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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

TO JESUS, fully alive human beings resemble the living essence of God. God made us in God’s image, fashioned from a sacred blueprint. To the extent that God’s essence is compassion, our essence, likewise, is compassion. When we are most true to ourselves, most in harmony with our created essence, we mirror the very likeness of God. Rooted and restored in God’s love and delight, we become persons of emboldened compassion.

—Frank Rogers Jr. , Compassion in Practice: The Way of Jesus (Upper Room Books, 2016)

Today’s Question

What spiritual practices help you live compassionately? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
—Colossians 3:12 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

A prayer of compassion from Mother Teresa
Lord, open our eyes that we may see you in our brothers and sisters.
Lord, open our ears that we may hear the cries of the hungry, the cold, the frightened, the oppressed.
Lord, open our hearts that we may love each other as you love us.
Renew in us your spirit.
Lord, free us and make us one. Amen
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

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Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

7 Comments

  • Jill Posted January 9, 2020 4:28 am

    Quiet, still time in the morning prepares me for the day. Father – go before me and prepare me for what this day holds. You already know the highs and lows, the opportunities which await. May I walk with You and see what You have prepared.
    My god daughter badly turned her ankle last evening at her basketball game. She will see an orthopedic today. She was in a lot of pain, very upsetting to her mother and me.
    Robert – I may have an answer to your question…not sure how you are accessing this platform. I use my laptop. At the top right – if you can click on “New Every Morning” – I believe you can access each of the previous days postings. Glad you are well on the mend.

    • Joyce Kaiser Posted January 9, 2020 7:10 am

      I, too believe in your thoughts of being ‘Quiet and hearing from God for the day.’
      Prayers for your daughter—especially for the pain.
      Godsgotcha!

  • Joyce Kaiser Posted January 9, 2020 7:07 am

    Spiritual practices I am learning….be still and watch the sunrise- talking with my God, when I was in ER- instead of ‘feeling’ all my pains- I focused on little healing prayers for the child who cried, wheeling in older folks- that ‘focus’ helped me calm down. Thinking positively and prayfully for others- strengthens me!

  • robert moeller Posted January 9, 2020 7:22 am

    Thanks, Jill. I too use a laptop , will try your suggestion.
    While I do think I am on the mend, I now seem to be in a new phase. Still have coughing, but now the congestion is coming out. That’s a good result, but not fun. I’m better when I’m up. tougher trying to sleep.
    I’m not sure what spiritual practices lead me to live compassionately. The email bombardment of requests for donations requires careful navigation. Income tax season is here and we must render to Caesar what is Caesar’s. Knowing what and when is important. I feel very much for Australia,Puerto Rico, California, emigrants at the border and enroute all around the world, help for the sick, elderly, and children.
    Will post this and then try checking previous days’ posts.

  • Julie Posted January 9, 2020 8:32 am

    Reading accounts of compassion in the Bible. Not just by Jesus but also many in the Old Testament. Reading the posts here as well. I have always worn my heart on my sleeve, so to speak, so compassion comes naturally.
    Prayers for Jill as she waits news regarding her own health as well as that of her goddaughter. Prayers for her friend and her goddaughter. On my tablet there is a place on the left that is a pull down menu and one heading is New Every Morning, I will try to access that and report back.
    Prayers for Joyce and her health.
    Prayers for Robert, may your congestion clear soon. Maybe try Vick’s vaporub. It works wonders when rubbed on the chest. If you can find Mentholatum it is even better. I had a strict perinatologist who allowed no drugs during pregnancy, only Vick’s and it helped a lot.
    Prayers for Andrea’s health.
    Prayers for Rick and his bust scedule, may he find time to be refreshed and renewed.
    Prayers and thank you UR

    • Julie Posted January 9, 2020 8:34 am

      My suggestion worked! Was able to access old posts.

  • Andrea Posted January 9, 2020 8:47 am

    Thank you, Julie. May God bless you with health and strength for the challenges in your life.

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