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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

RECONCILIATION IS NOT a hasty process, proclaiming peace where there is no peace, ignoring injustice and human suffering. Reconciliation is intimately connected with justice, with right relations. As Christians, we must restore the work of reconciliation from the periphery to the center of the life and witness of the church where it belongs. My dream is that every church becomes a neighborhood reconciliation center.

—Thomas Porter, The Spirit and Art of Conflict Transformation: Creating a Culture of Justpeace (Upper Room Books, 2010)

Today’s Question

Does your faith community view reconciliation as the center of its life and witness? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

He has told you, human one, what is good and what the LORD requires from you: to do justice, embrace faithful love, and walk humbly with your God.
—Micah 6:8 (CEB)

Prayer for the Week

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love.
(From the Peace Prayer of Saint Francis)
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

We Are the Church… Let’s Act Like It. Journey with Linda Pevey as she discusses practical and biblical ways today’s church can truly be a transformative presence in the world. Learn more about this small group study on the book of Acts.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

4 Comments

  • Jill Posted January 19, 2020 5:49 am

    I love the above stated verse from Micah 6…love justice, seek mercy, walk humbly with your God.
    I don’t know that my church views reconciliation as its primary outreach. To be reconciled with God is certainly a strong, consistent theme. But I sense the author is stressing more of reconciliation between people/groups in the local community. In order to properly and lastingly be reconciled to each other, reconciliation with The Creator must be a priority. He then births within us the deep longing for reconciliation amongst those in our community.
    My heart is full, following time spent with my friend yesterday morning. Over the past two days, three incredible expanses of time spent conversing with treasured people in my life. Thank You, Father, for the gift of these people, these relationships. Time spent with dad was good as well, and not taken for granted. My god daughter continues to work her way back on the court, moving better yesterday. Her team won again – an impressive 14-1 record thus far. The local newspaper is finally taking notice of this team. Fun for them.
    Prayers for the concerns of those here…Andrea and her relationship with her daughter and grandson, as well as the parental relationship and guidance for her daughter and her son; for Rick and the impending move, as well as classes this semester; for Robert’s tireless and patience filled devotion to Erich and Erich’s pursuit of suitable employment; for Julie and Megan, their comfort and safety and pain tolerance for Julie; for those we miss hearing from – Mary, Connie, Betsy, Rusty; for Lou and her continued adjustment to her new normal…living circumstances, watching her children mature and flourish, for her longings and rememberings; for April’s, Joyce’s, BJ’s insightful comments, verses and songs – encouraging to all of us. Father – thank You for this space, provided by Upper Room. You are amongst us here and we are grateful. Grateful for your activity and movement in our lives. May we bring glory to You.

    • Andrea Posted January 19, 2020 8:12 am

      Thank you, Jill. My continued prayers for you, your father, your sister and your relationship with her, your goddaughter, your students. I am thankful for your devoted presence here. God bless you.

  • robert moeller Posted January 19, 2020 7:10 am

    Last week, today, and I think next Sunday as well we have been reexamining the mission statement of our church. First was what it means to be empowered by the Holy Spirit. More later today.

    As a very all-inclusive New England Conference member UMC church, I think we desire the same for the entire UMC. Realistically I don’t think that will happen. The Protocol recognizes that.

    I’m extremely thankful for Jill’s prayers for the UR Family this morning. My heart says what you put so well into words. Amen and Amen.

    It has been a long and roller-coaster journey with Erich, but one can never give up trying to help. Another step was taken yesterday, product to sell was purchased. A small quantity, to be sure, testing the market without breaking the bank.

    Snow last night, but driveway and roads are plowed. Church this morning. Blessings and prayers for the UR family, the UMC, and all believers. Thank You, Lord.

  • Rick Posted January 19, 2020 7:51 pm

    Thank you Jill, I agree with Andrea and Robert and I’m sure all who visit. You are very gifted and thoughtful with your prayers for all. I use them daily in my time of prayer and medication. You lift me up and inspire me.
    I think our church does an amazing job reconciling its members as well as in the community.
    The weeks reading and mediation has made me think about the future of the UMC. I also agree with you Robert on the future of our denomination. This week i will look into the South Central Jurisdiction. I do have the Option to stay a member of my church and my current conference. As i hope to declare my candidacy in the fall.
    I had not been feeling well most of the week. I went to urgent care last evening. It turns out it was the new blood pressure medication. So after some tests and med change i hope to be feeling well again soon.

    Keeping all in my thoughts and prayers.
    Blessings to all.

    Rick

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