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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 difference between food secure people with addictions and food insecure people with addictions is money. When we say we shouldn’t give a person a fish but teach him or her to fish, we presume that the person doesn’t already know how to fish. When we try to “fix” or transform the persons who come to our food ministries, we presume that they are damaged and need to be fixed. Yet it’s not the damage but the poverty that causes food insecurity. The systems that cause poverty are what need fixing—not the people.

—Elizabeth Mae Magill, Five Loaves, Two Fish, Twelve Volunteers: Growing a Relational Food Ministry (Upper Room Books, 2020)

Today’s Question

What would it look like for you to focus on “fixing” systems rather than individuals? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom.
—James 3:13 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Creator God,
Help me see Jesus in those around me. Help me see that Jesus is present among all people, including those who lack food, drink, and clothing and those who are strangers, sick, and imprisoned.
Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Enhance your daily time with God with Sight Psalms, a free online photo inspiration intended to help people reflect on God’s presence in the world and in their lives. Each day, a new photograph is posted to evoke reflection and inspiration. Click here to sign up or submit an image that inspires you.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

Trinity Sunday (May 30)

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

4 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted May 29, 2021 6:34 am

    There is some truth in this statement, “The systems that cause poverty are what need fixing—not the people.” A living wage is not available for everyone. Many jobs are not even full time. Work 40 hours a week and you should be able to provide for a family of four. Income disparity worsens every day. At the same time there are people who have the resources to live, but mismanage them causing not only harm to themselves, but to others as well. I’m very thankful for the resources I have. Thank You Lord. The insulated curtain is in place, looks great, and should do the job, Water pump installed, engine runs as it should. Thank You, Lord. Prayers remembering the sacrifice of service members and also support for those who mourn them. Hope that one day military cemeteries will be a thing of the past as God’s kingdom comes.

  • robert moeller Posted May 29, 2021 7:02 am

    Prayers of healing for Julie after her fall, for David’s tests and health, Marcy’s many needs, Thankful Jill saw her graduating students, celebrated a tennis partner’s birthday, plays golf with her Dad, Lou had wonderful visits with her children. Prayers for Julie’s divorce, Ally’s job, Jill’s Dad and sister, and Lou’s work helping others. Thankful Pearl is doing so well, Erich is working hard on his writing of a children’s book, practicing music for the opening of a music venue, helping with meals, shopping, car and house cleaning, and taking good care of Pearl. Progress on the tv table and masking tape to produce the stripes on the Brill car. Trinity Sunday via ZOOM tomorrow, plans for in person worship being formulated. Pastor transition coming along smoothly, very thankful there will continue to be a pastor in this community of faith, Center Conway NH UMC. Thank You, Lord

  • Julie Posted May 29, 2021 8:27 am

    Even our governor cannot change the system! He has been trying to raise the minimum wage in PA since his first days in office and continues to meet resistance from our republican held legislature. He is currently trying again by using the disparencies which came to the forefront during the pandemic. I pray for his scccess this time.
    Prayers for Robert and his church as they transition pastors. Prayers of ggratitude for Pearl’s health and also the “health” of the car. Prayers for Allyy’s job and health and David’s health both physical and emotional. Prayers for Jill and Larry and their golf “tour”, may it resume this weekend with no more injuries. Prayers for Lou’s good report of her recent visit with one daughter as well as the upcoming visit from her other daughter. Prayers for Marcy who I will try to reach today.

  • Jill Posted May 29, 2021 5:27 pm

    This seems monumental…changing the system. I don’t know how to even begin to have an impact in this way. Yes, I know – vote. But, even that seems remote and non productive, quite honestly. I guess the impact I feel I can have on “the system” – is in education. And even there, I am mostly removed from the most needy, as the vast majority of my students come from a home which prioritizes education.
    Lunch with the friend from the cancer support group who came along side me. We had not seen each other since we took a walk last August. We text weekly, sometimes more often. It was good to have time to catch up. My third time eating in a restaurant. I think I will be comfortable doing this when dad and I head to the beach in a week.
    Too chilly today to plant flowers. Maybe tomorrow or Monday.
    As we say here in Ohio – of course it is Memorial Day – our furnaces are on. Yes, welcome summer.

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