Today’s Reflection
Do not expect “This passage means . . .” guidance from this book. I hope you will hold the Bible close as you work through the exercises, but you will write out of the Bible and in response to the Bible. In your writing, your primary goal will be to mine your personal responses to the Bible. In a way, the Bible serves as inspiration for you to uncover your thoughts, questions, suspicions, secrets, and longings with regard to God, your faith, the Bible, and life. In this approach to relating to the Bible, feel free to use whatever you know, whatever you feel, whatever you question, whatever you suspect or can imagine.
—Jane Herring, One Day I Wrote Back: Interacting with Scripture Through Creative Writing (Upper Room Books, 2015)
Today’s Question
When have you written in response to a scripture verse or passage? If you have not done this, open yourself to the possibility of growing in faith through talking back to scripture. Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
We also constantly give thanks to God for this, that when you received the word of God that you heard from us you accepted it not as a human word but as what it really is, God’s word, which is also at work in you believers.
—1 Thessalonians 2:13 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
Gracious God, your word says that you will always guide me. You are with me during every moment of every day. You will satisfy my needs when I feel frustrated, and you will strengthen me when life makes me weary. Help me to follow your ways as you lead me into a life of fruitfulness and joy. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
—Adapted from “30 Powerful Prayers to God for Guidance and Direction,” at ConnectUsFund.org
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Learn from this week’s featured author, Jane Herring, and other spiritual guides at our virtual event, RESILIENCE | Practicing Compassion in a World of Conflict. On September 29-30, 2023, we will explore the transformative power of compassion in a world marked by division. Learn more and register today at UpperRoom.org/resilience.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
3 Comments
Being involved in my small group studies has given me this opportunity…to respond to Scripture, to sit with, and at times, pick apart Scripture. It comes full circle when we discuss in our group.
I received very discouraging news yesterday when I tested positive for Covid. Now, my surgery is delayed. I am really reeling from this. I’m past the contagious and quarantine period. But – I am to mask through Monday…but I probably won’t be leaving my house or seeing anyone. I am unable to get beyond this hurdle of fatigue. Now – Becky, Don and dad will be gone when I have surgery. I know my friends will take care of me, but I am very discouraged.
We discuss and pick apart scripture during Bible study. I have never written back to scripture.
Prayers for Jill.
Taken within 5 days of coming down with Covid, there is a helpful medication called Plavoid(sp?) Hope you hav spoken to a doctor. Prayers and medicine, Jill.
I don’t write in response to the Bible, I pray to God.
Very late, soccer games upset me usual routine.
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