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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

A brother at Scetis committed a fault. A council was called to which Abba Moses was invited, but he refused to go to it. Then the priest sent someone to say to him, “Come, for everyone is waiting for you.” So he got up and went. He took a leaking jug, filled it with water, and carried it with him. The others came out to meet him and said to him, “What is this, Father?” The old man said to them, “My sins run out behind me, and I do not see them, and today I am coming to judge the errors of another.” When they heard that, they said no more to the brother but forgave him.

—Keith Beasley-Topliffe, Editor, Writings of the Desert Fathers & Mothers (Upper Room Books, 2017)

Today’s Question

What invitation do you find in today’s quote? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Be tolerant with each other and, if someone has a complaint against anyone, forgive each other. As the Lord forgave you, so also forgive each other.
—Colossians 3:13 (CEB)

Prayer for the Week

Lord, as you will, and as you know, have mercy.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

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Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

3 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted January 22, 2021 8:16 am

    A great story with a very deep and important lesson. I’m trying hard to be like that. It’s hard to balance the laws and legal system with the truths of the Bible.
    Hope you are all soon able to register for a virus shot, was able to do that this morning and in 3-5 days will get an email to set up the appointment. Progress in DC on getting the vaccine not just out to states, but in the arms of people.
    A good but very short breakfast with the pastor this morning, Regulars posted, but our pastor had another meeting to attend.
    Colder weather, a whisper of new snow.
    Many blessings, they come every day, just need to pay attention. Thank You, Lord.

  • Julie Posted January 22, 2021 8:30 am

    I love how the most simple stories can have the most profound and vital lessons. I also like the story of Jesus’ inviting those who are sinless to throw the first stone. I find it difficult to forgive some but easy to forgive others. Have tried to work on this. I watched a sermon regarding forgiveness and the pastor had to learn how to forgive someone who had inflicted legal problems on him despite his innocence. He started with praying simple easy prayers for the person. Something I pray they don’t stub their toe today. He eventually was able to truly pray for the person’s well being.
    Prayers for Robert and I add my own prayers for the new president and congress to move swiftly to address pandemic related issues. I pray for the Lord to be with President Biden, leading him as he tries to grapple with the mess left by an individual who eschewed all his responsibilities.
    Prayers for Ally and David and Ally’s cousin, Rachel. May Rachel’s procedure go smoothly and may her pain cease.
    Prayers for Jill and Larry. Prayers that Larry experiences no side effects from the vaccine.

  • Jill Posted January 22, 2021 4:49 pm

    This very simple, yet poignant story makes me think about others’ specks and my logs. I can easily see others faults and be very critical. Something I acquired as a natural thing from my mom, and something I pray to be increasingly aware of and seeking to have it be less and less in my life. When I catch myself critiquing – I pray that God would reveal my log – things He which are so noticeable to Him, which need eradicated from my life.
    I am grateful for the end of the work week. Only 4 days, but seemingly as wearying as any other. My last class today puts me on such a rollercoaster. I felt positive about our communication Wednesday. Today, I was unable to engage anyone, kept offering opportunities for them to speak. Nothing. Just looking at 12 icons on the screen, all muted. I finally was so discouraged I dismissed them early, for fear I would say something I would regret, or in a tone which I would regret. We’ll try again next week.

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