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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

Tie knots in [a piece of ] yarn. …

Are you or someone you know facing a difficult situation to which there appears no solution or way out? Silently name that person or situation.

• Take a piece of yarn. … Find the first knot, and, as you think about the person or situation you named, slowly and patiently begin the process of unraveling the tangle.
• As you untangle the yarn, pray for God’s hope-filled peace to come to the individual you have named and for God’s clear guidance and healing power in this situation.

—Gerrie L. Grimsley & Jane J. Young, Contemplative by Design: Creating Quiet Spaces for Retreats, Workshops, Churches, and Personal Settings (Upper Room Books, 2008)

Today’s Question

When have you placed a seemingly impossible situation in God’s hands? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything,
by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God.

—Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

Prayer for the Week

Dear God,
Come now and feed
my body, soul;
come now, infuse
the hungry whole
of me.
—Jane J. Young
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Discover embodiment this Advent with our newest devotional and interactive online experience, Fully Human, Fully Divine. Over the course of four weeks, author Whitney R. Simpson encourages us to embrace the season of Advent fully, with our whole selves, and remember that Jesus showed us what it means to be both fully human and fully divine. Learn more here.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

3 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted October 21, 2022 8:52 am

    The move to the Poconos, what will happen to CCUMC, and the existence of the UMC are all in my thoughts and prayers. Way back in 1969 the prospect of being sent to Vietnam was in my thoughts and prayers. My connection to Korea began instead. Very thankful for that experience. A new culture, food, friends, my wife, and children that renewed and strengthened my faith in God.
    Frost last night, temps in the upper 20s, clear sunny skies, with a high in the 50s. Leaves are falling, some bare trees, some with dry and crumpled leaves, and a few still green.
    Concern about rising Covid cases and what we will do about it at church. Hopefully a decision will be made soon.
    One of our members lost her husband, so she and his family are in our prayers.
    Thoughts of Lewis at the vet.
    Hope you all have a great weekend and a blessed Sunday, Thank You, Lord.

  • Ally Posted October 21, 2022 12:06 pm

    I have placed impossible situations in God’s hands many times. However, I have a tendency to snatch them back. the prayers of others have helped me leave my burdens and cares with God. I did when David had Covid. I felt the prayers of people all over the world for us. Today’s UR entry is about giving thanks. It helped me so much to be reminded to express to God my thankfulness, even if that is all I can pray.
    Thanks so much for your prayers for Lewis. He is now eating a little on his own, and tolerating syringe feeding better. Bloodwork was better today. Vet said Lew is making baby steps in the right direction. I know there could be more bumps in the road. We will do what is best foe Lewis. Many prayers for my NEM crew. Y’all helped save me when I first posted during David’s battle with covid. Bless you all. Much live from us to you.

  • Jill Posted October 21, 2022 4:31 pm

    God asks us to trust Him and when we surrender these most challenging situations to our Heavenly Father – we are saying “Thy will be done.” At times this is done reluctantly. Also, there are times we try to wrestle back control – only to end up at the altar again. Father, increase our faith.
    To whatever extent I can, I am praying for Julie and Ally and their situations – that they would continue to seek God’s help and trust Him for daily provision. So hard to not look ahead.
    I am sorry for your struggles – both of you, may His presence be with you.
    My time spent with dad was so uplifting for me. After 3.5 years without mom, he is finally living again. He is no longer lonely, he has a plethora of opportunities to do so many varied activities – he has a hard time deciding. He is thriving. And it just melts my heart. This is what I had hoped for and prayed for – for so long. My sister and her husband can’t even keep up with him.
    It has been hectic since I got home, trying to get caught up with school and my sleep. The first grading period ended today – hard to believe we are 25% through the school year.
    Looking forward to tennis this weekend, time to get caught up with home and school work. And – the weather is to be gorgeous.

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