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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

This week’s prayers are written in call-and-response style. One person reads the lines labeled “One,” and the group responds with the lines labeled “All.”

ONE: O God of justice,
Who hears the cries of your people,
We pray for those who are in pain this day.
(Names can be spoken aloud.)
For those suffering under systems of oppression,
For those sick, dying, or mourning,
For our neighbors,
And for one another.

ALL: Love deepens between us, and the Spirit dwells among us.

—Lydia Wylie-Kellermann, in Rally: Communal Prayers for Lovers of Jesus and Justice, edited and compiled by Britney Winn Lee (Fresh Air Books, 2020)

Today’s Question

How do you stay mindful of others’ pain without giving into despair? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

God heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.
—Psalm 147:3 (CEB)

Prayer for the Week

ONE: Come marchers, intercessors, artists, and prophets.
Come newcomers and those who have tried, tried again.

ALL: Get close, get close, get closer now.
Draw near, ask questions, sing songs, take steps.
We need you together.
Prayer by Britney Winn Lee
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

The final litany from Rally was written by Britney Winn Lee in the beginning days of the global pandemic. This prayer reminds us that hope endures; goodness prevails; people surprise us; and love cannot, has not, will not fail. Watch and listen.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

3 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted October 2, 2022 5:36 am

    Care and weep at the same time. Can’t be helpful if despair takes over. There’s a balance. Help is needed, despair is not.
    Hours of daylight changing. Fall is here.
    Worship and Communion prep this morning.
    The first Sunday of the month. Nothing on paper yet, but lots of thinking and research. Need to be ready for next Sunday.
    Prayers for progress, good news, improvements, well being for all the NEM family. Thank You, Lord.

  • Ally Posted October 2, 2022 11:36 am

    I give in to despair a lot. I read Psalm 40 and ask God to lift me out of the miry clay and give me a new song to sing. Some days I feel more hopeful about the state of the world. Asking Jesus to sit with me helps. So does taking Communion.
    David has been discharged from home health. He isn’t ready, but the PT had a long talk with him about making sure he does assigned work on days he isn’t getting therapy. PT suggested that he go to a physical therapy outpatient clinic. It would get him out of the house maybe help him take ownership of his recovery. He needs motivation to work for sure. I feel I could have done more to encourage him. But PT said he’s an adult and should take responsibility and initiative. I don want to be a nagger, but maybe I can be a cheerleader.so our primary will write an order for outpatient therapy. We appreciate your prayers for us. And please pray for my dear friend LeighAnn, who has been diagnosed with cancer of the spine. I am heartbroken, her prognosis is guarded.
    Prayers for UMC . God is not done with us. Lord, provide wisdom and discernment. Prayers for Ukrainian and Russian people. Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy. Prayers for NEM family. Love to all.

  • Jill Posted October 2, 2022 2:16 pm

    I feel like I have been able to handle the fine line of those close to me in painful situations, but not giving into despair. A few weeks back – I slipped over the line. That was a warning sign to me. God met me there, when I turned to Him. I must remain close to Him…my hiding place, my shelter. I must give Him my tears, my concerns, my craving of control.
    Cancer support group this morning was just the word I needed to hear. “In this world you will have trouble. But, I have overcome the world.” This world cannot offer us peace and can, indeed, steal our peace if we are not vigilant. My peace and my hope is secure in Him. Praise God alone.
    Setting up, serving dinner and clean up this evening at the homeless shelter. A good way to begin each month with the cancer support group and volunteering amongst the desperately needy.
    Finishing up some grading while watching football. Going to grill up an early dinner.

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