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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

I bet we all said this prayer as children: “Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.” While I understand the sentiment, there’s something about ending the day focused on death that unsettles me. I want my kids to rest well, assured that their futures in heaven are safe and secure because of the work of Jesus on the cross and his invitation of love in their lives. I’d rather they boldly claim that promise instead of making a timid request each night just to be safe.

I’d rather look back on a day with my kids and celebrate all that God has done, recount the places where we saw God, invite God’s peace into our hearts as we rest, and place tomorrow into God’s care. “If I die before I wake” can cause a “Just in case I’m not right with God, I better get this in” mindset when God has made us right already. God has claimed us, promised us a future in heaven, and empowered us to live with joy instead of fear.

—Jenny Youngman, Scrambled Starts: Family Prayers for Morning, Bedtime, and Everything In-Between (Upper Room Books, 2015)

Today’s Question

Do you have a bedtime prayer habit? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

For God alone my soul waits in silence;
from him comes my salvation.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall never be shaken.
—Psalm 62:1-2 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
Traditional Doxology
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

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Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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4 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted May 12, 2022 5:33 am

    I am quite sure those were not the words of my childhoods’ bedtime time prayer, especially the dying phrase. Now I thank God for the blessings of the day. I’m so thankful things are progressing well. Off soon to have new rear shocks installed in the car. Have a little more I’d like to do on the deck, photos tomorrow. Warm weather making this work easier. Prayers for the joys and concerns of Ally&David, Julie, Jill, Larry, Becky, Lou, April and all of the NEM family. They are in Your care Lord Thank You , Lord. Prayers for the future of CCUMC. Worship plans coming along to the end of June. Only God knows what will happen after that.

  • Julie Posted May 12, 2022 8:58 am

    That was the prayer I had to pray each night and yes it was disturbing as a young child. Now I tell God good night and thank him for getting me through the day.
    Yesterday I had a virtual appointment with my nephrologist and he is having me get more tests done on Friday because my sodium is continuing to decrease. This is a recurrent theme for me, my sodium tends to be low. I am supposed to eat a lot of salt and not drink much until then. But eating salty things makes me want to drink more and on top of that our new air conditioner is not workiing and it is in the 80s. So I am not doing well on the not drinking part. He mentioned having to be hospitalized if my kidney values don’t improve.
    Prayers for Ally and David’s health and finances, Jill’s bonding with her students, and Robert’s move to the Poconos.

  • Ally Posted May 12, 2022 1:16 pm

    As a child, I prayed this prayer, among others for children. I remember going through a phase of being fearful of going to sleep because I was afraid of dying in my sleep. Don’t know if my fear was connected to this prayer or not. These days before bed, I pray Compline, from the Book of Common Prayer. I love the prayers and feel connected to God and Christians all over the world who pray Compline.
    David and i had our counseling session yesterday. I feel we are making progress. Thanks to my NEM family for your prayers. We are having a quiet day at home. I’m doing a little housework and plan to apply for positions with online teaching platforms. I have a book I hope to finish today, then errands and supper.
    Robert, great news that things with move to Poconos are coming along.
    Julie, prayers that your kidney values can improve so you stay out of hospital. Prayers for air conditioner as well.
    Jill, prayers for you as school year winds down, Larry, as he transitions to Florida, and for little Roger to remain well.
    I thank God we are in each other’s lives. praying for all the things God lays on our hearts. Blessings to all.

  • Rick Posted May 12, 2022 2:57 pm

    Greeting’s all, I too prayed this prayer as a child. As I’ve grown in faith I do the latter and review my day. It can be cathartic and I can see where I could have done better. Blessing to all and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

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