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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

Forgiveness constitutes a decision to call forth and rebuild that love which is the only authentic ground of any human relationship. Such love forms the sole secure ground of our relationship with God as well. Indeed, it is only because God continually calls forth and rebuilds this love with us that we are capable of doing so with one another. Thus, to forgive is to participate in the mystery of God’s love.

—Marjorie J. Thompson, in Forgiveness: Perspectives on Making Peace with Your Past, compiled and introduced by Amy Lyles Wilson (Fresh Air Books, 2008)

Today’s Question

How does focusing on God’s love help you forgive others? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

When deeds of iniquity overwhelm us,
you forgive our transgressions.

—Psalm 65:3 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.

(This week’s prayer can be found in Matthew 6:9-13, NIV.)
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

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Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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5 Comments

  • Ally Posted September 26, 2021 9:54 am

    My takeaway from today’s reading is that for my relationship with the Lord to stand on solid ground, I (with God’s help) must choose to step out and forgive those who have wronged me. Hmmm. I confess my primary method of dealing has been to not deal. If I do, then I start dwelling on those old hurts. Right now, I am sitting in my bitterness. That is not a good place to be. Lord, help me to make the choice to move forward in forgiveness.
    I pray all of us can do the same. God can use us broken vessels. Let us not forget that. I hold all of you close. Blessings.

  • Lou Posted September 26, 2021 2:47 pm

    I appreciate Ally’s honesty here- we are all broken – so true. If I truly focus on God’s love completely then nothing else really matters- the past hurts, the old wounds- those don’t matter if we truly believe in God’s all encompassing love. But as Ally said we are all broken and we are human and we react in that way. We keep trying and we know that God has mercy on us and forgives us and keeps pushing us forward and guiding us on.
    Prayers for all on this beautiful fall Sunday. I attended church in person inside for the first time in many many months. I kept to myself in the back corner so it wasn’t the same sort of worship but getting closer and I do enjoined our wonderful sanctuary, organ, and singing along and praying along with my fellow worshipers.
    Praying for God’s love to encompass you all in the week ahead – may he continue to bless you and keep you safe.

  • Jill Posted September 26, 2021 7:01 pm

    This week’s readings on forgiveness has been very good. The Spirit is working on each of us. May we be in tune, ready to confess and seek guidance and assistance moving forward in God’s will. For me, when I am uncomfortable, I must lean in all the more and listen to the still small voice.
    Wonderful to be in church this morning. It was a beautiful Fall morning, and it just seemed extra good to be in God’s house with His people.
    More luxurious time at home this afternoon – watching football, doing more schoolwork, just being non-hurried. Tennis this evening – a good win for our team. Continuing to take it easy on my court – and had an easy win. Hope I feel no repercussions in the AM.
    Happy end of September to all. May we bask in the warmth of His love and grace – spreading it to those around us.

  • robert moeller Posted September 27, 2021 2:44 am

    A just super weekend in VT, even was inside my first church from more than 60 years ago. As with everything many changes, some + and some -. Yes , forgiveness is hard, but we have a great
    example to follow an God’s help to make it happen. Leaves changing, some spoiled by recent wind and rain, but many more waiting their turn to change. Prayers fir good health in all circumstances, be safe, Thank You, Lord.

  • Ally Posted September 27, 2021 3:48 am

    If God can love me outrageously, then I can love others a little bit. Lord, break down the barriers in my heart to your love and help me extend grace to others. I thank God for you, my friends. I ask God to bless you and keep you safe.

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