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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

I wish I could ask our world, “Where does it hurt?” and somehow say everything will be all right. But that’s already been done for us. The Beloved is near, even as we crash due to our own delusions. Jesus takes on our hurts, makes them his own, and carries them to the throne room of heaven. Mourning over Jerusalem and its navel-gazing leaders, this young Jewish rabbi shook his head and said, “How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling” (Matt. 23:37, NASB).

—Jan Woodard, Texting Through Cancer: Ordinary Moments of Community, Love, and Healing (Upper Room Books, 2021)

Today’s Question

What hurt do you need to allow Jesus to carry today? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.
—1 Peter 5:7 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

God of All,
In you I trust.
All will be well.
All will be well.
All will be well. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

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Lectionary Readings

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3 Comments

  • Julie Posted March 6, 2021 8:25 am

    There is so much pain in my soul. From my childhood onward within my life. I have broached the subject of counseling wih Megan and she didn’t say no, so I am hopeful. I realize I also need individual counseling as well. God can work through others to heal us if we seek his help.
    I feel as if alifetime has transpired since my last post. Thursday went well I believe. H was very willing to conjecture and offer information beyond what my lawyer asked. My lawyer had warned me not to do this. In fact h’s lawyer became frustrated with me for saying I did’t know to his questions and at one point my lawyer had to admonish him. She said I did well, she laughed about h’s lawyer’s questioning, and said h incriminated himself regarding the “separation agreement.”
    Prayers for Ally, David and Lewis kitty. May David continue to grow stronger from the rehab he is receiving. May Lewis kitty’s body respond to the antibiotic and may he soon go home in better health. May Ally feel God’s strength as well as our love and prayers holding her firmly through the coming days.
    Prayers for April and her family, may all be well and enjoy the beauty od God’s creation during Spring’s renewal.
    Prayers for Jill and Larry, may Larry’s travel be safe and improve his emotional state.
    Prayers for Lou and her family, may they soon be together again.
    Prayers for Robert, may he be safe and well.
    Lastly, Lord, bless this group of friends greatly for their steadfast prayers and support of me during this dark and frightening time. They are a group of loving emissaries of your’s here on earth and I thank you for leading me to them.

  • Jill Posted March 6, 2021 9:40 am

    I don’t have a “hurt” I need to trust Him with today, but I do offer up the uncertainty of transitioning back to school in the near future. I feel very ineffective in reaching my students and now the thought of those students who are remaining remote – are they going to feel as much a part as those who are in my classroom? I have never had an issue questioning my students and getting them to engage in purposeful discussion. But this year – just looking at icons on the screen with every microphone muted. We shall see. One day at a time, Sweet Jesus.
    Just back from getting my second vaccination. Planning on laying low today, a lot of grading to do. Will get right to it, in case I am not feeling well later on. Need to take advantage of feeling well and thinking clearly, in case that changes. I offered for dad to come over to watch golf this afternoon – so he will be by later. It is to be very mild here next week and his golfing buddies are planning to go out at least one day. He is looking forward to joining them.

  • Ally Posted March 6, 2021 11:01 am

    The hurts are mostly old ones, but some are recent. A cousin I have always been close to hurt me deeply by suggesting that my daddy would be disappointed in me over some things related to politics. I tell myself I don’t care, but it rankles. I resolved to never speak to her again, but I know that is not God’s way. Forgiveness has been hard. Lord, help me with this.
    My sister has been visiting and left for home this morning. While she was here, I didn’t give in to despair and worry. The tears have flowed since she left. David is doing well and working hard to increase strength and balance. I haven’t heard from vet regarding Lewis. Vet said to call around lunch for a report. Please continue prayers for David and for Lewis’ healing. This week’s prayer is what my friend Audrey tells me: All will be well. Clinging to that.
    Julie, I’m thankful that Thursday’s proceedings went well . praying for a positive outcome and that God grants you Wisdom. Thanks so much for your prayers for David and little Lewis. Jill, prayers for your uncertainty about returning to in person classes. Asking that God give you what you need to connect to your students. God is able. Praying for minimal effects from the vaccine and that you and Larry enjoy your time together today.
    I have some praises: my cousin gave birth to a little boy last night after a difficult labor. The little guy had some low blood sugar issues at first, but they seem to be resolving. Also, a dear friends little boy has been approved for lifesaving heart surgery to repair several severe congenital defects. Praise the Lord. And my cousin Rachel continues to progress. She has a little more strength. Drs are working to regulate her blood sugars. Pain management is very good and she is needing fewer pain meds. Please pray that her islet cells continue to wake up and assume some insulin-making function.
    I too pray for Robert’s safety and well-being and for this group. May we all feel a measure of God’s love today. Blessings to all!

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