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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 was daydreaming on Interstate 40 somewhere between Durham and Raleigh, North Carolina, when a voice interrupted my reverie. It wasn’t an audible voice. And I have no way of knowing whether it was God’s voice, the voice of my own subconscious, or — most likely —both. … The voice spoke clearly from an unknown depth, and it said, “Let me be your Teacher.”

That was a word from the Lord that I am still chewing on, not wanting to let it go before I’ve discovered every implication. One implication showed itself immediately. This word was inviting me to put the brakes on my restless search, to stop reading these kinds of books [on the spiritual life] — at least for a while. … “You are always looking for a new teacher, a new insight, a new way,” the voice seemed to be saying, “but I am the Way, and that is enough. Can you trust that? Everything you need to live life with Me — everything you need to look to Me, receive from Me, and respond to Me with a life of thanksgiving and praise — I myself have already given you. Indeed, I’ve given you myself. So learn from me.”

This word was calling me to rediscover the simple heart of Christian spirituality — in Jesus, God has given us everything we need. Yes, new practices and insights and disciplines can help us more fully discover what God has given in Jesus, but they can easily distract us. Our searching can actaully be an evasion of the simple, though not easy, path of looking at, receiving from, and responding to Jesus.

– L. Roger Owens
What We Need Is Here

From pages 12-13 of What We Need Is Here: Practicing the Heart of Christian Spirituality by L. Roger Owens. Copyright © 2015 by L. Roger Owens. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.

Today’s Question

In what ways is Christ your teacher? Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

Who provides for the raven its prey, when its young ones cry to God, and wander about for lack of food?

Job 38:41, NRSV

This Week: pray for those needing shelter. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.

Did You Know?

In need of prayer? The Upper Room Living Prayer Center is a 7-day-a-week intercessory prayer ministry staffed by trained volunteers. Call 1-800-251-2468 or visit The Living Prayer Center website.

This week we remember: Ignatius of Antioch (October 17).

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

Sponsored by Upper Room Ministries ®. Copyright © 2018 | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA

9 Comments

  • Jill Posted October 16, 2018 4:10 am

    My desire is that He is my only teacher. Of course, like the author, I read many “spiritual” books. I trust the Holy Spirit works in me as I read and helps me to discern what is necessary. I desire to walk closely with My Lord and trust that that alone brings glory to Him and try to remain open to which way He is leading me.

  • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted October 16, 2018 4:56 am

    Christ taught me to be selfless and sacrificial. He also taught me how to pray and spend time alone with God.

    Father God, thank you for Jesus Christ who has taught us many precious lessons.

    Blessings to all and may those seeking shelter be sheltered.

    May all be well and may all your needs be met!

  • robert moeller Posted October 16, 2018 6:19 am

    Christ is the example, the perfect One to follow. I have a ways to go to be there and then will only make it because of love, mercy, and grace poured out for me by Jesus’ sacrifice.

    Thankful for Erich’s tasty crepes. I have confidence that he will do well at the job he is trying for. There is a great incentive to do well.

    Grateful that bills are paid, we have what we need and then some. Thank You, Lord. Prayers for those in need of food and shelter as the weather gets chilly.

  • robert moeller Posted October 16, 2018 6:36 am

    Thankful for the prayers for Larry and Gloria, am delighted that Gloria has had such a variety of activities despite her diagnosis. That is a blessing. Jill is playing tennis, golf, and gardening.
    Not so sure I am a leader.
    Yes, most definitely prayers for Marcy, may she be well and her needs met.
    Prayers for Connie, her hummers, her posts, and peace.
    I echo prayers for Mary and her willingness to learn and grow. Thankful she has found flower arranging.
    Prayers for Betsy and her willingness to follow God’s call to prison ministry.
    Wish our prison system was more like the one I recently saw on 60 Minutes.
    Prayers for Andrea and Lowell, their loving relationship, Andrea’s daughter, and grandson and the growing closer relationship.
    Most definitely prayers for Carry and Cora and the tragedies they have endured.
    Prayers for Julie as she searches for a job, deals with sore hands and fingers, and endures until a resolution to her home life is found.
    The UR family is lifted up that your joys, concerns, and needs are Christ filled.

    • Andrea Posted October 16, 2018 1:47 pm

      Thank you for your prayers, Robert. Erich’s crepes sound delicious. I glean from your comments that he has a natural talent for cooking and baking. I’m praying he receives a job offer from the place he hopes to work at and that it proves to be a good fit, with decent pay and room for advancement. Prayers for you and Erich and the move you foresee, and for Anneliese, increased pain relief. Blessings.

  • Betsy Posted October 16, 2018 6:45 am

    God teaches me, guiding me through prayer and immersion in the Word. Continue to help me to follow you, Father. I too often use other sources of devotional books; they help to clarify and give a new perspective, but God’s Word is really the way, the truth, and the life. Blessings to all fellow followers who visit here today.

  • Julie Posted October 16, 2018 8:05 am

    Yes, the Bible is the one true way to understand God and Jesus fully and from their “mouths” with no one interpreting. I am assuming apostles and prophets, etc were writing what the Lord was putting in their hearts. But I agree that sometimes we mortals need others to show us different viewpoints and ways of interpreting scripture and apply it to our lives. I especially find valuable information that gives the culturally relevant information as those living in ancient times would have heard the words.
    Prayers for Jill and her family. May Gloria continue to enjoy life.
    Prayers for Mary and her new pursuits. Prayers for her parents.
    Prayers for Robert and Erich. May Erich be successful in his quest for this job by preparing tasty crepes.
    Prayers for Betsy and her prison ministry sisters.
    Prayers for Connie and her hummers especially with winter cold arriving.
    Prayers for Andrea and her family and their relationships.
    Prayers for Marcy, may she be receiving the resources she needs.
    Prayers for Cary and Cora and their need for shelter after the hurricane ravaged their home.
    Prayers for all of the UR family and visitors

    • Andrea Posted October 16, 2018 2:07 pm

      Thank you, Julie. I am grateful for your prayers. I pray God will give you strength and surround you with protection and care through the remaining divorce process – do you have any idea how much longer it will take? Prayers too for an excellent divorce settlement, for a wonderful job, and for your general health and your hands and feet. Blessings, dear Julie.

  • Andrea Posted October 16, 2018 3:18 pm

    I have not heard God speak to me with an actual voice. I do, at times, sense God’s message to me when I hear or read something that resonates deeply in my soul.

    Yes, Jesus is the model we emulate to the best of our mortal power, and with God’s strength, we grow in our ability to walk in Jesus’ steps.

    Loving God, may those who need shelter find a roof over their heads. Bless the homeless and those who have lost their home.

    Prayers for all UR friends. My thoughts keep going to Marcy and I pray she is finding support, accessing needed resources, and experiencing less discomfort. Blessings, all.

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