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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

As I matured, my fascination for the [civil rights] movement did not change, although my emotional investment in the movement did. The images will never become easier to digest. But instead of seeing only the pain and horror as I did as a child, I grew to see the strength of a people guided by faith, who not only endured such great tragedy but who also emerged from it victorious.

As I matured, the images of the struggle became a point of sacred witness, and the necessity of passing down the story of the movement became paramount in my purpose. Over the years, I have been blessed not only to visit many of the historic sites of the movement but also to meet, to sit together, and to break bread with many leaders and foot soldiers of the movement. And I have sought to share all that they have shared with me, hoping that a new generation will know the faith of their forebears, and find the faith to overcome the challenges of our day.

—Michael W. Waters, Freestyle: Reflections on Faith, Family, Justice, and Pop Culture (Fresh Air Books, 2014)

Today’s Question

Has your perspective on social justice changed since you were a child? In what ways? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

I will sing of the Lord’s loyal love forever. I will proclaim your faithfulness with my own mouth from one generation to the next.
—Psalm 89:1 (CEB)

Prayer for the Week

Dear God,
Help my generation rise to meet the challenges of our day with courage and integrity. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Through rich and moving stories of people from various faiths, author Frank Rogers Jr. shows ways to incorporate compassion in our daily lives. Start practicing compassion with Rogers in our Academy Recommends eCourse.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

Save 45% on Disciplines 2021 and get free shipping with the promo code DISC45. Good only for the regular and enlarged-print editions and while supplies last.

 

4 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted June 24, 2021 5:54 am

    Growing up there were almost no people who didn’t look like me, I’m white. Over time I met Africans visiting the US, had a drum lesson teacher who was black, saw Asian people in Chinese restaurants, later moved to a more urban area where there was a mix of people. Military service sent me to Korea, now I stood out, A few years later I returned to Korea where I met my wife. I taught in an international school. Back in the US I taught in an urban school that was predominantly
    African-American and Hispanic. My children are Amerasian. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect. All humankind is God’s creation.
    Two delightful weather days, low humidity, sunshine, a breeze, and temps in the 60s-70s will end as another warmup comes. Thankfully better prepared, we’ll stay cool and comfortable with AC and the insulated curtain that keeps cool air in the living room and helps and upstairs bedroom stay cooler as well. Jaunts on the road and in the woods to the south and to the north yesterday. Getting to know NH better No work on the model, maybe today. Be safe, cook, and dry wherever you are knowing that God is always with you. Thank You, Lord.

  • Julie Posted June 24, 2021 8:36 am

    Since I am no longer a child I realize that many sectors of our sociaty are marginalized and vilified. I grew up in Amish country and there are Amish where I currently live but there are people who treat them with malice and they are the victims of hate crimes. I live in the city, Pisttsburgh, where many Jewish believers were massacred while they gahthered to share their faith on their Sabbath. I have read and heard of Asian hate crimes and attacks. Prejudice and crime against LGBT people are still prevelant. This author seems blind to the struggles of others.
    My mother is due to be released on Saturday and of course she complained about it not being sooner! Megan and I are spending this Sunday togther because her dad needs to stay in his home townvand finish things regarding his mom’s death. He is having trouble getting in to see the necessary professionals.
    Prayers for Ally’s job and her David’s and Marcy’s health issues. Prayers for resolution and forebearance in family relationships for Jill and Robert. Prayers for safe travels and health for Lou and her friends. Thank you for your prayers and enjoy the good weather if you are here in the east.

  • Larry Dyer Posted June 24, 2021 9:26 am

    A format and procedure note : I find it useful to personal spiritual growth to first read the question then answer it for myself. After that I read the meditation ,comments, and whatever is my personal choice. Sometimes it is even helpful to carry the question until days end.

  • Jill Posted June 24, 2021 3:08 pm

    I am not sure I have a stance on this…I would say it is very much in our face these days, where – in the past – if you didn’t look for it, you could remain unphased.
    It was to be a warmer day today, but it was very comfortable golfing. Dad is ruing the fact that it is almost the end of June. I told him we have had a very enjoyable summer thus far.
    My best friend’s mom ended up breaking the top of her tibia last night when she fell at her grandson’s game. My friend took her for x-rays this morning. My friend and her family will be at a baseball tournament 2 hours away, beginning tonight. I have offered to assist with her mom – still waiting to hear back from her – if there is someway I can help.

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