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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

If we let revenge consume us, we will miss the songs of red-winged blackbirds, the colors of sunsets, and the laughter of friends. An ancient adage maintains that a life well lived is the best revenge. While attempting to strike back at another person proves futile, we have the power to create beauty and happiness for our families and ourselves. We cannot control another person’s actions, but we can influence our own. Movement toward goodness balances the scale in a way that revenge never can.

—Kathleen Fischer, “Instead of Revenge,” in Anger: Minding Your Passion, compiled by Amy Lyles Wilson (Fresh Air Books, 2010)

Today’s Question

In what areas of your life could you benefit from an intentional “movement toward goodness”?
Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all.
—Romans 12:17 (NRSVUE)

Prayer for the Week

Almighty God, search me and know me. Shine a light on my innermost thoughts and feelings, even those I try to hide. Give me courage to name the sources of my anger and wisdom to learn from them. 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.

3 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted June 30, 2024 5:11 am

    Listen to those with opposing views and thus practice civility. In many ways we are in a huge conundrum that encompasses many varied topics. This makes God’s guidance essential. Thank You, Lord, for Your everpresence, love, mercy, and grace.
    Blessings to all NEM as we worship today.

  • Julie Posted June 30, 2024 6:40 am

    I will be making this my mantra. I love this way of thinking. Thank you to Kathleen Fischer.

  • Jill Posted June 30, 2024 5:38 pm

    I like the concept of “a life well lived”…the best type of revenge. Movement towards goodness. A new concept was presented a few weeks back in my course…UPR – Unconditional Positive Regard. How the world could benefit from this. May it start with me.
    Mugginess finally broke this afternoon, and I am happy to have my windows open this evening – as are the Kittens. Spent a fair amount of time studying yesterday and today. It’s been nice to be home, take my time with course work and get chores done around here.

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