X

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 walked across the road and stood at the side of the bridge, looking down at the river which glistened in the sunlight. There was no other traffic on the highway. The only sounds were a gentle breeze, the calls of a few birds, and the music of the swiftly moving water. Standing there, I was able to release my struggle with the person who had caused difficulty in my life. In my mind’s eye, I saw that person float on down the river, away from me and out of my sight. I felt immense relief and gratitude. Neither that person nor my anger were any longer burdens I carried.

—L. Cecile Adams, “Letting Go,” in Anger: Minding Your Passion, compiled by Amy Lyles Wilson (Fresh Air Books, 2010)

Today’s Question

What helps you release the burden of your anger? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice.
—Ephesians 4:31 (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

Join The Academy for Spiritual Formation for a transformative experience that will empower you to live a more integrated life of peace and justice. Click here to learn more about Spirituality in Practice and how you can apply today!

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

4 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted June 26, 2024 5:20 am

    I would describe my issue as bitterness, not full blown anger.. I have prayed about it, and while the memory remains, my bitterness is decreasing. I’m thankful for that.
    Today is major car maintenance day, so I have to get up and get ready to take the car to the garage.
    Very thankful that resources are available to make the needed repairs.

  • Julie Posted June 26, 2024 8:21 am

    I have anger and bitterness. The fact that h is dead has helped and I continue to be in therapy. H caused much turmoil and pain. His abuse affected me deeply.

  • Ally Posted June 26, 2024 9:53 am

    I have a lot of things and several people I need to let go of. I may try this exercise of imagining the anger, hurts, and even worries are floating away. Lord, help me to do this.
    David is stronger since he has been drinking more water and working to stay hydrated. The heat is intense. Forecast of. 100F today. The meteorologist we follow said “brutal heat” next several days. I don’t do well with the heat.
    My resume is being updated. When I get it back, I’m going to submit it to some agencies. I need to work, but my duties have changed in the last couple months and I don’t have the stamina for what I’m doing now.

  • Jill Posted June 26, 2024 3:52 pm

    Going to the Lord and asking Him to still me, through His Spirit. Laying down the need to “get back” at the offender. I used to have to “walk it off”, when I would become angry. On reflection – I haven’t had to “go for a walk” for that reason in quite some time. Thank You, Father God. Unresolved anger can be so harmful. I would say more now that I experience disappointment and I try to check myself – and my expectations around the person/situation.
    Had a wonderful weekend with my best friend at her son’s basketball tournament out of state. over 48 hours one on one with her. So appreciative of it. Quaint cafes, a nice dinner at an old restaurant in a historic town, boutique shopping and watching my god son’s team win all four of its games on the weekend. Safe travels, with minimal traffic concerns.
    Yesterday was full of golf and lunch with a tennis teammate, treasurer work at school and a spiritual direction appointment. Finished it off with a riveting tennis match last night. Our team won, taking down the first place, previously undefeated team. It came down to the court I was on, the other four matches splitting, 2-2. We won in a third set tiebreaker 10-7. Very enjoyable competition. Coming out on the winning end – a plus for sure.
    Rainy today. Getting caught up on lots of little tasks around the house. A “sprinkle” as opposed to a full blown (baby) shower this evening with my small group. Grateful they included me, since I wasn’t a part this year, since I was facilitating the grief group.
    Prayers for all the regulars here. Good to hear from Rusty – hope you and K will regain good health. Julie – I am glad you are still getting counseling for your deep-seated wounds. Lou – it was good to hear from you. Robert – your faithfulness and dedication to Erich is surely God honoring. Peace to all of you.

Add Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *