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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.

 

Words of Hope During COVID-19

Larry Peacock, Upper Room Books author and faculty member of The Academy for Spiritual Formation, tells how he has been starting his days centered in God’s presence. Rather than immediately checking the news, he begins by stretching as he prays and does spiritual practices.


 

Today’s Reflection

Those who practice spiritual disciplines know that emptiness and loss are the womb for rebirth. They discipline themselves to create silence—space empty of words—in which their hearing is sharpened to hear more. In the closing of their eyes to the bright light of sight, they see what can only be seen in the dark. In the fasting from food, they experience the nourishment that comes from a hungry body. When they give alms, they learn that true wealth comes from an empty space in the wallet. When they offer hospitality, they discover the gifts of strangers who now have space in the empty chair at the table.

—Dan Moseley, Lose, Love, Live: The Spiritual Gifts of Loss and Change (Upper Room Books, 2011)

Today’s Question

How have emptiness and loss served as a womb for rebirth in your life? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be blessed! On account of his vast mercy, he has given us new birth. You have been born anew into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
—1 Peter 1:3 (CEB)

Prayer for the Week

Loving God, gather us together and bring us comfort like a mother hen gathers her chicks under her wings.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

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Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

4 Comments

  • Jill Posted May 7, 2020 6:35 am

    When I am willing to acknowledge giving too much space and/or too much time to something or someone – and surrender that to the Lord, He gives a sating replacement of contentment in Him. Part of it is freeing myself from my own enslavement and then living in to the freedom of contentment, merely being and enjoying simplicity. It took me a very long time to mature to this point, but oh the goodness of My Lord and His faithfulness.
    I praise God for the little (really not that little at all) praises offered here. Good news regarding David and his advocating case manager. Thank You, Father – for those who do their jobs well, intentionally and caring. For “just the right spot” for Julie’s mom – the comfort this gives both of them. April’s intentionality. Rick’s diligence.
    Having a Zoom dinner with friends this evening – I have heard of others doing this. Grateful for the invite.

  • Julie Posted May 7, 2020 8:35 am

    The same answer applies today as yesterday. In the stark wilderness that is my current life, among the questions with no answers I sought the Lord. I cried out to His for solace and direction. He heard ans as is true to His natue, He rescued me.
    Prayers for Jill and her friends, may they enjoy time together sharing meals and sharing their joy in each other.
    Prayers for Ally and David. Prayers of thanksgiving that David was approved for more rehab days and may have additional services rendered. Prayers for Ally as she continues to advocate for David and may tomorrow’s visit go well and strengthen them both.
    Prayers for Rick and his husband. Please assuage Rick’s guilt over not working as he is following Your leading.
    Prayers for Robert and his family as they joined together via Zoom and enjoyed their time together.
    Prayers for April and her family and her many losses and how they have helped her have a tender heart for others.
    H is home today as apparently his supervisors told him to see the doctor regarding his ongoing health issues. I am going to have to try to find out the details of his difficulties. I am afraid Megan and I will be pressed into becoming his caregivers. The roofer just started working on replacing the roof. So much chaos all at the same time.
    Prayers and thank you and stay safe and well dear UR
    Jill, how do I sign up for the UR newsletter?

  • Ally Posted May 7, 2020 10:34 am

    A quote attributed to theologian Karl Barth says that every human is made with a God-shaped void. So we are born with an emptiness that can only be filled with God. I tried many times to fill the void with other things, all while paying lip service to serving God. Many years ago, I heard someone say that they played games with God to see how much of their life they could keep. I was certainly guilty of t his. As a young adult, I was emotionally and spiritually immature. As I grew in maturity, I realized that my life with God was going through the motions. I was a seminary student and realized that games did not bring God closer. It was a long time after that when I learned to recognize when I played the game to impress others. That was a jolt. I realized why I felt empty inside even when I did the all the right things, said the right words, listened to the right music, etc. I learned to let God fill the empty space through the Holy Spirit. I am still learning this; that God’s grace is abundant and filled with second chances.
    I’m looking forward to seeing David tomorrow! I will observe his therapy and get to ask questions. He told me his speech therapist still has concerns about his memory. He is still on oxygen, as his saturation levels drop at night, I guess when he is sleeping. I am feeling overwhelmed right now. Please continue to pray for David’s healing and that I will take things one day at time. As my dear friend Mary Nelle says, God’s got this!
    Each concern mentioned here, I lift up to the Lord. I thank God for each of you. Enjoy your Zoom dinner, Jill. Julie, I pray you find peace in all the chaos. Robert, so happy your Zoom family gathering was so joyful. My family always has a reunion in August. Perhaps we can employ Zoom to gather virtually. Blessings to all!

  • Rick Posted May 7, 2020 4:34 pm

    It has brought me closer to God, becoming more present. Embracing the quit and not needing to fill it with anything. Although, I have tried to fill it in the past, with a host of things. I’ve learned, it is a God sized hole and can only be filled with his love. Thank you for that reminder Alley! I am still learning how to practice being in his presence, listening and knowing his guidance, verses mine. Not all days are perfect but far more then in the past. I feel deeply inspire by all the posts here.
    Keeping your joy’s and concerns in my prayers, Blessings.

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