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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

Sometimes the news headlines about the church seem so bad it’s hard to believe the church is really Christ’s body. But the church can be Christ for the world even in its brokenness. We can be Christ for one another and the world by the way we bear with one another, being patient with people who annoy us and forgiving those who wrong us. The very gift of offering forgiveness lies at the heart of God’s mission for the church. With a word, act, or gesture of forgiveness, we make tangible Christ’s grace for another.

—L. Roger Owens, What We Need Is Here: Practicing the Heart of Christian Spirituality (Upper Room Books, 2015)

Today’s Question

What do you think about the idea that “offering forgiveness lies at the heart of God’s mission for the church”? Why is forgiveness so important? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
—Galatians 6:2 (NRSVUE)

Prayer for the Week

Day by day, dear Lord,
of thee three things I pray;
to see thee more clearly,
to love thee more dearly,
to follow thee more nearly,
day by day.
—prayer attributed to Richard of Chichester, England, 13th century
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.

5 Comments

  • Jill Posted February 25, 2024 2:28 pm

    Forgiveness is significant – because Christ sets the example for us. His sacrifice was for our forgivenss and it is the heartbeat of Christianity. Mercy and grace are woven through courageous and complete forgiveness. Our forgiveness is assured by the measure of the level which we forgive. Father – this may be the area we need the most assistance in…but, nothing is impossible through Your Spirit.
    Another beautifully sunshiny day, although quite crisp. This has been a very atypical winter. Many more sunny days than usual, and very little snowfall. It is to my fortune – my driveway has not needed to be shoveled. I would have been unable to do so. Temps are to rise into the upper 50s and lower 60s these next few days. Unheard of. Will take all of it.
    Worship was wonderful. The message was on the closing verses of II Timothy – where Paul goes through and names several people…likely friends…who greatly helped him. The pastor spoke at length about friendship. It was comforting to me, especially coming on the heels of the week – where my 20 year long friendship was salvaged and deemed worth fighting for. Had that not been the case – I am not sure I would have made it through the sermon. Grateful to God.
    A few busy days ahead, with activities following school through Wednesday evening. Not my preference, but it is my reality. It has been nice to have a relaxing day yesterday and again today. Going to grill up lots of protein here in a bit – will have plenty of leftovers for my meals when I get home following the activities.

    • Ally Posted February 25, 2024 3:31 pm

      Jill, I’m very glad to hear the good news about your friendship. Praise the Lord.

      • Rusty Posted February 25, 2024 3:59 pm

        Amen!

  • Ally Posted February 25, 2024 3:29 pm

    Forgiveness might be the hardest of things we are called to do as Christ-followers. To be Christ to others is to extend grace. I admit I struggle in this area. Lord, help us to to extend Your grace through forgiveness and may others see You in us.
    I ask for prayer for David and me. He’s had 3 falls in the last 2 weeks. Life seems complicated right now. Dsvid did not have a fall for 9-10 months. He has some appointments this coming week with orthopedist and for a bone density. I’m fearful to leave him and ask for prayer as I seek God about keeping my job.

    • Rusty Posted February 25, 2024 4:01 pm

      Prayers on the way, Ally!

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