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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 the modern Jewish tradition, this ancient gift of time is still observed as a day of freedom from the thirty-nine categories of work—everything from plowing, sowing, ripping, cooking, wringing a wet garment, tying a knot, building, demolishing, to carrying something from the public to the private domain or vice versa. Instead, sabbath is time spent with God in prayer and study and time spent with family and community. No money is exchanged or touched on the sabbath. No one travels, takes part in goal-oriented self-improvement, tackles difficult issues or problems, or produces, creates, or destroys anything.

—J. Dana Trent, For Sabbath’s Sake: Embracing Your Need for Rest, Worship, and Community (Upper Room Books, 2017)

Today’s Question

How do you spend the sabbath?
Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

The seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. Do not do any work on it—not you, your sons or daughters, your male or female servants, your animals, or the immigrant who is living with you.
—Exodus 20:10 (CEB)

Prayer for the Week

Holy God, help me find freedom in the gift of sabbath. Guide me to build regular sabbath time into my life. Amen.
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 July 7, 2022 5:55 am

    Church on Sunday has been almost lifelong. There were times when that was not the case. Don’t think I have ever set aside the whole day for God focused activities. There were tines when school work took over. After 6 preps a day, Saturday was a non school day, but to be ready for the upcoming week, Sunday was very school focused. While worship was possible in the army, duty also called. Church was very close during my time in Korea.
    So thankful, Julie, the POA went through and didn’t cost anything, the donation you mentioned sounds good. Caregiving has + and – sides, but when the task is done you will be glad you did it. Cared for my Mom for seven years. thankfully shared with my sister. Great golfing news, Jill, the rains held the temps down. Thankful for your support for Meg. Prayers for Ally and financial help, David’s recovery, April and her loved one, Rick and Scott, Lou and her family. Thank You, Lord.
    Going to NEM posts before reading the NEW reflection of the day is working out well.

  • Julie Posted July 7, 2022 9:13 am

    This is my second attempt to comment…..lost in cybersapce the first time
    I spend the Sabbath either with Megan or by meself. When by myself I attend church then I like to walk and think and if outside I listen to nature.
    Things are getting difficult with h because he has no interests and is complaining about “sitting and rotting.” I tried offering suggestions but he scoffed at each of them and became increasingly beligerent. I had therapy afterward and was able to process the episode. The therapist gave me techniques to use to diffuse his manipulation and abuse.
    Prayers for Ally and David, that both the rehab and the disability appeal are progressing well. Prayers for Jill as she continues to be a resource for those whose loved one has cancer. Prayers for Robert, may he blessed as he blesses his church, community and family.

  • Ally Posted July 7, 2022 12:28 pm

    Our Sabbath is usually fairly restful. Worship, then a quiet rest of the day at home. Sometimes we do lunch with church friends.
    David is doing well in therapy. He has less pain and is progress. Thanks be to God. I am dealing with a situation regarding the friend I would have been working with that requires wisdom and discernment. Please pray for me to Ser the correct boundaries with this person. The disability process continues. I spoke with home health so we can get that set up for David when he comes home.
    Thanks so much for your prayers for David and me. Know that I am praying for the things close to your hearts. Love and blessings to all.

  • Jill Posted July 7, 2022 5:28 pm

    Sunday is a day where time is spent in church, with family or at home preparing for the week. All are necessary. Some members of my church do it to the extent mentioned above – they do not eat out, shop or do anything which causes another to work. They also are “unplugged” and their children do no schoolwork. When I heard about this a few summers ago in a Bible study, I was honestly taken aback. I then spent some time talking over my habits/routines with God.
    After an appointment this morning, spent the day down at Becky, Don and dads. We ordered in Chinese and played cards. Will do much the same Saturday as that is the day we had planned to celebrate my sister’s birthday. Today just kinda happened. It was enjoyable.
    Going to get out for a walk this evening, since I just sat around all day and ate way too much. Waiting for Roger to finish his dinner, so I can give him his shot. I don’t think he has been feeling too good these past few days. He didn’t eat supper two evenings ago, and seems to be a reluctant eater. Once he gets to eating, he seems to be ok. Certainly not eating more, like the vet recommended. Keeping my eye on him.

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