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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.

 

Join us for Morning Prayer at 11:00 AM CT

Today, Good Friday, Kara Lassen Oliver will lead us in a Tenebrae Service, also known as a Service of Shadows, from her home. Join us at 11:00 AM CT as we pray together and reflect on Jesus’s journey to the cross.

Today’s Reflection

Asking for what we need does not guarantee we will get what we ask for. This is part of the mystery of having a relationship with God and seeking God’s will for us. But always, through asking, we learn humility, discover our dependence on God and on others, and allow both God and others to show their care for us. By humbly asking God for what we need—and also by asking companions and mentors for help—our relationship becomes more honest, vulnerable, and intimate.

—Anthony Egan, Trevor Hudson, and Russell Pollitt, Divine Friendship: Reflections for Lent (Upper Room Books, 2018)

Today’s Question

How might asking for what you need today create a more intimate relationship? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.
—Philippians 4:6-7 (CEB)

Prayer for the Week

May this Holy Week be one of challenge, growth, and an ever-deepening friendship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Let us join in prayer together with this Good Friday Prayer.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

4 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted April 10, 2020 5:38 am

    We are asked not be served, but to serve. Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, care for the widow, visit those in prison, love thy neighbor, pray for our enemies. Praying for and doing these bring us closer to Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit. Thank You, Lord, for paying the debt of our sins. Without Your love and obedience we are lost. Keep watch this day for what Jesus did. Thank You, Lord.

  • Jill Posted April 10, 2020 6:30 am

    Asking for what is needed, seeking out assistance requires admitting vulnerability and displays authenticity. When admitting to yourself, as well as others, that you are unable to attain something on your own – demonstrates the need for interdependence…a quality, I believe, which makes The Church exactly what God intended it to be. A safe space, flowing with grace – where people can give and receive abundantly. I have come to realize that in being open to assistance, you are allowing the giver to glorify God…which means, the receiver too – is glorifying Him. May we be open to giving and receiving.
    Woke this morning to budding trees blanketed with snow. While I love the greenery of spring – there is something in this snow…a reminder of the work of Our Lord this weekend – through His suffering, we too are blanketed in so very white snow. Purity, righteousness, holiness. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable Gift.

  • Julie Posted April 10, 2020 8:22 am

    I agree with Jill’s sentiments in that admitting our need involves vulnerability and trust in the receiver of our words. This can be a gift of its own, knowing that someone trusts us with their need. I also agree that it allows the giver to do God’s work and shine their light to others.
    I also awoke to snow and it is still snowing and the forecast is for colder temperatures and more snow into next week. I do not agree with Jill’s assessment of the snow. I see pain and wounds reopening, though on this Good Friday that is a reminder of the suffering and pain of Jesus which was far greater than I will ever know. Shopping yesterday was met with basically empty refrigerator and freezer sections. I am hoping a trip to the supermarket tomorrow has more success.
    Prayers for Robert and his church, may all stay safe and healthy as they abide by the new rules and gather online.
    Prayers for Jill, Larry and her students, may all continue to be safe and continue to stay safely home. Our schools have been closed through the end of this school year also.
    Prayers for Ally and David, so good to hear he is doing better and prayers that Allly remains safe and healthy.
    Prayers for Andrea and her family and their safety, April and her family and their safety, BJ and her mom and their health and safety, Lou and her children and their safety, and Rick and his husband and their safety.
    Prayers and thank you UR

    • Rick Posted April 10, 2020 11:45 pm

      I loved the posts today! For me a day of remembering the sufferings of Christ for our redemption of sins. Tonight I was able to attend a Tenebrae service or Service of Shadows through our church’s live stream. I’m grateful school work is keeping me busy, trying desperately to get caught up by Tuesday. My professors have been so kind and helpful. Keeping you all warmly in my thoughts and prayers. I’m so blessed to have this opportunity to be part on this journey with all of you.

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