Today’s Reflection
Note: This week’s New Every Morning reflections are structured differently to follow the format of our featured title, Pauses for Pentecost, which contains 50 days of reflections based on a scripture theme and followed by a daily practice.
God-given radiance reflects the presence and work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. When we interact with the Lord as Moses did on Mount Sinai, the Spirit begins to work deeply within us. Our characters begin to radiate an inner integrity, an obvious serenity, a loving responsiveness toward others—all of which reveals vividly that we have been with the Lord.
—Trevor Hudson, Pauses for Pentecost: 50 Words for Easter People (Upper Room Books, 2018)
Today’s Practice
When you look in the mirror today, ask the Holy Spirit to make your face shine with the Spirit’s presence. Trust that your face will reflect the presence of the Lord with us.
Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD.
—Exodus 34:29 (NIV)
Prayer for the Week
Holy Spirit,
Turn my life into a deep reservoir from which life-giving streams begin to flow toward others around me.
Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Looking for a music collection that contains new and classic hymns, psalm settings, Taizé music, global songs, liturgies, and prayer songs? The Upper Room Worshipbook is a rich resource for choirs and anyone who wants to enrich their personal devotions. Learn more.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Day of Pentecost (Sunday, May 23)
- 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.
4 Comments
What an awesome thought. I know that it can happen. Thank You, Lord. A beautiful day here in the Mount Washington Valley. The tail-gate in the church parking lot yesterday was wonderful. The long waiting doors for the CV Brill car are now installed. ACs are in place, checked, and ready. The special curtain is being assembled. Had a wonderful supper and went out for ice cream. Ate it looking up the very green valley to still snow covered Mount Washington. The transition team meets tonight with the new pastor. Bible study tomorrow finishes the book of Hebrews. Getting ready to cut the finish plywood to make a tv stand. Progress with counseling, I’ll have a second counselor by mid June. Had a nice walk yesterday, helped some walkers on their way. Thank You,
Lord May the Lord bless you and keep you, make His face to shine upon you, and give you peace.
This is a wonderful thought, Robert and I pray for this to happenfor all of the NEM commentors.
I had a bit of a tumble during the night and am in considerable pain. The med I take for Reynaud’s causes dizziness, especially at night. I have learned a lesson and will be more careful in my movements in the future. I cleaned yesterday and went to bed early as I have been tired of late. Megan and I have dentist appointments today and I will take a thick blanket to protect my tailbone which took the brundt of the mishap. I did not get to talk to Marcy and have had no response to several texts. I am very concerned.
Prayers for Ally and David as they look for jobs and continue healing. Prayers Jill is feelinng better from vaccines. Prayers Lou is safe treveling and having fun with her daughter. Prayers for Robert and his busy schedule.
Today I ask the Holy Spirit to invade my spirit and make me radiant as Holy Spirit helps, comforts, and transforms. Thanks to everyone for your prayers for us. We also ask that you pray for my dear friend’s little boy Connor, who HS finally had needed surgery to correct many congenital heart defects. He has many physical and developmental challenges and a long road ahead with no certainty as to the outcome. I’m looking forward to starting work. It will be just 3 days a week at first, but hopefully turn into something full-time soon. David and I start our exercise program today.
Robert, I enjoy hearing about your life and give thanks for your and Reich’s progress as you work on your relationship. Julie, so sorry to hear about your tumble and pray for healing and relief from pain. Am praying for a good outcome outcome for your hearing and for peace. Know I’m also lifting up Meghan. Praying also for Marcy and that you hear from her soon. Lou, praying for traveling graces and a wonderful visit with your daughter. Jill, praying that you are feeling much better post-vaccine. You are so right that the temporary discomfort is worth it. Praying that more people who are resistant to getting vaccinated will overcome their hesitation and get vaccinated.
Yesterday was Pentecost Sunday and the hymn of benediction in our church’s service was one I have never sung: O, Young And Fearless Prophet. Beautiful text and I would like to share it, with its history. Will add in reply to my comment. Love and blessings to all!
I believe that people closest to me have seen this change over the past 5 or so years. It can be so subtle, yet it is striking to me as I reflect. My thoughts used to be a mess. I was controlled by them and roiled up too often. As I have said so many times before – this peace – it is sheer gift, beyond what I could have imagined. May it transcend and move out of me to others in our conversations.
I would ask for prayer for my best friend’s brother. Keith has been suffering considerably from Crohn’s Disease. He has had countless surgeries and procedures and the holidays of 2019/20 – he was in the hospital for over 30 days. He had an attack Saturday morning, while at the family lake house. He received a covid fast test and tested positive and had to be transferred to a much bigger facility. During the EMS ride there, he mentally and emotionally lost it and was placed on suicide watch at the hospital. He has covid pneumonia, but no tests revealed the reason for his pain due to Crohns. Since Saturday afternoon he has been to 5 different hospitals, and finally his surgeon and specialist doctor were to meet with him this afternoon. His wife and teenage daughter are very upset, as is my friend and her mom. Keith needs emotional, spiritual and physical health. God, in Your great mercy, hear our prayers and comfort Keith.
I am feeling much stronger today, like my old self. I was able to run this morning and make it through the school day well. I am going to do some yardwork this evening. I bought 4 flats of flowers yesterday afternoon – but doubt I will get to planting them tonight. Need to ready the beds, that is where I will begin.
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