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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

It grates on my sensibilities when someone exhorts me with scripture about praising God at all times in all circumstances. If she would simply suggest I fix a big mug of Swiss Miss smothered with mini marshmallows, then I might get the message. Praise and gratitude cannot be far behind. You see, praise does not require submission. It requires awareness.

When I release whatever disturbs, worries, concerns, and upsets me and look at the deeper reality of my circumstances, something happens inside me. I notice, and then I start to say a prayer of praise for those good things taken for granted but forgotten in the midst of daily challenges.

—Nell E. Noonan, Not Alone: Encouragement for Caregivers (Upper Room Books, 2009)

Today’s Question

How do you respond when someone quotes a scripture about praising God in all circumstances?
Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

I will praise the Lord all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
—Psalm 146:2 (NIV)

Prayer for the Week

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change those things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.
Prayer attributed to Reinhold Neibuhr
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

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Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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4 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted August 24, 2022 5:44 am

    Sometimes this is hard to do, but I acknowledge that it is always appropriate
    Prayer worship service this Sunday, worship team meeting Monday.
    Lay Servant classes begin in September.Thankful for Zoom that makes these classes possible.
    Prayers for all involved with school as a new year begins. Be safe from Covid and guns.
    May improvements help the.mentally ill receive needed treatment. May all be able to participate
    In sports. I pray for the truth in history classes and freedom of choice in libraries
    Prayers for care givers and recipients, good health and well-being. Thank You , Lord

  • Julie Posted August 24, 2022 9:12 am

    It is sometimes grating when someone says this. In the moment it is difficult to actually do but in hindsight the Lord’s care is obvious.
    Yesterday h and I attended a seminar for people with Parkinsons and their caregivers. It was very informative and we both enjoyed the day. However, when we came home the man who scammed h showed up at our door seeking more money and speaking vile things at me and making horrible accusations. For once h stated that I am taking excellent care of him! I was astonished to say the least. However, he continues to see no problem with continuing to have contact with this person.
    Prayers for Ally, for improved health both physical and mental and improved finances. Prayers for David and the ktties as they all continue to deal with various health issues. Prayers for Robert as he embarks on lay leader training, may God bless his efforts.

  • Jill Posted August 24, 2022 11:59 am

    I usually bristle when this happens. Not that they are speaking truth – but I don’t know that that is what is necessary to be spoken at that moment. I am not a fan of placation. I wish people were comfortable being silent, reaching for a hand, sustaining eye contact.
    Robert – thank your for your comments regarding safety – from Covid and guns. Yesterday we had an afternoon training session on ALICE – what to do when there is an active shooter or someone threatening one’s safety in the building. I continue to struggle with whether to wear a mask or not. I made the comment to my friend that I wish I were more courageous – and not wear a mask. She got pretty upset with me and said – Jill, it’s not that you lack courage, you are being prudent in wearing a mask. She understands, more than others, my level of immuno compromise and she just said – what if you get it and you are out 5 or 10 workdays – where will that leave your students? I am grateful for my close people who speak truth into my life. I am forming the basis for a conversation I will have with my students at the beginning of school.
    Julie – so glad for the encouragement you received yesterday. And – the recognition h gave – about your care for him. I hope this spurs you on to continue steadfastly. Surely not easy, tho.

  • Ally Posted August 24, 2022 1:09 pm

    I may. Try to receive with grace, but inwardly cringe. I do realize we should praise God in all circumstances. But I’m thankful for my friends who sit with me or show love, as my friend did last night she took me out for a light supper and then to a Mary Kay party. Another dear friend texts every day to see how we are doing and takes care to ask me what is going on with with me. She shares her struggles and sometimes we pray together. So there are things to rejoice about, such as friends who see and love us when we struggle.
    Robert, prayers continue for your church and its ministries. Prayers also for your and Erich’s efforts with CBT. Julie, I’m really glad the seminar was helpful and that H stood up for you. I pray for his eyes to be opened regarding those who endeavor to take advantage of him. Prayers for you as his caregiver. Also prayers for safety and wisdom in dealing with these folks.
    Jill, good to see you. I too am in agreement with Robert’s prayers for safety from Covid and guns. I’m still wearing a mask when I go in stores or dr’s offices. Still stay home a lot. Prayers for you as you and your students as you get ready for a mew school year.
    May all of us stay safe as we face the challenges of this world. Love to all.

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