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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

“When I experience losses and have to find a new way, one thing that helps is thinking of God as the One who wants to give me the strength and help to move forward.” —Harold, age 91

When Jesus says, “I am the way,” he is letting us know that the route that’s always reliably open is the God in whom Jesus put his faith. Our deepest identity is not to be found in all the changing ways we find to get around in this life; rather, it is in our following Jesus’ way of trusting God through all our changes. Harold reminds us that in all life’s losses, God wants to make a way for us. In trusting this is so, we may be granted “strength and help to move forward” into the Holy Mystery that lies ahead.

—Susan Carol Scott, Still Praying After All These Years: Meditations for Later Life (Upper Room Books, 2019)

Today’s Question

Where have you felt God’s strength and help in moving forward? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
—John 14:6, NRSV

Prayer for the Week

Sustainer of all that is, give me faith that hopes in what I cannot see. Thank you for the small miracles that find me each day.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Breathe. Join The Upper Room’s newest online retreat, Finding Your Breath: An Introduction to Centering Prayer with Kara Lassen Oliver. Register today.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

4 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted April 20, 2021 6:20 am

    That a new pastor is coming, through worship and Bible study, in overcoming debt, after my wife passed away (today would have been our 46th wedding anniversary) – these are all ways where I have felt God’s strength and help in moving forward. Prayers for good health, safety, recovery, and well-being to you all. I have a busy day, am up early getting ready. Thank You, Lord.

  • Lou Posted April 20, 2021 6:36 am

    On days that I thought I would not make it through – God always picks me up and helps me through. he shows me the way through small miracles everyday. My hope is in you Lord. Too many times I find my focus on earthly things and God shows me the way and points me to the rest and comfort and peace that is found in the promise of life eternal where there will be peace and no pain.
    Prayers for you Robert on your anniversary day.
    Prayers of peace and healing for Julie, Marcy and Ally. Prayers for Jill, April, Rick and all who come to the UR today. May all find comfort in God who is the way, the truth and the light.

  • Julie Posted April 20, 2021 8:48 am

    Each day as I would not be capable of getting through this valley without the Lord. H left early this morning, I asuume to physical therapy. He even spent the few minutes he was in my presence to demand I do something for him. My days of abuse start early these days. Thank you Lord for holding me through these days and seeing me through to the better place you have for me.
    Prayers for Robert on this anniversary, may it bring warm and happy memories.
    Prayers for Lou and her clients, may all have rewarding sessions together and may Lou gain insight from her interactions with her clients
    Prayers for April and how wonderful that she shared her faith and words of grace with us yesterday.
    Prayers for Ally and her job search and thumb and for David and his continued healing.
    Prayers for Jill and her tennis partner, may their travel be safe and may they be filled with awe from the beauty of God’s creation they encountered on the west coast.
    Prayers for the UR one and all

  • Jill Posted April 20, 2021 2:05 pm

    God helps me when I feel weary from walking along dad on his grief road. God’s timing is perfect – and I must stay near to Him to have sufficient strength and wisdom. He replenishes as only He can, through the perfect work of His Spirit.
    My first time in California was very pleasant. We were so fortunate to find the casita we were able to rent – it was so very close to the coast. 1 block and we were able to be at the edge of the cliff to see the sunset. Each morning we walked along the beach, sipping our coffee we had bought at a local cafe. Dogs frolicking in the water, surfers in their wet suits and gads and gads of parrots making a lovely raucous. The smell of salt air is just invigorating. And the brilliant sunshine in moderate temps was perfect for our time there.
    The tennis could have gone better – but we went to 3 sets in all of our matches – and felt fortunate to have the opportunity. We ended up winning 2 and losing 3. Our final match was against 2 ladies from New Hampshire – so I thought of you, Robert. All of us in the consolation bracket were from cold weather states who play primarily indoors. All but one of the championship bracket teams were from southern states who play all of their tennis outdoors. The brilliant sun and wind does make a difference.
    Our last match was early on Sunday, so we spent the remainder of the day taking in sights along the coast. We went south to the city and had lunch on the water and walked around a little shoppe area. Then we headed north to La Jolla Cove – where the sea lions and seals were on the rocks at the beach. We just moseyed around, taking in all the sights, sounds and smells. We finished by driving up to Torrey Pines – the sight of this summer’s golf US Open Championship. My doubles partner bought her husband a pullover and I bought dad a sweatshirt from the Pro Shop.
    Both of us were glad we took the trip and enjoyed the time to walk around our beach neighborhood, walk to dinner each night and eat outside and just have an utter change of pace.
    It is good to be home. I got in late – but spent some time with Roger. It will be good to get home after school and spend some time in the recliner with him and his blanket tonight.

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