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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

JESUS’S LIFE is marked by his service. Jesus tells us how to proclaim the kingdom; he asks that we be a source of healing and forgiveness for others. We can see the value of service through psychological research regarding happiness. People who volunteer report that they are happier than people who do not. When we serve others, we rise above our own problems and recognize that others around us are also suffering or in need of companionship and connection. God told Catherine that when we deprive our neighbor of charity, harm is done not only to our neighbor but also to ourselves because we deprive ourselves of the grace that comes from giving. By serving others, we create space in our heart for the grace of God.

—Christopher Maricle
Deeply Rooted: Knowing Self, Growing in God

From page 42 of Deeply Rooted: Knowing Self, Growing in God by Christopher Maricle. Copyright © 2016 by The Upper Room. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. Learn more about or purchase this book.

Today’s Question

What random act of kindness can you do for others this week?  Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above…
—James 1:17a, NRSV

Prayer for the Week

Lord, help me deepen the roots of my faith. Amen. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.

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.

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5 Comments

  • Jill Posted June 30, 2019 4:52 am

    I hope I am open to and aware of opportunities for random acts of kindness. I, no doubt, have been the recipient of countless numbers of these. May I be the giver as well.
    May all have a Holy Sabbath.

  • Betsy Posted June 30, 2019 7:03 am

    I will be continuing my volunteering in the kitchen at the Senior Center this Tuesday. We’ve been traveling, so I’ve missed my time there. I’m truly blessed by the other workers and the folks who come to eat at the center, it is true that I am always happier when I leave that place than when I come.

    Thankful to be back home after a family wedding. Glad to see sunshine and warmth on my face. Praying that the floodwaters continue to recede in our area of the Midwest. Blessings to all this Sabbath.

  • Julie Posted June 30, 2019 8:10 am

    I believe, in the climate of today’s discourses in this country, that by being kind and courteous and treating others with respect, that is the best act of kindnes anyone can show another. So many are quick to judge and many say unkind things, both in person but certainly behind the anonymity of social media. We are all God’s children and I strive to remember this at all times.
    Prayers for Jill and Larry and their grief support groups.
    Prayers for Betsy and her neighbors affected by the floods, may all be safe and receive the aid they need to rebuild their lives.
    Prayers for Connie and her family as they celebrat health and family.
    Prayers for Marcy and thannkfulness for her post, may she be well.
    Prayers for Mary and her family, for joy in abundance.
    Prayers for Robert, may the new church community welcome him and provide many opportunities for fellowship and service.
    Yesterday h left for vacation so I have a week free from him. His truck is parked in front of the house in the neighborhood where his “friend” lives. He is unaware that I know that she lives in the neighborhood. We lost power for quite some time last night. How dependent we are on this tenuous entity. I read many books about the Amish and couldn’t help thinking how such a thing would not affect them in the least.
    Prayers, blessings, warm hugs and thank you dear UR family

  • Connie Posted June 30, 2019 8:29 am

    Let’s see…..I will try to smile more as I am out and about. Lately, I have a somewhat “sour” look as I try not to fall again!
    Thankful for:
    The sunny weather, even though in the 90’s.
    The Hummers are active, but they must come and feed when we can’t see them. However, I must make more nectar today. I make a concoction of water, sugar and nectar powder that contains vitamins and boil it.
    A Serene Sabbath.
    Volunteers like Betsy.
    Our Prayer Warrior, Julie.

  • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted June 30, 2019 9:20 am

    I think I can be kind by giving up my seat at the MRT for the elderly or pragnent woman. I can also let someone go first at the queue to pay for the groceries. Many times people let me go first because I have only one item to pay for. I can pray for those who are selling tissue paper and even buy from them to lighten their burden.

    Thanks for all your prayers.

    May God bless you with a wonderful week ahead!

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