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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

It may well be said that Christianity was founded on the most profound act of nonviolence ever witnessed. Not only did Jesus submit himself voluntarily to martyrdom, but he did so when, by his own account, he had more power than any person on earth to end his own suffering, end the wickedness of his tormentors, and bring judgment to the whole situation.

—Rosalind C. Hughes, Whom Shall I Fear? Urgent Questions for Christians in an Age of Violence (Upper Room Books, 2021)

Today’s Question

How does the sacrifice of Jesus inform your beliefs about nonviolence? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

His grave was among the wicked,
his tomb with evildoers,
though he had done no violence,
and had spoken nothing false.

—Isaiah 53:9, CEB

Prayer for the Week

Lord, even though I walk through lonely and dark times, I will fear nothing, because you are with me; your guidance and authority comfort me. (Adapted from Psalm 23:4)
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Help make your church a safer place for children, youth, and vulnerable adults. Join us in October for a four-part webinar series introducing Safer Sanctuaries: Nurturing Trust within Faith Communities. Learn more here.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

3 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted September 15, 2022 5:55 am

    Jesus’s mission was to do what He did. We can also do good for others. In some situations we too are called to lay down our lives for others. We can not raise ourselves up. Only with the help of Jesus is that possible.
    Bringing about change that leads to social justice should be nonviolent. Even so the possibility of dying exists. With Jesus there is life after death.
    Food shopping and my son gets a booster shot today.
    Blessings and prayers for all the NEM family..

  • Julie Posted September 15, 2022 8:58 am

    I have never ascribed to the idea of violence being the answer to disagreements. I grew up near the Amish and have read many books about the Amish sects and have had many interactions with them as well. They are strict nonviolence practitioners. Theirs is a society system based on aiding and uplifting one’s neighbor and doing what is best for the greater good. They follow the rules set by their elders and their code of conduct, the Ordnung.
    I have much to do today to prepare for the upcoming removal of the junk from the storage unit as well as here in the house and shed. I am hoping that h will remember the combination to the storage unit’s lock.
    Prayers for Ally and David, for pain reduction and improved mobility. Prayers for safe travel for her sister and friend. Prayers for Jill and her school as they learn to move forward without their collegue. Prayers for Robert and Erich as they run errands together.

  • Jill Posted September 15, 2022 12:16 pm

    I guess I never considered what my beliefs surrounding non-violence are. I don’t consider violence an option. Christ carried Himself with such humility. That is the example I need to emulate.
    Yesterday got away from me as I had a doctor’s appointment in the morning, had to get my car from the repair shop after school and had small group last evening. I believe small group went well – my friend said that we facilitated well together. It’s tricky on zoom, awkward pauses, internet dropping for a moment.
    Seem to be getting much accomplished today at school. I have nothing after school today – very thankful for that. It has been a tiring week.
    Julie – I am glad you are getting such support from various Parkinson’s groups and meetings. Self care is so important for the care-giver.

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