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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

Compared to most African Americans of his time, Thurman was fortunate. His mother and grandmother supported his education; he attended America’s best colleges, and he achieved professional status as Dean of the Chapel at Howard University and Boston University. White and black audiences sought out Thurman for his gifted preaching. But he was still black in racially divided America and still faced prejudice, injustice, and hatred for the color of his
skin. . . .

Thurman’s mystic vision showed him that he was God’s beloved child, despite the racism he suffered throughout his life.

—Bruce G. Epperly, The Mystic in You: Discovering a God-Filled World (Upper Room Books, 2017)

Today’s Question

Who has helped you know that you are God’s beloved child?
Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!
—1 John 3:1 (NIV)

Prayer for the Week

God who guides us in the quest for justice, awaken my heart to growing edges in my life and in the healing of the world. Amen.
—Prayer excerpted from Bruce G. Epperly, “Prayer of Awareness and Transformation,” The Mystic in You
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

This Independence Day, give back to our servicemen and servicewomen who sacrifice so much for our freedom. Support The Upper Room Chaplains’ Ministry.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

4 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted June 29, 2022 6:46 am

    In different ways and at different times my parents, confirmation teachers, a pastor, possibly people I don’t recognize, NEM, and ,in ways I don’t fully understand, God has helped me know I am beloved. . Yesterday’s weather was spectacular. I hiked the hills east of town and visited the old granite quarry. No stone has been quarried since the 40s. The remains of equipment used can be seen. The quarry is full of water. Bullfrogs were full voiced trying to out do each other. I can not delay catching up with you. It comes next from my computer.
    Then more work on the message for Sunday. Thank You, Lord.

  • robert moeller Posted June 29, 2022 7:23 am

    Prayers for caregivers Ally (David’s fall, broken hip), Julie, (h’s sudden decline and fall), and April (long term care for loved one). Thankful Jill enjoys tennis even in a loss, and can play golf with her Dad who does well at his age. Thankful she has people from cancer group to share fellowship and her meaningful tattoo..Enjoying a botanical garden is always an uplifting experience, Julie. Glad you had the opportunity. Lou adjusts very well to changes with children out of the house. The beach has an amazing comforting effect on Jill. That’s a blessing. Prayers for Ally going forward with financial concerns. Lord, this country really needs You. May Your wisdom guide come to all and may democracy succeed. Thank You, Lord, Thank you all for your prayers.

  • Julie Posted June 29, 2022 9:16 am

    My maternal grandparents and the wonderful friends here at NEM.
    H continues to improve now that I am making sure he gets his meds. But he still needs me to direct him to do each task. And when done he is just at loose ends until I think of something else for him to do.
    Prayers for Ally and David, may David’s pain be light and his healing be swift. I pray the rehab facility people are able to help him work on his stability so no more falls occur. Prayers for Ally, may the Lord walk with her through her many trials. Prayers for April, Lou and Rick and Scott. Prayers for Jill as she shares her powerful story with those who notice her meaningful tatoo. Prayers for Robert as he enjoys nature and prepares for leading the church service this Sunday, may God speak through him.

  • Jill Posted June 29, 2022 1:44 pm

    Maybe not the answer anticipated, but trials and rough patches provide the most optimal ground for recognizing His love, grace and mercy for me. His peace is profoundly evident in the midst of uncertain circumstances. While “all other ground is sinking sand” – I find His steadfastness the manna I need. I don’t go looking for trials, and unlike James – my first inkling is not to rejoice. But, then, in the midst of the storm and most assuredly the aftermath – I can see His hand. That is evidence of His love, provision and sovereignty in my life.
    Was to golf 9 holes with a friend this morning, but she cancelled. So, I went and played quickly and enjoyably on my own. Stopped into school – our new principal was named – and I think they got it right, finally. She has been an assistant principal in the building the last 3 years and I think the staff is going to be very happy.
    Super important tennis match this evening. Tonight’s team is undefeated and we play the team who gave us the closest competition the first time around. We narrowly beat them 3 courts to 2. Our undefeated singles player is out of town, so our line up is going to be jumbled. Maybe some of the opposition will be out of town with it being close to 4th of July. Looking forward to the intensity of a good match. My partner and I were one of the two losses last time, so we need will have a little payback on our minds.

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