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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.

 

Words of Hope During COVID-19

Mighty Raising, on staff at Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church, talks about how journaling during the COVID quarantine has helped him. His journal has become a record of God’s faithfulness over the years. It helps him process his worries and express his prayers.

 

Today’s Reflection

Our forgiving is rooted in God’s forgiveness of us. Because we know ourselves to be forgiven, we too can forgive. God is in the business of creating a new future out of our mistakes and bad decisions, out of our wounds and our woundings. The Holy One is interested in healing the past and helping us move into the reality of God’s own realm, called in scripture “the kingdom of God.”

—Marjorie J. Thompson, Companions in Christ: The Way of Forgiveness (Upper Room Books, 2002)

Today’s Question

How can receiving and extending forgiveness help you join in creating the new future God desires for all people? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Put aside all bitterness, losing your temper, anger, shouting, and slander, along with every other evil. Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to each other, in the same way God forgave you in Christ.
—Ephesians 4:31-32 (CEB)

Prayer for the Week

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, your love, and your forgiveness.
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.

4 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted May 2, 2020 7:16 am

    I believe forgiveness is not only a Christian value and act, but clearly can be done by anyone. There s forgiveness that only God, Christ can accomplish, but one does not have to be a Christian to forgive. I may have known this before watched a drama about Jang Geum Suh, but it was reinforced there. Hurt by others she enters the medical profession initially intent on revenge, but treats both foreign enemies and those who hurt her. She forgives those who put her through a very arduous life and finally is recognized for both her talent and virtue. I do think God’s forgiveness is supreme for there are situations that are more difficult and only God can accomplish. We are told to ask “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” God can and does empower, enable us to forgive when we don’t have all that’s needed on our own.

    I try to look at everyone convicted of crimes and see them as Christ sees them. It isn’t easy, but I think I am making progress. I know someone who has come to Christ while in prison. What a blessing.

    A wonderful day, sun shining and ever greener grass. Thank You, Lord!

  • Jill Posted May 2, 2020 7:34 am

    As I read through the paragraph, I had to pause and re-read it. The conclusion seems so evident, yet I had not made that connection previously. Indeed…His kingdom come…one of the foundational stones must be forgiveness. As I think about “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done…on earth as it is in Heaven.” Yes – of course – forgiveness is evident and bountiful, and out of that we live and love freely. Yes, wholesome healing of our wounds…perhaps the deepest being the wound we inflict on ourselves by not offering forgiveness to another. How beautiful. Praise to You, Father – for making us able to forgive, thus cleansing ourselves.
    Meeting a friend this afternoon at a local “gem” – where there is an estate of a former prominent person in our city – which now serves as a place for weddings, celebrations. It hosts a craft fair in the fall which I attend. It has several acres of gardens – and they are now open for social distance strolling. And the weather for tomorrow looks even better – warmer and sunny, with rain no longer in the forecast. Should be good for both dad and I to enjoy a round of golf tomorrow afternoon.

  • Julie Posted May 2, 2020 8:34 am

    What a wonderful concept, if we practice forgiveness then we become an instrument of His, bringing forth His kingdom. As Jill pointed out, Thy kingdom come, thy will be done…” so as we forgive thus doing ‘His will” wwe are allowing “His kingdom” to be manifested here on earth “as it is in heaven.” We must strive to forgive as He does, as befits Him and His kingdom both His heavenly kingdom as well as His earthly kingdom.
    Prayers for Jill and her coming social engagements, may all stay safe and healthy while also socialinzing in person.
    Prayers for Robert as he finds Biblical truths even in foreign films that resonate in His soul and facilitate his memories.
    Prayers for Allly and David. Prayers of thanksgiving that Ally spoke with a member of the rehab facilities management and received encouraging news. Prayers for success as she seeks additional insurance coverage. Prayers for David as he continues to do his strenuous work of recovery. May both be safe and healthy and reunited soon.
    I have decided that Megan and I will go to the eye doctor’s on Monday. We will wait in the car and we will not do the many tests prior to seeing the doctor. We will just see him and have the actual exam, no more. I will convey this to them when we arrive.
    Prayers and thank you abd stay safe and healthy dear UR

  • Ally Posted May 2, 2020 9:08 pm

    If believers love and serve each other, then extending and receiving grace is crucial. Forgiveness is love. It is one way Jesus demonstrated His love: by forgiving those who crucified Him. If we model forgiveness, others may see Jesus in us and want to be a part of the new future in Christ.
    David took 10 steps in therapy yesterday ! I saw him briefly when I went to pick up his laundry. His tech brought him to the door when she brought his clothes out. We talked for about 5 minutes. A friend went with me and kept me company while I did the laundry. We sat outside because the sitting area was closed. Then we picked up lunch and ate in the car. We live 2 hours away, but it was a lovely day and we had a good trip. I’ll go back Friday for a family training session so I can help David when he comes home. I’m humbled by your kindness to us and ask that you continue prayers. Know that I pray each day for you and your needs. Hope everyone is having a nice weekend!

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