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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 stories of the saints are replete with displays of influence over the elements, animals, and other people; they could also alter the course of illness, injury, and even death. Most important, the miraculous signs and wonders that weave through the saints’ lives confirmed that they shared in the power of Christ. The hagiographers intended to convey that such power did not originate with the saints themselves but instead flowed from their kinship with Christ and their intense desire to model their lives on his own.

—Jan L. Richardson, In the Sanctuary of Women: A Companion for Reflection and Prayer (Upper Room Books, 2010)

Today’s Question

What wonders have you observed of people who model their lives after Christ? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
—Ephesians 5:1-2 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Lord, guide me to reflect on—and learn from—the decisions I made yesterday so that they might reshape the longings I have for tomorrow.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

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Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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8 Comments

  • Jill Posted October 20, 2020 5:19 am

    Robust perseverance and strength in the face of adversity is what I witness. A profound commitment to proclaim His goodness in the face of challenging times. I desire this to be evident in my life as well. To be rooted deeply in Him, the immovable Rock – and to tirelessly praise Him and have a heart of gratitude.
    Julie – how was your mother’s transition home?
    Marcy – thank you for sharing hymns and songs – some are familiar and some not so much. As my friend would say – some are from DOGs…Dead Old Guys – but they often are the most Scriptural, most richest of all.
    Father – may You be glorified in the attitude of our hearts today, in our interactions with others and in the quiet moments in our mind – may we turn to You.

  • Marcy Posted October 20, 2020 5:53 am

    Love Consecrates the Humblest Act
    =====================

    Love consecrates the humblest act
    And haloes mercy’s deeds;
    It sheds a benediction sweet
    And hallows human needs.

    When in the shadow of the cross
    Christ knelt and washed the feet
    Of His disciples He gave us
    A sign of love complete.

    Love serves and willing stoops to serve;
    What Christ in love so true
    Has freely done for one and all,
    Let us now gladly do!

    ****************************
    Silas B. McManus (1902)
    Tune: LOVE’S CONSECRATION
    Abram B. Kolb

  • Julie Posted October 20, 2020 8:13 am

    Perseverance and trust in all circumstances
    I have a mammogram and ultrasound today. The mammos are always nothing but darkness, hence the ultrasound is necessary to evaluate my breats. Please pray that all is well. Thank you
    Prayers for Jill and thank you for asking about my mom. She is adjusting well and has many devices to help her.
    Prayers for Marcy who says her cold is improving .

  • Julie Posted October 20, 2020 8:14 am

    Prayers for Amy, Ally’s sister, that her mammogram was clear.

    • Ally Posted October 20, 2020 9:30 am

      Thank you, dear. Praying for you today.

  • robert moeller Posted October 20, 2020 8:22 am

    Being asked to ring the bell at the Methodist Mission Church on the Onondaga Reservation near Syracuse NY comes to mind. I had asked when and if the bell in the church was rung after making it to the belfry while painting the church. I was told it only rang if the chiefs allowed. I rang it quite vigorously.

    Yes I believe in the sovereignty of God. We are God’s creation and live on the earth God created in the universe that is God’s.

    Up in the mountains of northern New England, removed from the Midwest, I suspect that has something to do with Marcy’s hymns being not so familiar, Thankful for New Every Morning for making it possible for Marcy to post them . Thank you, Marcy.

    Prayers for Julie’s Mom’s adjustment coming home, Marcy’s faith through tough medical and physical challenges, Jill’s perseverance at school, with her Dad, and the cancer groups she supports, and a wish for a soon and well ended process for Julie. Ally and David, their family members and challenges also come also to mind.

    Had I an address to send pictures of the CV caboose, you would have them. The next car is well underway, I resolved a challenge yesterday and that brings steps I can handle with a bit more confidence.

    Charge conference via ZOOM last night, the new heating system is fully funded and then some. All is well for the coming year. The virus has helped us learn new ways to communicate and expand ministry even when we can’t be face to face.

    Bible study s next, blessings to you all.

  • Ally Posted October 20, 2020 8:23 am

    Last night, I was thinking about my grandmother, who was intentional about modeling her life on Christ. She was Christ to all: she was a partner in ministry to my grandfather, helping to serve Methodist churches for over 40 years; her children, grandchildren, and other family; students, friends, colleagues, and strangers. She embodied humility and strength, wisdom, and unconditional love. Today’s Old Testament passage from Deuteronomy described Moses as being like no other prophet. That was my Maa-Maw: she was like no other. She impacted everyone who knew her. She has been gone 45 years and I miss her as much today as I did when she left us. I look forward to our glad reunion.
    David pulled a muscle yesterday in his back but said he is better today. Amy got good news: her issue in her breast has resolved: no pain, no lump. Dr. thinks it may have been mastitis or something similar. Doc felt she can wait until her original appt. for mammogram screening next month, instructing her to check daily for any changes. Thank you so much for your prayers. I was able to change the contrast on my work computer so that it is much easier to see and do my work. Praising God for this little thing. Thanks for your prayers!
    Jill, I so appreciate your insight into how God uses others in our lives. Marcy, thank you for another great hymn. The old hymns often teach great theology. I sang today’s to the tune of Amazing Grace. Julie, praying your mom is settling in and continues to do well. You and Megan remain in my prayers and in my heart. To all our other regulars: stay safe and I pray God places people in our paths that embody Christ. Love to all.

  • Louise Tallman Posted October 20, 2020 11:28 am

    I have a friend who entered Hospice at his home about 3 weeks ago. He has a rare blood disease (not leukemia) and is teaching others how to die…making the most of every minute..
    He has been a Bible Study leader and knows so much about the history of the Bible. As he facilitates he doesn’t preach or lecture but we were able to learn together. He is a Christian who teaches and lives his life so that he can get to know Jesus more and not just do “good” so he can get to heaven. Many people admire his “living in the moment…etc. but still planning for the future.

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