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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

Suddenly, whatever anyone else thinks of me is insignificant. I feel the wonderful freedom of being ordinary, no longer needing to pretend otherwise. What a difference it makes to know as we are known by Christ, for in his eyes to be ordinary is to be quite extraordinary.

—W. Paul Jones, Becoming Who God Wants You to Be (Upper Room Books, 2013)

Today’s Question

Whose opinion of you gets in the way of accepting yourself in the way Jesus sees you? [question from Becoming Who God Wants You to Be by W. Paul Jones] Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

For now we see only a reflection, as in a mirror, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.
—1 Corinthians 13:12 (NRSVUE)

Prayer for the Week

In my brokenness, O God, you gather me in your infinite love. Guide me to serve others without reservation and in ways that reflect your grace. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

The Academy for Spiritual Formation creates transformative space for people to be in communion with God, self, others, and creation for the sake of the world. The Two-Year Academy invites you to embark on a journey of prayer, study, worship, and holy conversation beginning November 2025. Learn more here.

Lectionary Readings

  • Isaiah 62:1-5
  • Psalm 36:5-10
  • 1 Corinthians 12:1-11
  • John 2:1-11

Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.

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

2 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted January 19, 2025 6:33 am

    I’ll easily say that my son’s opinion of my faith in Christ tries to get in the way of how I’m seen by Christ, but has not succeeded. Thank You, Lord.

  • Jill Posted January 19, 2025 5:33 pm

    I don’t think my issue is this specifically. What I think, dealing with an “invisible” disease is that everyone sees me as being healthy, active, enjoying tennis – all of it is true and I am grateful. But, there are times when the discomfort and pain are real and take their toll on me mentally. It is in these moments when I am struggling to be grateful, struggling to see the relief around the corner, that I must remind myself that I am seen by God. El Roi – the God Who sees. I just ordered a pendant with EL ROI on it – so that I can be more mindful. And His strength is sufficient. Thank You God.
    What an exciting game last night. My god son’s team beat last year’s state champion team. We hit a shot at the buzzer to force overtime and then held the opposition scoreless in the overtime to prevail. My god son guarded the other team’s best player – a commit to NC State and did an outstanding job. Fun for the boys and a confidence boost heading into these last four weeks of the regular season.
    Grateful for safe trip over and back. Found out this afternoon that schools will be closed through Wednesday due to the brutally cold temps headed our way.

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