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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

“Abundant life” includes finding meaningful work that allows us to use our talents and skills in ways that benefit us and others. God does not will us to trudge to work daily, dreading the hours before us.

Sometimes it takes people a long time to find a way to earn a living that also allows them to feel good at the end of the day about how they have invested that day of their life. But God has given each of us gifts that we are meant to use with joy.

—Mary Lou Redding, God Was with Me All Along: A Guide for Capturing Your Memories and Telling Your Story (Upper Room Books, 2020)

Today’s Question

How have you been able to use your God-given gifts in the work (paid or volunteer) that you do? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Whatever you do, do it from the heart, for the
Lord and not for people.
—Colossians 3:23 (CEB)

Prayer for the Week

Loving God, be near me as I recall events from my life. Guide me to look at my past with forgiveness and love. Help me to accept where I am in my life journey and to recognize ways you have been present with me all along. Thank you for your unconditional love and for the strength you give me each day. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

In Fully Human, Fully Divine, Whitney R. Simpson writes, “An embodied Advent invites us to live the experience of this season fully, with our whole selves, right here and right now as we await the Christ child.” Learn more about this year’s Advent resource by visiting UpperRoom.org/fullyhuman.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

Reign of Christ

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

4 Comments

  • Julie Posted November 17, 2022 9:23 am

    When I worked as a nuclear engineer one of my positions involved interacting with many different types of people at various levels throughout our organization. I also worked with high level executives from other companies. I succeeded at forging a positive relationship with the outside indivuals where others had failed. I did so using my compassion, communication skills and willingness to work hard and ask appropriate questions in order to determine their needs and then meet those needes.
    I went to Bible study yesterday and had therapy in the afternoon. Both were informative and insightful. I am learning a lot in my Bible study and from my minister. My therapist and I have a good repoir and she is helping me through how to deal with and talk to Megan regarding her upcoming purchase of a puppy. I am very opposed to this and Megan is determined to go through with it despite knowing nothing about raising a puppy.

  • Ally Posted November 17, 2022 9:26 am

    The last 2 years, I have stayed home taking care of David. That has been important, meaningful work. It has been hard, but rewarding. But I have gifts that I have not used as I should, like my music and teaching gifts in ministry at church. So this subject has been on my mind. Then yesterday, my friend Hope stopped by and we made a cup of tea. She asked me if I’ve thought about going back to work, as the forensic unit where we worked together in the past is hiring. I’m not sure I have the stamina to do the job, but Hope has assured me that working conditions are better and that the pace is more manageable than when I left there in 2016. So today, our NEM reading is about using our gifts to do meaningful work. So I’m praying about it, and ask my friends here to pray. The inspection is tomorrow and we plan to be ready. Please pray for David, as he fell at PT yesterday. He’s ok, but sore. Thankfully, he fell on a mat. And please pray for us, as we have to go to court regarding payment of attorney fees from David’s divorce. His ex is trying to have him declared in contempt because our finances have been such and with all the medical issues David has been dealing with, we have not been able to pay. We have many extra expenses related to David’s condition. The fees have been paid and have been for years. But the ex’s husband wants to be paid back. He makes over $200,000 a year and he and the ex get their jollies out of harassing David, a somewhat elderly disabled person with limited income. It is not right. We covet your prayers. I’m thankful for our forum and how we share each other’s burdens, even though we are physically far apart. In spirit, we are in the same room.

  • robert moeller Posted November 17, 2022 2:26 pm

    An event from 25 years ago should not prevent me from commenting today. Prayers for Ally&David . Many concerns from several areas need attention. Health, wellness, finances, legal issues. and employment. You are lifted up.
    Prayers of thanks for good news from Julie, and prayers for guidance dealing with Megan and interest in a dog.
    Thankful fora pleasant day. It’s early winter in NH. Many small errands done . Hope to “Methodize” the way we conduct church meetings, will see what happens. Interesting holy conferencing method from the Lay Servant class I attended.
    Lord help us all continue to love You with all our strength, mind, heart, and soul and love our neighbor as ourself. Thank You, Lord.

    • Ally Posted November 17, 2022 8:38 pm

      In agreement with your prayer, Robert. Amen.

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