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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

We can suspend the notion that forgiveness is always accomplished by a simple word of pardon or a single act of the will. Learning to forgive can take a significant amount of time even if we want to do it quickly. More often than not, rapid pronouncements of forgiveness are like unripe fruit, having no sweetness or nourishment in them. They are neither fully formed nor quite real because we haven’t worked through any inner process of change. Lasting forgiveness is embedded in the learning of a whole new way of life in Christ. It is connected to attitudes and practices like truthfulness, humility, perseverance, generosity of spirit, and compassion.

—Marjorie J. Thompson, The Way of Forgiveness Participant’s Book (Companions in Christ Series) (Upper Room Books, 2002)

Today’s Question

How are you growing in Christ as you learn to forgive? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.
—James 5:16 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Lord, guide me to know and learn from my emotions: my anger, my fears, my grief, my joys, my love. Show me how to master them so that they will not master me.
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.

2 Comments

  • Julie Posted February 13, 2021 8:14 am

    I’m sorry but these book excerpts come at a particularly difficult time in my life. The things h is trying to do by depriving me of any means of support or housing is abhorent. I cannot fathom causing my worst enemy to be destitute and homeless let alone somwone I have professed to love and had lived with for 23 years. I will have to spend money I just don’t have and know not where I will get it to combat this with no assurance of the outcome. How can I forgive this when I am currently embroiled in the fight. Please continue to pray for me. Also, I hate to ask, but please pray for Megan and I as we begin to seek employment in ernest. I have been praying that the Lord works in someone’s heart to give me chance and give me a job. Thank you
    Prayers for Ally and her eyesight and the continuing improvementt. Prayers for David, may he receive PT that helps him be more steady. Prayers for Rachel’s body to continue to heal so she and hher mom may return home soon.
    Prayers for April and her family.
    Prayers for Jill as she receives her vaccine today, may she have minimal discomfort.
    Prayers for Lou and her family, may she stay safe and warm through the extreme weather.
    Prayers for Marcy and Lucy, may Marcy’s health continue to improve and may they stay warm despite the cold weather.
    Prayers for Robert and his church as they decide what path to take rearding the future beyond their pastor’s retirement.

  • Jill Posted February 13, 2021 10:56 am

    I feel that I am able to forgive readily and have become much better at, while remembering, not holding the act/words against the person and having it slant my opinion and actions. I see the devastatingly bitter root that just festered in my mom – and I am committed to not letting that ever be part of my inner space. I believe this is why I have such peace now – and believe the counter to be true in my mom’s life.
    I love the thought of “generosity of spirit” – and what the author might mean by this. Being lumped in with the other characteristics, while considering forgiveness – could it mean being willing to be “put out there” in a vulnerable position? Being so generous and giving of oneself – the possibility is there to be taken advantage of. And knowing, I am God’s and only He can define me, my worth. Look at all that Our Saviour gave, knowing full well how so many would turn against Him, torture Him and ultimately kill Him. Yet – His perseverance and allegiance to the Father never wavered.
    Received my dose this morning – everything ran smoothly and quickly, considering they are administering over 1000 doses today. Have a haircut this afternoon – otherwise a quiet day with grading and watching some basketball and golf.
    Father and Way Maker (as the song goes) – make a way for Julie and Megan, through these tumultuous times. May Julie find strength in Your sufficiency, comfort in the promises in Your Word. How much more valuable than a sparrow are she and her daughter. Both precious to You. Be a Mighty Fortress to Julie – a place of shelter.

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