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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

In the face of our transactional mindset, God is gracious with us. God helps us reorient to what truly matters: relationship with God. Getting closer to God will never be about what it can tangibly yield for us. Instead, it is about living in a close, committed relationship with the God of all creation.

—Candice Marie Benbow, “Our Failures and God’s Faithfulness,” in Disciplines 2025 (Upper Room Books, 2024)

Today’s Question

How can you shift from seeking provision from God to pursuing a committed relationship with our Creator? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

You shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water whose waters never fail.
—Isaiah 58:11 (NRSVUE)

Prayer for the Week

God, open our eyes to the presence of Christ and equip us to follow boldly where he is leading. Amen. [prayer by J. Dana Trent in Disciplines 2025]
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Disciplines 2025 is now available! For 65 years, The Upper Room Disciplines has been essential reading for all who yearn to live each day grounded in God’s word and hope. Order your copy today and start your journey towards a deeper relationship with Christ. Learn more here.

Lectionary Readings

  • Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23
  • Psalm 125
  • James 2:1-10, (11-13), 14-17
  • Mark 7:24-37

Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.

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

1 Comment

  • Jill Posted September 7, 2024 7:47 am

    In seeking Him for Who He is, as opposed to what He gives – our priorities are re-oriented, because He is our all in all. In seeking Him wholly – what He provides and blesses us with are gifts, gifts we hold loosely, because we treasure Him most. Desires shift, He is enough.
    Praying for you, Ally – this worsening situation at work, and your dark night of the soul. I hope you can trust that He is at work, even in the dark, even when seemingly imperceptible. Julie – praying for you as well, this situation with Megan and her mental health.
    Went to my god son’s football game last evening. Figured the rain would come at some point, and it did -right at the start of the second half. Luckily it wasn’t cold and my umbrella was sufficient. Celebrating his birthday this evening.

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