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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

When evangelism centers on the evangelist, we lose sight of the joy of the gospel. Much of my early struggle with witnessing arose from my focus on myself: what I needed to say, do, sound like, or look like. Yet Paul offers us an example of how to discipline our witness so that God is the subject who invites us to participate in telling our story to achieve what God wants to accomplish. Then witnessing becomes a way to grow in our awareness of God’s presence in the world. A focus on sharing the good news of God’s work in the world frees us for joyful witness.

—Max O. Vincent, Because of This I Rejoice: Reading Philippians During Lent (Upper Room Books, 2018)

Today’s Question

What joyful witness can you share about God’s work in the world and in your life? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
—Acts 1:8 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

God, I give thanks for all you have done, are doing, and will do. Because of this, I rejoice.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

What is Lent? When is Lent? Why do we set it apart? Learn more about this special season from The Upper Room’s Lent 101 resource.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

4 Comments

  • Julie Posted February 20, 2021 8:39 am

    God loves us so much that he gave us his one and only son to die for our sins. Jesus loves us so much he endured great persecution and crucifixion to shed his blood in order that our sins may be cleansed from us.
    Prayers for Ally and David, I pray they are safe, warm, have electricity and medical care.
    Prayers for April, Lou Marcy and Rick, may all be safe and warm. May they allll have electricity and safe water.
    Prayers for Jill and Larry, may Larry not have any adverse effects from his second shot of vaccine.
    Prayers for Robert, may he be safe and well and may we “here” from him soon.

  • Jill Posted February 20, 2021 5:24 pm

    I do have a joyful witness to share and a significant part of it is what I have learned from His provision and about His Sovereignty during difficult times. My desire is to walk with others through their valleys, pointing them to the faithfulness of God. I tell God I don’t want to “pigeonhole” myself there and to be ready for any circumstance. But I feel drawn to others on a difficult path – specifically cancer or care-giving.
    Had quite an enjoyable day – taking in another of my god-daughter’s basketball tournament games. My friend and her dogs live very close to the school – so I asked her if I could stop by and see the dogs. We had been keeping our distance the past month or so. Initially she thought she may have been exposed to the virus, but never contracted it. Since – we have remained apart. She gets her first dose Monday. I ran a few errands and kind of imagine life getting slightly back to normal. Ran in to 2 stores. Found a flavored water which is enriched with zinc – have heard it is beneficial for those with immune compromised systems following the second dose. I got a 4 pack and gave 2 to my friend in case she wants to have one after her first dose. The sun being out brightly also added to the positivity of the day.
    Dad is now 24+ hours out – and is feeling no adverse side effects. So very grateful.
    Prayers for those who are noticeably missing, as well as other contributors here. May all remain safe despite the pandemic and weather conditions.

  • Ally Posted February 20, 2021 5:27 pm

    The Question is apropos. I am trying to be intentional about rejoicing in all things. It’s hard right now. David is not really better. I’m scared he has a break and was misdiagnosed. He is in a lot of pain an I am trying to get him to go back to ER. He has agreed if he is not better by tomorrow. He is not in a good place. I am not in a good place. I’m asking God to order our steps. I noticed Robert has not checked in. Praying all is well. Praying all are well. Julie, we are ok except for David’s injury. Thsnk you for your prayers. Love you all.

  • Ally Posted February 20, 2021 5:29 pm

    All, no winter weather here. Thankful my sister and BIL are well in Alabama.

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