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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

Even though the rhythms of spiritual growth hum with the rhythms of nature’s pace, we never seem to cease in our efforts to control the process of our own unfolding. Oh, how we try to make those rhythms adapt to culture’s pace—setting goals, measuring spiritual success, micromanaging our life in the Spirit as if it were a business project! But the template just won’t fit. We can cooperate with God’s holy process, but we can’t control it.

—Linda Douty, Rhythms of Growth: 365 Meditations to Nurture the Soul (Upper Room Books, 2014)

Today’s Question

What helps you cooperate with God’s rhythms for your growth? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but the only one who is anything is God who makes it grow.
—1 Corinthians 3:7 (CEB)

Prayer for the Week

Thank you, God, for sun and showers.
Thank you for each lovely flower.
Thank you for each stately tree.
Though all these, you speak to me.
—A Gardener’s Prayer
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

What does it mean to live a contemplative life? In Everyday Contemplative, Roger Owens challenges readers to expand their definition of contemplative living to encompass all ways of seeking to be more open, available, and responsive to God. Learn more here.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

5 Comments

  • Lou Posted April 25, 2022 7:19 am

    We can’t control anything really- we do our best and trust in God to guide us, lead us and protect us in this life. Prayers for all – much is happening here for all – prayers for God to protect you and guide you. Prayers for your peace and for God’s love to encompass you each day.

  • Julie Posted April 25, 2022 8:55 am

    I wouldn’t know how to try to put goals etc on my spiritual growth. It feels like I have very little autonomy in the process. It is more a factor of God’s aiding me in finding my way to deeper understanding of him.
    Spent the day with myself yesterday. I went to church and Bible study and then ran errands and picked up food for dinner. The kitties were happy to see me return.
    Prayers for Ally and David, for health and financial improvement. Prayers for Jill as she continues to enjoy her spring break. Prayers for Robert as he analyzes the current housing market and mortgage rates and how they impact a decision to move or not.

  • Jill Posted April 25, 2022 1:27 pm

    So much truth there – we are cooperators, not controllers. The sooner we can rest in that, the more moldable we will be in His hands.
    I see my post didn’t get posted from yesterday. Oh well.
    Yesterday was a lovely day and took advantage with a walk with my friend in town from Montana and lots of yardwork. My friend and I compare notes on our dads…hers 95 and mine 88, widowed about two months apart. Each is hard of hearing, which makes the isolation that much harder.
    Good to be back at school. Morning classes went well. The push is on now as my year 2 students test a week from this Friday. Need to maximize the time remaining.
    Rain is rolling in. These past few days, coupled with time off of school has me thinking summer!
    Holding your concerns close and praying to our Great God.

    • Ally Posted April 25, 2022 7:09 pm

      Jill, I’ve had that happen a few times too.

  • Ally Posted April 25, 2022 7:08 pm

    I have a friend who tells me to be like water; go with the flow. I like to think I am flexible, but I get frustrated when anything upsets my routine or inconveniences me. The rhythms of God can help me be like water.
    Thanks to all who are praying for us. We had a good weekend. My “daughter” Nikki came to visit and went to church with us. She went with us to lunch. Today I visited a friend who gave me eggs. She has an abundance of fresh “yard eggs” and shared with us. We picked leaf lettuce and butter lettuce for me to bring home to make a salad for tonight’s dinner. So thankful for all our friends, including our NEM friends. Know that I am lifting up the things close to your hearts.

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