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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

In some sense, we never will understand nor fully explain why our lives must contain pain and despair. No matter how earnest our prayers, no matter how penetrating or intelligent our questions, we will not ever thoroughly know why. But we live surrounded by God-made paradoxes—statements or beliefs that seem contradictory or in opposition to common sense but are still true. We know that in the spring, the delicate shoots of flowers will break through the soil left hard from the winter’s snow and ice. . . . And we know that our scrapes and cuts and bruises—as well as most of our minor and major surgeries—usually will enter the miraculous process of healing. We have witnessed these God-created processes whereby hurt leads to healing, practice to proficiency, and despair to hope.

—John R. Wimmer, Blessed Endurance: Moving Beyond Despair to Hope (Upper Room Books, 2018)

Today’s Question

When have you experienced a God-made paradox? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

When this perishable body puts on imperishability, and this mortal body puts on immortality, then the saying that is written will be fulfilled:
“Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”
—1 Corinthians 15:54-55 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Healing God, when we feel alone, hurt, or misunderstood, assure us of your presence and companionship as you guide us toward a more abundant life. Amen. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

“Hymns embed faith into the marrow of the soul,” Rev. Dr. James C. Howell writes in Unrevealed Until Its Season: A Lenten Journey with Hymns. Howell believes in the power of song to teach spiritual truths. His newest book takes us on a 40-day journey through well-loved hymns. Learn more here.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

2 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted January 29, 2022 7:13 am

    Conway Center UMC is a very small church. During the pandemic, even though we mostly worship
    by Zoom, our building’s heating system needed replacement. one anonymous person donated half of the $25,000 cost, and when donations ended there was a surplus that enabled other needed work. Snowing now and it will continue to about 2 pm according to the forecast. The message for Sunday is ready. Hope you all safe, needs are being met, healing is progressing where needed, and this is a blessed weekend. Thank You, Lord

  • Jill Posted January 29, 2022 4:37 pm

    Generally speaking, His strength is made perfect in my weakness. When I am able to admit my weakness, confess my stubbornness regarding my weakness and attempt to surrender to Him – I find Him sufficient. Despite experiencing it, I always fall back to trying things on my own, in my own timing, on my own planning. Thanks be to Him for His grace and patience.
    Grateful to attend my god daugther’s game this afternoon. She didn’t play, but it was a very competitive game and good to see her encouraging her team and smiling. When she came up to greet her family – she just wrapped her arms around her brother. It was a sweet moment. Dad went with me. We had beautiful sunshine, helping in the frigidness of the day. Safe travels and happy to have went.
    Praying Julie is getting the medical attention she needs.

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