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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

WHEN WE SHARE our experience from prayer, rather than trying to meet first in doctrinal or theological discussion, trust is created.

This experience of community stands in marked contrast to the fractious ways we meet together in most other places in our culture.

We need to be taught how to be “together in Christ.” It does not come naturally. We are well equipped to relate to one another from our perceived views of what is right and wrong. Our national political discourse reinforces polarizing viewpoints. Rarely are we taught how to watch over one another in love. … By coming together in a prayerful posture and listening for God’s message through scripture, community is created. We share in the body of Christ and stand in awe of the unique way each person is being touched and called by God.

—Dwight H. Judy
A Quiet Pentecost: Inviting the Spirit into Congregational Life

From page 21 of A Quiet Pentecost: Inviting the Spirit into Congregational Life by Dwight H. Judy. Copyright © 2013 by The Upper Room. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. Learn more about or purchase this book.

Today’s Question

In your neighborhood, on Twitter, or on Facebook, do people with opinions different than yours know that you still love them?  Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
—John 15:12, NRSV

Prayer for the Week

Come Holy Spirit, come.

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)

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6 Comments

  • Jill Posted May 19, 2019 6:05 am

    I try to keep political and social issues in the background of interactions with people with whom I don’t have more than a surface level relationship. Also, being introverted – conversations such as these don’t usually occur. As I think about it – I don’t have these types of conversations with hardly anyone. I guess I feel like they can only lead to disagreement and I don’t feel like I am the most knowledgeable in these areas. I long for deeper conversations – where common ground can be found, hearts can communicate and care can be shared.
    Dad and I spent most of the day together yesterday. We golfed and then went to my nephew’s birthday party. Dad and I had a pretty intense conversation on the way home – regarding mom and his feelings. His church begins a GriefShare program this Wednesday. I am praying it will be meaningful to him. He is so lonely, missing daily interaction with mom.
    Sabbath blessings to all who gather here.

  • robert moeller Posted May 19, 2019 6:27 am

    Honestly, they probably don’t and I also have to learn the hard lesson of loving those with whom I disagree. There are fewer people in that category than there could, should, be. We have to remember that it was love that brought us here and the love conquers all covering a multitude of sins. Jesus’ command to “love one another” is far easier said than done for humans.

    The current situation in the US has me quite easily riled up. Am prayerful that God’s peace comes to all.

    This was a standout reflection for me. I’m thankful for it.

    Blessings on this 5th Sunday of Easter.

  • Julie Posted May 19, 2019 7:38 am

    I have an atitude that each and every one of us is entitled to their opinion. I do not try to change another’s beliefs and I don’t believe others should attempt to change mine. I, too, am concerned about the current state of disourse in our country. Always viewing the world in terms of us vs others is not a principle this great nation was founded upon.
    Prayers for Jill and Larry, may he find help at his new church group.
    Prayers for Robert and Erich and continued move preparations.
    Prayers for Andrea and Lowel, April, Betsy, Connie, Edy and Bill, Lou, and Rusty.
    Prayers for Mary and her father, may his health improve and may she have time to do enjoyable activities despite caring for her father.
    Prayers for Marcy, may she be well and well cared for.
    Prayers and blessings and warm hugs and thank you dear UR family

    • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted May 20, 2019 12:12 am

      Thanks for all your prayers!

      Dad haemoglobin is low today. Need blood transfusion.

      Blessings to all and may all be well!

  • Connie Posted May 19, 2019 9:06 am

    I keep an open mind and do not judge. To each his own. I am anchored in my beliefs and do not feel threatened by other’s.
    Blessings to all.

  • Andrea Posted May 19, 2019 12:41 pm

    Today’s church service was multi- cultural, partnering with the Chinese congregation that worships in the building Sunday afternoons. It was a moving, joyful occasion. I learned how to say “love” and “praise God” in Chinese.

    With prayers for all in the UR prayer warrior community. May God bless all who visit UR today.

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