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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

The early Christian community drew people irresistibly because it offered a rich alternative. New followers were enveloped into a family of faith that offered care and support. Early Christianity grew because people prayed together, read the Word together, and looked after one another’s basic needs for food or shelter. Historians tell us that Christians nursed each other through the plagues of fatal illness that rampaged through the densely populated, unsanitary Roman cities, while other groups abandoned the ill to their death. In its origins, if not now, the Christian community offered relationship, care, and survival in harsh times.

—Dee Dee Risher, The Soulmaking Room (Upper Room Books, 2016)

Today’s Question

When has the family of faith offered you relationship and care in harsh times? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
—Hebrews 13:16 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Creator God, I give this day over to you and to the mystery of faith. I commit space and time in this very day for soul work.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

How can we find light and hope in this unprecedented year? Join Blue Christmas author Todd Outcalt as we seek to find the light in a season of darkness. Register today for The Upper Room online Advent course.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

3 Comments

  • Jill Posted November 14, 2020 5:35 am

    It still…God still amazes me – His perfect timing…I felt led to leave the church I had been at for over 15 years. Nothing specific happened, no one said or did anything. I just knew I wasn’t going back one Sunday in March of 2017. And I found a church, welcomed by my tennis friend. Then things began to occur, my diagnosis, dad’s health issues, mom’s diagnosis. And the small group, led by my friend, completely encircled me with their love, timely texts and calls, supportive cards, and prayers. And so many of them were the younger generation, with families, jobs, issues of their own. Yet their thoughfulness and care was and remains evident. I sit here, shaking my head – I didn’t deserve this. But, grace. God’s grace. Thank You, Father. Show me, in these times, how I can meet others’ needs.
    My friend is coming over today to help me with some technology stuff. I bought a new printer/scanner/copier…it will help with teaching from home. My current printer is functional, but on its last legs. It can only have one piece of paper in the tray at one time, or it jams. Having a scanner on this one will be immensely helpful. Also – when dad upgraded his tv, I took his old one. “Old” – but it is newer than the one I currently had. It is a smart tv. When I brought it home, I was unable to move the other one upstairs to my bedroom because it was so heavy I could not lift it high enough to put in on my armoire. So – I just put the smart tv upstairs. But – as basketball season approaches – I will be watching my god daughter’s games on YouTube – it is very unlikely I will attend any in person. So, I need the smart tv downstairs by my router. She is going to get both up and running appropriately. She is also bringing over her blower. So – I will be blowing the leaves out of my driveway while she gets my tech re-arranged and functioning.
    My best friend – I stopped by her house last night to drop off something. Her husband works at GoJo – which is the place which makes Purell. I got two big containers of Purell and two containers of Purell soap – to share with dad. Two years ago I got a big bag of all things Purell which I took to school and used in my classroom. It’s not always what you know, but who you know.
    Holding this group and its concerns before the Lord, today and always.

  • robert moeller Posted November 14, 2020 5:56 am

    I’m very family oriented and I’ve not had a human best friend outside my family all my life. At 73 I some how don’t expect that to change. The last 23 years God has been much more important, I feel comforted, supported, and am at ease. Thankfully I am able to help others whether family, friends, or name unknown. Blessings to you and prayers for you as long as I am able. Thank You, Lord.

  • Julie Posted November 14, 2020 8:11 am

    I had best friends growing up but not since adulthood. The closest I can think to people fulfilling this role in my life is this group of commentors.
    Prayers for Jill and her many needs being met through various friends.
    Prayers for Robert and his family who are lucky to have such a champion in their corner.
    Prayers for Marcy who I hope to have a long chat with this afternoon so I can fiind out how her week has been health wise.
    Prayers for Lou, who commented this week, nice to hear a familiar”voice” and glad she and her family are still doing well
    Prayers for Ally, may she find the cardiac symptoms abating as she continues to recover and heal. Alll is done in God’s time. May David grow stronger as well.

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