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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

A note from the author: “Celtic Christians acknowledged God’s presence in every aspect of living—from waking to sleeping, from birth to death, from mundane chores to momentous celebrations. They perceived God’s creation as a holy gift. Gratitude characterized their way of being as they affirmed the source of life and gave thanks through blessings.” (p 12)

WELCOME, SPRING

Long nights and cold days,
Fallow fields and dormant trees,
A journey of the inner world.

I open my eyes and see light.
Warmth breaking through,
Promise of new life
Coming out of death.
Resurrection.

Welcome, beauty.
Welcome, buds.
Welcome, newness.
Inside and all around me.

You, God, source of hope,
Source of healing,
Source of life.
Welcome, welcome.
Make your home in me.

—Beth A. Richardson
Christ Beside Me, Christ Within Me: Celtic Blessings

A Celtic blessing from page 49 of Christ Beside Me, Christ Within Me: Celtic Blessings by Beth A. Richardson. Copyright © 2016 by The Upper Room. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. Learn more about or purchase this book.

Today’s Question

Does awareness of God’s presence in everything and in every moment come naturally to you?  Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.
—Ecclesiastes 3:1, NRSV

Prayer for the Week

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me.
(From a prayer attributed to Saint Patrick) Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.

Something more

Daily Reflections readers; You might also be interested in The Upper Room daily devotional guide, distributed in 100 countries and 33 languages around the world. Subscribe here.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

Sponsored by The Upper Room. Copyright © 2019 | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA

5 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted June 12, 2019 6:30 am

    Does awareness of God’s presence in everything and in every moment come naturally to you? Perhaps now at my age this is true. Not sure when I crossed the line, when I became aware. I’m thinking with in the last 20+ years as a starting point, but more likely two years ago when I started walking the roads where I am currently living. Getting out in nature, away from many man made features surely helped my perception.

    More preparation for the closing and move today. Lots of rainy weather in the forecasts make the actual move dates hard to plan. Thinking we will load and drive one day and unload the next.

    Thankful that all of the effort, time, and money has with God’s wisdom made these upcoming days possible.

    Grateful for the prayers of the UR family. Having support is a special blessing.

    Today is one of the few days over the next 10 where sunny and rainless weather is forecast. A good day for a walk and will see and enjoy God’s creation. Thank You, Lord.

    God’s peace, comfort, presence, love, and mercy be with you always.

  • Julie Posted June 12, 2019 8:05 am

    It does not come naturally for me but I am learning to be more aware Of God in everything and everyone and every situation. This has occurred gradually with Bible study, reading devotionals and reflections and other Bible insights as well as the loving example of this group.
    Prayers for Andrea’s daughter, may she pass her upcoming test.
    Prayers for Connie and her health issues and her garden.
    Prayers for Jill, Larry, Lou and her daughter for safe travel.
    Prayers for Mary and her family and better weather for the funeral.
    Prayers for Marcy and Mary. Prayers of thanks for Mary’s care of and prayers for Marcy. May Marcy recover from her procedure.
    Prayers for Robert and Erich, may they have good weather for their move.
    Prayers, blessings, warm hugs and thank you dear UR family

    • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted June 12, 2019 8:54 am

      Thanks Julie!

      The funeral was over. The cremation was yesterday morning and we picked dad’s bones in the afternoon.

      Thank you for all your prayers and God’s loving kindness!

      Blessings!

  • Georgine Faulkner Posted June 12, 2019 9:42 am

    Although I live in Italy as my husband is Italian I am Scottish.
    I have most of my ancestors are Scottish, some are Irish, English and Norse. A great great grandfather who came from Newtonhamilton in Armagh, Northern Ireland and ancestors from Shetland and Astley, Worcestershire, England.

    Maybe that is why I find it naturally to be aware of God’s presence in everything and in every moment. Often I will find myself thanking God for his protection while I am driving and for just being with me.
    I have been retired for a few years and as my husband is still working I have long periods on my own.

    Georgine

  • Connie Posted June 12, 2019 11:31 am

    Yes, it comes naturally to me and for that I am thankful.

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