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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

Each reflection this week features a meditation written by teens for other teens. Listen for words of wisdom from another generation.

BOOKS PILE HIGH and fill my mind,
surrounding me on every side,
“Get work done, no time for fun.”
It seems that life keeps piling on.
I don’t think God meant for me
to live my life so stressfully;
so the next time this angst hits,
I’ll think of Jesus and the peace he gives.

—Ian Kraft, age 18 (Burke, Virginia)
Stepping Out on Your Own: Devotions for High School Graduates

From page 62 of Stepping Out on Your Own, introduced and compiled by Kara Lassen Oliver. Copyright © 2010 by Upper Room Books. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. Learn more about or purchase this book.

Today’s Question

What can you carry with you as a reminder to focus on God during busy days?  Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

“The Lord gives strength to his people;
the Lord blesses his people with peace.”
—Psalm 29:11, NIV

Prayer for the Week

Lord, lead me to still waters and restore my soul. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.

Something More

Interested in resources for the young people in your life? Sign up for Rising Generations, The Upper Room’s newest newsletter offering. Whether you’re a church leader or parent, this bimonthly newsletter provides tips and tools for ministry with children, youth, and young adults.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

Sponsored by The Upper Room. Copyright © 2019 | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA

9 Comments

  • Jill Posted August 3, 2019 5:37 am

    When I was at the beach this past winter break – my friend bought me a little silver sand dollar and told me to carry it in my pocket each day – and when I became unsettled – thinking about mom – to just rub it in my pocket. There was a lot of rubbing going on there for several months. It now serves as a memento – and sits on a shelf in my kitchen.
    Continuing to enjoy humidity free summer days, abundant sunshine and beautiful skies with some puffy clouds. A golf outing today to support my school’s athletic department. It will be good to see many colleagues, some who are playing and some who are volunteering.

  • Julie Posted August 3, 2019 7:48 am

    God’s word is what I take with me. I have memorized several verses pertaining to strength and His proximity always.
    Prayers for Jill and her golf companions, may their fundraiser be successful.
    Prayers for Andrea and her guests to have a wonderful visit.
    Prayers for Betsy to have an uneventful move.
    Prayers for Connie and may her health improve.
    Prayers for Lou and her daughter, may they enjoy the remaining time before college.
    Prayers for Mary, may she have a restful weekend.
    Prayers for Marcy and her health.
    Prayers for healing for Erich and social connections for Robert.
    Prayers, blessings, warm hugs and thank you every UR family member

    • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted August 3, 2019 8:32 am

      Thanks Julie!

      So glad to hear that you are strong and deeply rooted in God’s word, prepared for any storm in life!

      I have a note book where I take down notes from sermons, Bible verses that I am memorizing and prayers. It also has a list of people and tasks I’ve committed to God. Somehow, it reminds me to focus on God when I’m busy.

      Blessings!

      Yes, Bj, we will pray for one another!

  • Bj Posted August 3, 2019 7:55 am

    Good morning, UR family! “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” Psalm 118:24. May we pray for one another daily.

  • Bj Posted August 3, 2019 7:58 am

    Yes, Julie, thank you for your daily prayers for this UR family. May the Lord continue to bless you and keep you.

    • Julie Posted August 3, 2019 9:04 am

      Thank you BJ. May God bless you and keep you as well.

  • robert moeller Posted August 3, 2019 9:27 pm

    My timing is very unusual today. Up from 2-5 am, then slept till 9, had a good walk in part of an old quarry, watched baseball, had a nap, and watched baseball again. Can’t stay up much longer, the cat will be by in a little while.
    Have no experience carrying anything to remind me that God is always there.
    Am very sure of that. God’s peace be with you!

    Thankful for the UR family and Julie’s prayers. You are all in my heart as well.

  • Freddie Surber Posted August 4, 2019 12:50 am

    I think that a crucifix is my reminder even though I rarely need it for that purpose.

  • Nancy Bryan Posted August 5, 2019 7:21 pm

    Everyone has a lot on their platter – sometimes it is just the small stuff like sorting mail and bills, gassing up the car, picking up milk and eggs. But there are things called distractions along the way! We all seem to add to our list of “must do”, right now! The New Testament tells us how Jesus’s ministry took him from one place to another, teaching, healing, caring for the sick; every time he turned around more folks were following him, tugging at his sleeve, asking for just one more minute of his time. And Jesus also took his “time out”, up the mountain, into the boat, praying in silence. We all need a time during each day or a time set aside for self care, a time for silence and reflection. Then all those dos and shoulds are not overwhelming but part of life that we all share in one degree or another. I keep post-its for prayers in front of me: for those I know and for strangers whose needs are greater than I am experiencing. I read spiritual literature, keep notes and reflect as I learn. Self care invites me to turn off my immediate needs and tune in with God.

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