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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.
Through all these, you speak to me.
A Gardener’s Prayer
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

You don’t have to be at the beach to experience the sea, the sand, the sky, and the glory of the One who created it all. In Beach Calling, author Missy Buchanan’s brilliant descriptions—intertwined artfully with scripture—paint a vivid picture that invites you to a closer, more authentic walk with God. Learn more here.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

2 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted April 15, 2024 6:05 am

    I like this explanation that “the rhythms of spiritual growth hum with the rhythms of nature’s pace.”
    I take each day as it comes, yes, there are goals, but they are lesser than spiritual ones with the exception of keeping my faith, turning to God, giving thanks for the blessings that come. I’m doing what I can to help where I can. Thank You, Lord.

  • Jill Posted April 15, 2024 4:58 pm

    I have learned to cease striving, and just settle in and be ready to be obedient. Let God do His work…work His plan…and wait for the quiet whisper to point the way for you to act out your part. I have learned to minimize my suggestions to God (oh, how He must chuckle at me) and to continue to ask for His guidance, His leading, for clarity and wisdom. To merely desire to be IN His will, not creating His will. Father God, humble me anew.
    Beautiful sunshine again. The Kittens are loving open windows and fresh air. I’m loving such mild temperatures for my early morning jog.
    I played tennis with some ladies yesterday, and felt pretty good while playing. I am grateful for these opportunities.
    Just about 2 weeks until my students test. I tried a different tactic today…trying very hard to conceal my frustration with them. Was hoping for more input from them. Somehow – we have to get them ready to engage with these 3 weeks of testing upcoming, to give a strong effort and to take care of themselves – with good eating and rest.

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