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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

Have I rejoiced with and for my neighbor in virtue or pleasure? grieved with [her) in pain, for him in sin? Have I received his infirmities with pity, not anger? Have I thought or spoke unkindly of or to [her]? Have I revealed any evil of anyone, unless it was necessary to some particular good I had in view? Have I then done it with all the tenderness of phrase and manner consistent with that end?

—John Wesley (Classics of Western Spirituality Series), in A Guide to Prayer for All God’s People by Rueben P. Job and Norman Shawchuck (Upper Room Books, 1990)

Today’s Question

How do Wesley’s questions inspire you to live in relationship with others? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
—1 Peter 1:15-16 (NIV)

Prayer for the Week

Dear God, I am humbled to hear the good news that you love me and will never let me go. Guide me this day to share this good news with those around me. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

The featured book this week, A Guide to Prayer for All God’s People, is part of The Upper Room Guide to Prayer Series. You can find this as well as A Guide to Prayer for All Who Walk with God, A Guide to Prayer for All Who Seek God, and A Guide to Prayer for Ministers and Other Servants on The Upper Room Online Store.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

4 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted May 2, 2021 6:27 am

    These add some guidance to What Would Jesus Do? Some relationships are harder than others. We all bring our own issues with us. How we react to the issues others have is another big factor. Each person we meet is an opportunity. What to do? Some of us are better at it than others. I don’t try to hurt others intentionally, but it is very solid truth that because of my own issues I unintentionally have. Have confessed and asked for forgiveness, continued to try and rectify the situation, but seemingly to no avail. Still I try. Thank You, Lord, for enabling me to carry on. Blessings and prayers to this dear oasis of faith now and always.

  • Julie Posted May 2, 2021 7:55 am

    I think most of us live as Robert describes. We try our humanly best to be as the Lord dictates in His word and also try to emulate Jesus’ example. However our human sin and nature prevent us from achieving that ideal. But try our best we should.
    Prayers for Robert and his children, may they rectify the rifts between them and find closeness.
    Prayers for Jill and Larry, may they enjoy the weather and time together on the golf course.
    Prayers for Ally’s job search and David’s healing from his new issue.
    Prayers for the UR, readers, commentors and administrators.

  • Lou Posted May 2, 2021 8:12 am

    Yes- we try but we are not perfect. May God forgive us and guide us as we drive to do better in our relationships and out in the world with those we meet. God does forgive us I know and we need to forgive ourselves as well.
    Warmer weather here which is welcome. I am struggling and saddened over the difficulties I see my son is experiencing with his relationship and the unhappiness in his job. He is quick to anger recently which is not like him and I know the past year plus without interactions with peers has been difficult. Prayers please for him.
    I’m looking forward to my trip to see my oldest daughter although somewhat apprehensive as well. Prayers for my youngest daughter as she finishes her second year of college – she is overwhelmed by end of the year challenges. God – please watch over my children and give them your strength as you guide them.
    Thank you for your prayers UR pray-ers.
    God Bless you all.

  • Jill Posted May 2, 2021 5:26 pm

    Indeed, no part of any interaction should be overlooked or taken for granted. I must carefully examine my heart and my motives and ask the Spirit to reveal to me what I am blind to. I know that in my weariness I lack patience. And in my impatience, my tone is often not on par.
    Speaking of par…golf today was pleasant. A beautiful day, summer temps this early in May. Dad and I enjoyed our time together. I was grateful he did not ask to do dinner afterwards, as I still have grading to take care of. We both know we will be able to eat together after golf during the summer, when my time is not at a premium.
    Cancer support group this morning was very meaningful. One of the members led us on a study of Paul and his thorn, and our weakness and God’s strength. Many regular attendees were missing, but we welcomed a new couple.
    Lou – we will pray for your children and your upcoming visit with your eldest daughter. We all are re-learning how to navigate social things…longing for “normal”, yet being mindful of being careful.

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