X

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

The best vantage point for hearing the philosophy of this generation is from the earbuds connected to their phones. Reading the psalms is like scrolling through ancient Israel’s royal playlist. . . .

Just as we replay our favorite lyrics through our earbuds or hum the tune during our workouts, the psalmist is calling for the people of God to say what they believe. Here [in Psalm 29], we are invited to speak what we know of God’s presence in human history. . . . All the other nations had gods and songs. But in the midst of all the attributes assigned to those gods, Israel declares none holds sway over the One who framed the universe, stirs the wind that strips bare the trees, and shakes the wilderness.

—Joy J. Moore, Let’s Get Started . . . Again,” in The Upper Room Disciplines 2024: A Book of Daily Devotions (Upper Room Books, 2023)

Today’s Question

What is your favorite psalm? Consider memorizing at least part of it. Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Know that the Lord is God—
he made us; we belong to him.
We are his people,
the sheep of his own pasture.
—Psalm 100:3 (CEB)

Prayer for the Week

Creator God, enable us to move through the chaos into the new creation you alone have promised. Amen. —Prayer by Joy J. Moore
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Are you looking for a way to deepen your relationship with God this year? The Upper Room Disciplines offers a daily practice of reading and reflecting on God’s Word to awaken and strengthen your spiritual life. Order your copy of Disciplines 2024 today!

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

Baptism of the Lord

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

2 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted January 4, 2024 6:00 am

    Psalms 23 and 139 are very familiar. I haven’t thought about which psalm is a favorite. In both psalms God is intimately involved. That is reassuring, comforting. God loves us and at the right time sent His only begotten Son, Jesus, to save all who believe in Him. Thank You, Lord.
    Prayers for Jenny, Chris, and Willa with COVID and Oona with strep throat.
    Thankful Jill’s recovery is going so well. Thank You, Lord for the blessings of this day

  • Jill Posted January 4, 2024 6:23 pm

    I would have to name my favorite as Psalm 103. It is the first one I “officially” memorized. What I mean by that is – I think as a youth I memorized Psalms 23 and 100 in Sunday School. But, about two years ago – a devotional or blog I was reading challenged the reader to memorize Psalm 103. This lead me on a year plus of memorizing a Psalm each month. Unfortunately, I have let this habit become a non-habit. There is such truth and beauty in this Psalm – of His wonderful attributes/characteristics.
    Lunch with a tennis friend this afternoon was a treat. The session with my spiritual director was much needed, as I wanted to go through with her the events of this past week or so with my friend and her kids. A lot to unpack and name as grief. I also visited with my hospice patient – and he was having a poor day, with a lot of pain. He was barely cognizant. I had taken him an Italian sub – his favorite – but he wasn’t even able to form a sentence. I ended up bringing the sub home and will give it to Don tomorrow.
    Early to bed this evening. Trying to get back on my school schedule.

Add Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *