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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

The gardenia prompts our awareness of life’s high moments of sweetness that can sustain us through the not-so-sweet times—the embrace of a loved one, the adoring smile of a child, the strains of great music, the delectability of a piece of chocolate, the smell of rain . . . or a homemade corsage. Those charming delights strengthen our spirits and nourish our souls if we pay attention and say thank-you.

—Linda Douty, Rhythms of Growth: 365 Meditations to Nurture the Soul (Upper Room Books, 2014)

Today’s Question

What moments of delight can you notice and say thank-you for today? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

How sweet are your words to my taste,
sweeter than honey to my mouth!
—Psalm 119:103 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Thank you, God, for sun and showers.
Thank you for each lovely flower.
Thank you for each stately tree.
Though all these, you speak to me.
A Gardener’s Prayer
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

What does it mean to live a contemplative life? In Everyday Contemplative, Roger Owens challenges readers to expand their definition of contemplative living to encompass all ways of seeking to be more open, available, and responsive to God. Learn more here.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

3 Comments

  • Lou Posted April 28, 2022 7:17 am

    Thank you Lord for these ordinary days. For the pleasure of a good and productive workday, for the love of a little dog that greets me when I come home, for text messages from my kids, for plants sprouting up through the earth, for phone calls from friends, for the blessings of a home, food, resources that you Lord have provided.
    Thank you Lord.
    I ask prayers for me and my 3 children as we travel from both coasts to gather for a celebration of my mother’s birthday this weekend. It’s been two years since we have all been together – I anxiously await this reunion. Please pray for safe and easy travel for all and for my mother to not be overwhelmed or stressed by this gathering. Prayers for a pleasant time for all-
    Praying for all of the concerns expressed here. Prayers for Ukraine and peace for all.

  • Julie Posted April 28, 2022 8:52 am

    Today is not going to hold many times of delight for me. I am prepping for a colonoscopy tomorrow. I have had several in the past and I know how difficult the prep can be. I have the new tablet system which I have heard mixed reviews about. Also, Megan and I will be picking up the new kitties tomorrow after my procedure. I have much consternation regarding this. I am content with the two we have and I am especially not looking forward to h’s reaction. He will not react well and I anticipate screaming from him etc.
    Prayers for Lou and her family, for safe travel and for a reunion that is enjoyed by all. Prayers for Ally and David, for the good news from the biopsy and for the new job opportunity. Prayers for Jill as she spends her fee time helping her students prepare for testing. May the extra help prove fruitful. Prayers for Robert as he continues to wrestle with a decision regarding moving.

  • Jill Posted April 28, 2022 6:04 pm

    One sure thing where gratitude is abundant is Roger slowly gaining his personality and traits back. Him popping up in my back kitchen window when he hears a car on the gravel in the driveway. I unload the things from the backseat of my car – all the while pointing at him with one hand. Our little tradition. Him rejoining me in bed lately. His renewed interest in some of his catnip toys. I just sit and watch him eat – unrushed in the morning or when I get home from school. These moments of quietness and appreciation for him still being with me.
    Today, after school, a car warmed by abundant sunshine and the quietness of a ride home with no other noise.
    And, yes, to the things Lou mentioned – things in the ground sprouting to life as we stretch towards summer. For physical ability and financial resources. For a bond with a colleague that continues to strengthen.
    My portal informed me my test results had arrived, but it was like reading Greek. I sent a screenshot to my friend – who is a pharmaceutical rep who works in cath labs at hospitals. Her interpretation was “good news”, but “I’m not a cardiologist”. I anticipated hearing from my nurse practitioner today – but did not – maybe she had the day off.
    The week has gone really fast. Racing towards testing I suppose. We did a mock test in my year 2 afternoon class. I haven’t looked at it yet. I am hoping for a good turnout at the review sessions this weekend.
    The sun is out, but instead of going for a walk, I am going to turn in instead. Our last small group meeting was last night – so it was late to bed for me. Tonight, will try to make up for it.
    Hoping to hear good news from Ally regarding David’s results.
    Julie – prayers for the prep and the procedure, followed by good news.

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