdoor spring cleanup where several of us gathered for refreshments. Despite living in the same community we don’t see each other often. I prayed for one member after some comments that were a bit rough.
Thank You, Lord, for the Holy Spirit. He lp us to recognize the Spirit in us and follow its guidance.
May the Spirit be with all of New Every Morning. Thank You, Lord.
God has shown me many things about my feelings toward those who are often excluded. I asked Holy Spirit to open my heart and fill it with love.
Just a few years ago, I could never have imagined desiring to spend time supporting people in the end of life. I was never fond of hospitals, and even less so of nursing homes. God expanded my circle, giving me compassion and empathy for people in these situations.
While waiting for church to start and my friend to join me in the pew, I looked down at my phone, which was silenced, but showing an incoming call. Dad passed out at church and was being taken by EMT to the local ER. I called Becky and was fortunate to reach her at church and we met at the ER. A cardiac event was ruled out and since he was unable to stand and walk down the hallway without assistance – the ER doc released him to go home after 4 hours. Becky and I renewed our conversation about whether he should be driving. What a courageous conversation it was, and was not met willingly by dad. And I get it, to whatever extent I can. Becky still can’t get over his stubbornness. I will continue to pray for wisdom, tenderness and the ability to honor him well.
Thank you for your prayers to this end.
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