Today’s Reflection
How shall we enter the new year? For most of us, it is not an either/ or, black/white, this road/that road clear choice. We enter filled with great expectations and a touch of worry. We enter with a bundle of hope and a measure of doubt; a bold new plan and a few details not yet conceived. We are a mixture of past and future, abundant joy and lingering sorrow. We strive to be fully alive and awake each day without any guarantees. Except we do not travel alone.
—Larry J. Peacock, The Living Nativity: Preparing for Christmas with Saint Francis (Upper Room Books, 2018)
Today’s Question
What spiritual practice would you like to start or continue to stay fully alert to God’s presence? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
—Colossians 3:13 (NIV)
Prayer for the Week
Surprising God, thank you for choosing to be with us as a child who needs our care and tenderness in an often harsh world. Thank you for your humble beginnings, showing us that we don’t need to look too high or too far to find your presence in the ordinary, the humble, the poor, or the beautiful. Thank you that your love reaches us again and again. Amen.
Prayer by Larry J. Peacock
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
The Upper Room wishes you a blessed Christmas season and a happy new year full of hope, joy, peace, and love—all of the priceless gifts that Jesus gives us. You can serve as a tangible reminder of these gifts by giving to The Upper Room. Your tax-deductible gift of any size will impact lives throughout the world.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
2 Comments
I want to engage in practices which enhance my prayer life. I have already started one, which was suggested to me by a friend: praying Christian Orthodox prayers. I often find myself at a loss for words. These prayers give me words. I also pray Romans 8:26, asking Holy Spirit to intercede on my behalf when I struggle to pray. Happy New Year to my NEM friends.
Certainly need to continue NEM, worship, and Bible/book study, they are carrying, holding me up. Thankful for Communion today, a wonderful way to start the New Year. Good progress painting, Erich has done a great job, very thankful. Prayers for him as he makes his way in life. Saving up to prepare for the much hoped for move to the Poconos is also progressing. Best wishes to all the NEM family as a new year starts. Thank You, Lord.
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