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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

The yield sign reminds us to pause before making decisions, practicing self-control. . . . Find one way you can remember to pause and say a prayer in order to make good decisions. This week model ways that your children can pause, pray, and show self-control.

—Kara Lassen Oliver, Passing It On: How to Nurture Your Children’s Faith Season by Season (Upper Room Books, 2015)

Today’s Question

When was a time you paused before making a decision? Did you act differently after you paused? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Teach me your way, O LORD,
that I may walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart to revere your name.

—Psalm 86:11, NRSV

Prayer for the Week

Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep;
Thy angels watch me through the night,
And keep me safe till morning’s light.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

This week’s featured book, Passing It On: How to Nurture Your Children’s Faith Season by Season, is a practical guide to help parents, grandparents, and other concerned adults nurture their children’s faith. Author Kara Lassen Oliver offers easy-to-follow suggestions for families during the back-to-school, Advent, Lent, and summer seasons. Read more.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

Save 45% and receive free shipping on the regular and enlarged-print editions of Disciplines 2021 by using promo code DISC45. Offer is good while supplies last.

3 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted August 14, 2021 6:02 am

    Not such a significant or important decision, but I’ve paused many times trying to decide if the stripes I’m trying to paint are right, This last time I’m finally satisfied. I will also say that there have been times when pausing led me the wrong way. I am thankful that God is always there. When I fall down, God helps me start again. Thank You, Lord.
    There will be a big decision when I see the orthodontist this coming Thursday.. Insurance helps, but not as much when you are retired.
    Lunch with church friends today and mask required worship tomorrow.
    May the Lord bless you and keep you.

  • Julie Posted August 14, 2021 9:05 am

    Unfortunately, I do not pause enough and have made many bad decisions due to my impulsiveness. When I do pause it is more like procrastinating. I need to make a doctor’s appointment and have “paused” much too long.
    Prayers for Robert and Erich, may Erich seek help for his emotional issues and may Robert’s support be appreciated by both of his children. Prayers for Ally as she grapples with a decision and seeks God’s guidance through prayer. Prayers for her GI issues and David’s depression, may both respond to medication. Prayers for Jill as she models allowing one’s body to heal by abstaining from physical activities, may Larry learn and emulate her sage counsel. Prayers for Marti and her staff.
    Megan and I are going to a craft and art festival in Ohio tomorrow. I have gone many times but have not been there for years. I am eagerly looking forward to returning It is very large and I always spend too much while there. I have several drawings by an Amish artist that I bought there. They hang above the love seat in the family room. I hope he is still there.
    Thank you foryour prayers and may God bless all who visit here today.

  • Jill Posted August 14, 2021 1:10 pm

    This speaks to something this week for me, which I believe I mentioned here. For many days I was pondering if I should return to my counselor. I suppose, in general, I talked to God about it and I know He knows my thoughts, and it was surely on my mind. Finally, Thursday night and again Friday morning – I was on my knees asking for His help in this decision. I realized last night that my dissonance had evaporated and that I just need to continue to turn to Him – He is my mighty, sage Counselor. So – I will rest in that, in Him and remain before Him.
    Julie – are you going to “Shaker in the Woods”? I was supposed to go today with a friend. But – other circumstances and timing changed our plans. I have not been to it, but have always wanted to go. My friend who asked me – I didn’t even know there was one in the summer. I was just familiar with the one in October. She mentioned maybe we could go next week.
    I was able to find and quickly download two resources to assist me with school. Since that happened about 3 hours ago I have been working furiously on school prep. These two digital resources are excellent and I am grateful to have found them. Yeah, I spent my own money and it is for a 12 month license, but the ability to use it the next few weeks and save preparation time during the year is well worth it.
    I will be stopping by dad’s on the way to my friend’s party. I spoke with him this morning, and he just isn’t where he wants to be. He seems to get better throughout the day. I am wondering if this will be his new normal. Not great, since he golfs with his friends in the morning. Otherwise – I feel he could make some simple shifts in his routine and manage this.

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