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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

EXTRAORDINARY natural beauty covers the earth. Immersing myself in God’s creation always fills me with delight and wonder. My kids are very accustomed to me running inside the house and saying, “Hey! The sunset is awesome. Hurry outside!” They never hesitate. They get up, run outside, and stare with me at the sky, noting the changing colors, the cloud formations, and the descending sun. Nature has played an important part of my family vacations.

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

From page 40 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

Slow down, pause, and spend some time enjoying nature today. Give thanks for the things of nature on which you gaze today.  Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good.
—Genesis 1:31a, 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)

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6 Comments

  • Jill Posted June 27, 2019 5:34 am

    Interesting that nature is the topic today. I decided to begin my morning time outside watering my flower gardens. So still, such quietness – with the persistence of a woodpecker. I could not locate it, but enjoyed its deliberateness. Noticed a beautifully woven spider web. And just spent time enjoying the new part of my yard – the area where there are several plants in remembrance of mom. A wonderful start to my morning.
    Grateful for good weather for tennis camp – this morning is the final day. I have had a small group, and have quite enjoyed them. We have had no injuries, no incidences – we coaches are grateful. The younger kids, especially, love the activities – even if they aren’t solely tennis based. They love to run relays, balance cones, etc.
    I am grateful to be playing tennis in the evenings – my love for competition sated. My body…my leg in particular, is hanging in there. Some days are better than others, but am grateful to be able to play. Dad and I played golf again yesterday afternoon – this, too, is a gift. A gift for both of us. We had dinner afterwards. Yes, yesterday was a full day.
    Grateful for praises offered here, the UR family rejoices with each of you, and each of your praises. Prayers for Robert, Erich, Annaliese, Mary, Rusty and K.

  • Betsy Posted June 27, 2019 7:05 am

    My mornings often involve prayer/devotion time on my back patio. The smell of grass, the sounds of the birds in the trees and the feel of the gentle breeze cause me to give thanks for all in nature. God is the artist and nature his canvas. Thank you for this reminder devotion today.

    Thank you all for your kind words about our move. It is comforting to know that this family of believers are never far away; always supporting, always interceding in prayer. I am humbled. I pray for those folks in the Midwest affected by all the flooding: farmers, homeowners and businesses. Praying for the waters to recede.

  • Julie Posted June 27, 2019 7:45 am

    I don’t go outside much due to my Reynaud’s. In the summer, even a cool breeze can cause pain. I look outside and watch the beauty and listen to the morning doves. I revel in the sunrise as I exercise each morning.
    Prayers for a successful final day of camp for Jill and the campers.
    Prayers for Betsy’s move to be smooth and uneventful.
    Prayers for Mary and her family, may they be blessed with much joy.
    Prayers for Marcy, may her oxygen therapy be renewed.
    Prayers for Robert and Erich, may they be getting settled and meeting friends.
    Prayers for Connie and her husband, may the report from the cancer center be good and may their children provide support.
    Prayers, blessings, warm hugs and thank you dear UR family

    • Connie Posted June 27, 2019 8:32 am

      The report was good! Thank you, dear Julie, for you thoughts and prayers.

  • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted June 27, 2019 8:21 am

    Thanks Julie!

    We went to the Fort Canning Park bicentennial today. Went uphill and down hill. Spent some time with nature and enjoyed the sunshine.

    Thank God for nature and the fresh air!

    Blessings!

  • robert moeller Posted June 27, 2019 1:51 pm

    Getting settled! Haven’t dropped of the edge. Thankful that things have gone as well as they have. Some oopsy daisies here and there but nothing earth shattering. Yes the NATURE here is something to behold. Thank You, Lord.
    Hope to be back to a regular routine once internet is restored. Thankful the public library os close by and I can walk there. Hope to be in church on Sunday. Prayers for your well-being. God is with you. Blessings!

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