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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

In its broadest arc, the Bible tells the story of our reunion with the God who is our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, our parent by birth and by adoption, the most complete image of our identity. We are legion, we are many, but God has our seemingly infinite variety covered by God’s own infinite image. However we differentiate ourselves, we cannot deny the image of God that imprints us, shaping us in ways our DNA maps cannot describe.

—Rosalind C. Hughes, A Family Like Mine: Biblical Stories of Love, Loss, and Longing (Upper Room Books, 2020)

Today’s Question

What helps you see yourself and others as diverse reflections of God’s image? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

God created humanity in God’s own image,
in the divine image God created them,
male and female God created them.

—Genesis 1:27 (CEB)

Prayer for the Week

God, who is both Father and Mother, I give thanks for your unconditional love, protection, and guidance.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Join The Upper Room on September 30–October 2, 2021, as we create space to reflect on the past 18 months of individual and collective trauma. Our virtual event, RESILIENCE | Healing Practices for Mind, Body, and Spirit, will include storytelling, time for personal reflection and conversation, guided spiritual practice, and worship. Don’t miss out on Early Registration pricing that ends August 30. Learn more here.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

Save 45% on print copies of Disciplines 2021 with the promo code DISC45. Offer good through December 31, 2021.

5 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted August 2, 2021 5:44 am

    The Bible tells me that all humankind is made in the image of God. Godly traits can be seen, experienced, felt at times in every person. That may seem impossible in our experience with some people, but with God all things are possible.
    Prayers for Erich, he is having a very difficult time, his perception is in error. I’ll be home soon and hopefully some help is possible. Thankful he is communicating.
    May NEM needs and concerns be met and thanks given for the blessings of the day. Thank You, Lord.

  • Lou Posted August 2, 2021 7:45 am

    God’s great love unites us all. In Him we are all created and joined together by His never ending love.
    Blessings and peace to all on this beautiful summer day- we have been enjoying a respite from the heat – very beautiful days with windows wide open. Thankful for the beauty of this day. Prayers for Robert and for Erich. May Robert enjoy the remainder his visit with his daughter and her family. Prayers for Erich and his health.
    So good to hear from April- prayers for her and that she and her husband have been happy in the new area they live in. Continued prayers for Julie and may she have good progress in her legal proceedings. Continued prayers for Jill and her family, for Ally and David, and for all who come to this place.
    I enjoyed spending nice time with my son and his girlfriend this weekend – they always make me happy. Thankful for them and the activity they bring to my weekends. Thankful for a nice dinner with close friends. Thankful for the company of my little dog. Small but mighty blessings in my week. Thanks be to God for the many blessings he provides.

  • Julie Posted August 2, 2021 8:43 am

    I struggle with this in the here and now of situations as well as the obvious struggle regarding h. Last night Megan and I went out for dinner and the waitress was very bad at her job and the table next to us complained to the manager. I did likewise because we sat for 20 minutes without so much as our waitress acknowledging our existence. So when does one see another as a reflection of God and also stand up for oneself and not allow yourself to be doormat? A fine line indeed.
    Megan and I spent a lovely day together. We went to the Botanical Gardens in the morning and early afternoon. It was so peaceful and restorative. As the weather began to take a turn, as we knew it would as they were calling for rain to move into our area around 3:00, we left and did our shopping before going for dinner.
    Prayers for Ally, may her health improve and may God lead her to a job. May David’s health continue to improve. Prayers for April and her family and Lou and her family. Prayers for Jill, and Becky as they navigate caring for Larry while also remaining respectful. Prayers that Larry’s health improve and that he visits the doctor soon. Prayers for Robert and his family, may he continue to enjoy his visit with his daughter and granddaughters and may Erich find help for his issues. Prayers for Marti and her staff. Thank you for your prayers and may God bless all who come here today.

  • Ally Posted August 2, 2021 10:21 am

    It is a blessing to note the gifts each of us receive which further the kingdom on earth. As God gave me the gift of music to offer praise and as a tool of therapy to help others, God gave my friend the gift of carpentry so that he may bless others by making repairs or building something beautiful for them. Today I thank God for what each person offers.
    Upon advice of a friend whose husband has similar heart issues to mine, I’m exploring applying for SS disability. This is not what I prefer, but may be best. I contacted a disability attorney on Friday and they will assist with the application. In the meantime, I will continue my job search. Please continue to pray as we look for ways to get through.
    Robert, I’m glad you have enjoyed time with your sister. Prayers for your daughter and her family, that they will meet God. Prayers for your and Erich’s relationship and that lines of communication remain open. Prayers for traveling graces as you prepare to return home. Lou, I’m thankful for your family time and nice weather. I’m so thankful for your doggy and his companionship. Thank you for your prayers for us. Julie, prayers continue for your legal issues and divorce process. I’m glad you and Megan are enjoying time together. Thank you for your prayers. Prayers for Jill and Becky as they care for Larry. Prayers that Larry will experience wellness and be able to do the things he enjoys. Prayers for Jill as she ponders what the new school year will look like. School has already started here in Georgia as of today.
    I’m thanking God for a respite from the heat. After several days of temps near100 and tropical-like humidity, we are ready for this break.
    Praying for safety for all and that people will think of others and get vaccinated. Blessings to all.

  • Jill Posted August 2, 2021 6:14 pm

    The uniqueness in each of us is another way we see His unimaginable creativity. Diverse in talents, emotional make-up, desires.
    A beautiful summer day here – Becky and I took a long bike ride. She had dad out of the house for about 4 hours yesterday, as they took a long ride, got lunch and ice cream. I checked on him on the way home. He decided to cancel golf for tomorrow, trying to behave himself and let the antibiotics do their thing. He sounded better, congestion wise. Grateful the Olympics are on – that gives him some distraction.
    Since golf is cancelled tomorrow – I was able to jump in as the fourth in a morning doubles match. I am also playing singles in the evening.
    Prayers for Robert and Erich, for Robert’s continued enjoyment with his daughter and family and for Erich’s concerns. Prayers for Ally and David, may either the job search the the disability lead to a more comfortable financial situation. Prayers of thanksgiving for Lou and heartwarming times with her children, as well as the companionship of a pet. Prayers for continued perseverance for Julie and Meghan – may they continue to find respite in each others’ company on outings.

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