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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

Gardening (whether it’s in the yard or in the heart) involves some effort and sweat, but mostly it’s about allowing ourselves to be in harmony with the awesome creativity of the universe. We join hands with the Creator to do the tilling and the planting and nurturing together, then watch expectantly for the greening.

—Linda Douty, Rhythms of Growth: 365 Meditations to Nurture the Soul (Upper Room Books, 2014)

Today’s Question

Who can support you in watching expectantly for the Creator’s work in your life?
Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

I’m sure about this: the one who started a good work in you will stay with you to complete the job by the day of Christ Jesus.
—Philippians 1:6 (CEB)

Prayer for the Week

Thank you, God, for sun and showers.
Thank you for each lovely flower.
Thank you for each stately tree.
Through all these, you speak to me.
A Gardener’s Prayer
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

You don’t have to be at the beach to experience the sea, the sand, the sky, and the glory of the One who created it all. In Beach Calling, author Missy Buchanan’s brilliant descriptions—intertwined artfully with scripture—paint a vivid picture that invites you to a closer, more authentic walk with God. 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 April 21, 2024 5:38 am

    New Every Morning, church friends , and most importantly the Holy Spirit, Jesus, and God. Thank You, Lord.

  • Ally Posted April 21, 2024 3:49 pm

    I feel both pruned and cocooned. Right now, I’m praying aabout the direction to take regarding my job. I want to move on. I want to be obedient to God’s call. Today’s scripture resonated with me and felt like Hod’s response to the things I’m prayinf about. I have dear friends who support me as I wait, and my family.
    Please pray for David, as he has been more unsteady and wobbly. His PT told me yesterday that she noticed pronounced weakness on his left side and said she would tell the home health nurse and see if they can refer him for a neurologist consult.
    Julie, I pray you feel peace as you process H’s death. I pray you feel the light on your face.
    I think all for their insights into the readings this week. Blessings to all.

  • Jill Posted April 21, 2024 5:22 pm

    I have a faithful few who have been praying for me for quite a while, and this calling to end of life work is the answer to their prayers, as well as mine. I spoke with my dear friend last week for over an hour – and she is just over the top that I am now feeling fulfilled in this space that had been a void. She is a super encourager of my heart.
    Since coming off the month long prescription of anti-inflammatories about 10 days ago, I have been in quite a bit of discomfort while seated. It’s hard for me to say it is worse than prior to both surgeries, but I do feel it is. Discouraging. I was told to wait 6 months. Well, on my right side – it has been 7 months and the discomfort is there. I have an appointment with the doctor on Wednesday – not my surgeon, but someone in my practice – the person I saw for my 12 week follow up. I have taken the day off and am strongly considering calling to see if I can get into my physical therapist in the morning on Wednesday and see what she thinks. I am beginning to wonder if this is just going to be a lifelong chronic problem.
    We have state testing this week at school. The schedule is wacky and the kids will be thrown off. Not ideal for my students, as this is the last full week before we test for our program. Hold on, everyone.
    Ally – will be praying for discernment for you as you consider your job; and for David, that he will be able to get stronger and more secure in movement.

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