Importance of Joy
Today's Reflection
[William H. Lamar IV] reminded me that joy is central to the work of the Spirit and the work of justice. I remembered how many times I have been so serious that I have failed to celebrate the joy of an action of the Spirit, of a moment when justice was truly done.
—Tex Sample, Micro Practices For Justice Ministry (Upper Room Books, 2025)
Today's Question
How can joy sustain you in your spiritual journey and strengthen your commitment to justice? Join the conversation.
Today's Scripture
The joy of the Lord is your strength.
—Nehemiah 8:10 (NRSVUE)
Prayer for the Week
Gracious God, shape us through the small daily practices that draw us closer to you and to one another. Mold our hearts for justice, our hands for service, and our lives for love. May we be transformed by your spirit so that in every act, no matter how small, we reflect your kingdom on earth. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Make justice a daily habit. In this week’s featured book, popular author and activist Tex Sample draws on interviews with 40 pastors from diverse ministry contexts to document hundreds of small practices that can enable big changes in our communities. Learn more here.
Lectionary Readings
- Acts 9:1-6, (7-20)
- Psalm 30
- Revelation 5:11-14
- John 21:1-19
Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
3 Comments | Join the Conversation.Radical Reorientation
Today's Reflection
Practicing resurrection involves a radical reorientation that places us in proximity with people who are poor, oppressed, marginalized, excluded, and silenced.
—Tex Sample, Micro Practices For Justice Ministry (Upper Room Books, 2025)
Today's Question
What might “practicing resurrection” look like in your daily life?
Join the conversation.
Today's Scripture
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
—Luke 4:18-19 (NRSVUE)
Prayer for the Week
Gracious God, shape us through the small daily practices that draw us closer to you and to one another. Mold our hearts for justice, our hands for service, and our lives for love. May we be transformed by your spirit so that in every act, no matter how small, we reflect your kingdom on earth. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Make justice a daily habit. In this week’s featured book, popular author and activist Tex Sample draws on interviews with 40 pastors from diverse ministry contexts to document hundreds of small practices that can enable big changes in our communities. Learn more here.
Lectionary Readings
- Acts 9:1-6, (7-20)
- Psalm 30
- Revelation 5:11-14
- John 21:1-19
Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
2 Comments | Join the Conversation.Small Things
Today's Reflection
The problem is that we often neglect important things that are not exciting or seem too small. I am convinced that God’s providential work moves in these times and places. It strengthens me that the clergy involved in justice ministry confirm such an obvious but neglected reality.
—Tex Sample, Micro Practices For Justice Ministry (Upper Room Books, 2025)
Today's Question
What practices help you slow down and notice God’s providential work in the small, everyday moments? Join the conversation.
Today's Scripture
Those who have made fun of this day of small beginnings will celebrate when they see Zerubbabel holding this important stone.
—Zechariah 4:10 (CEV)
Prayer for the Week
Gracious God, shape us through the small daily practices that draw us closer to you and to one another. Mold our hearts for justice, our hands for service, and our lives for love. May we be transformed by your spirit so that in every act, no matter how small, we reflect your kingdom on earth. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Make justice a daily habit. In this week's featured book, popular author and activist Tex Sample draws on interviews with 40 pastors from diverse ministry contexts to document hundreds of small practices that can enable big changes in our communities. Learn more here.
Lectionary Readings
- Acts 9:1-6, (7-20)
- Psalm 30
- Revelation 5:11-14
- John 21:1-19
Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
2 Comments | Join the Conversation.A Cloud of Witnesses
Today's Reflection
A cloud of witnesses: those faithful saints who have gone before me. Abraham and Moses, my parents and grandparents, my aunts and uncles. A favorite childhood Sunday school teacher, longtime church members, neighbors, and friends. I close my eyes, wanting to focus my mind's eye on each person who helped mold my spiritual life. These spiritual ancestors did not abandon their faith when life was difficult. They felt the sharp pain of rejection and failure. They suffered illness and grieved the loss of loved ones. Still they faithfully embraced the hardships and uncertainties of life with courage and hope. Recalling their stories of faithfulness encourages me in the what-ifs of this season of life. I can hear them calling to me: "Finish well, dear one."
—Missy Buchanan, Beach Calling: A Devotional Journal for the Middle Years and Beyond (Upper Room Books, 2019)
Today's Question
Who are some of the faithful saints in your life? Join the conversation.
Today's Scripture
Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
—Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)
Prayer for the Week
Like the waves of the ocean rolling onto the sand, your glorious grace rushes into my heart and soul, again and again. God, I give thanks for your boundless heart. Amen. [prayer adapted from Beach Calling by Missy Buchanan]
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Mother's Day is just around the corner. Save 15% on this week's featured book and on other great gifts for Mom here.
Lectionary Readings
- Acts 5:27-32
- Psalm 118:14-29
- Revelation 1:4-8
- John 20:19-31
Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
1 Comments | Join the Conversation.Steadfast God
Today's Reflection
Aging comes whether I notice it or not. It doesn't stop to ask for permission. It cannot be turned off like a faucet. Like the waves, it comes continuously and steadily, just as God designed it. Why, then, do I try to stop aging as though it's a disease from which I need a cure? The rhythm of aging is like the ebb and flow of the sea. In aging, as in life, I've experienced undeniable loss and unimaginable blessing; I have felt sorrow and immense joy. . . . The beach calls me to a life of promise. Just as the tide of aging persists, so does the faithfulness of my steadfast God.
—Missy Buchanan, Beach Calling: A Devotional Journal for the Middle Years and Beyond (Upper Room Books, 2019)
Today's Question
What are some of the aspects of aging that bring you joy? Join the conversation.
Today's Scripture
I will still be the same when you are old and gray, and I will take care of you.
—Isaiah 46:4 (CEV)
Prayer for the Week
Like the waves of the ocean rolling onto the sand, your glorious grace rushes into my heart and soul, again and again. God, I give thanks for your boundless heart. Amen. [prayer adapted from Beach Calling by Missy Buchanan]
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Mother's Day is just around the corner. Save 15% on this week's featured book and on other great gifts for Mom here.
Lectionary Readings
- Acts 5:27-32
- Psalm 118:14-29
- Revelation 1:4-8
- John 20:19-31
Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
5 Comments | Join the Conversation.Sunrise, Sunset
Today's Reflection
Sunrise and sunset mark opposite ends of each day, yet each equally inspires me. . . . Daybreak and dusk. Young and old. By God's design, each one mirrors its opposite in beauty. In the gentle light of dawn, I embrace God's truth. Indeed, the sunset is just as magnificent as the sunrise. . . . I do not have to fear the journey of aging. God will never leave me. Instead of being fearful, I can seek the beauty that comes at the end of each day just as I do at the beginning. I can find beauty in both beginnings and endings.
—Missy Buchanan, Beach Calling: A Devotional Journal for the Middle Years and Beyond (Upper Room Books, 2019)
Today's Question
When have you found beauty in endings? Join the conversation.
Today's Scripture
From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.
—Psalm 113:3 (NIV)
Prayer for the Week
Like the waves of the ocean rolling onto the sand, your glorious grace rushes into my heart and soul, again and again. God, I give thanks for your boundless heart. Amen. [prayer adapted from Beach Calling by Missy Buchanan]
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Mother's Day is just around the corner. Save 15% on this week's featured book and on other great gifts for Mom here.
Lectionary Readings
- Acts 5:27-32
- Psalm 118:14-29
- Revelation 1:4-8
- John 20:19-31
Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
2 Comments | Join the Conversation.