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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.”

As the seasons change,
We turn to you, God of creation,
Our source, our wisdom, our comfort.
Be our anchor in the midst of turmoil.
Our healing spirit in times of brokenness.
Our blessing in the emptiness.
We are yours. Amen.

—Beth A. Richardson, Christ Beside Me, Christ Within Me: Celtic Blessings (Upper Room Books, 2016)

Today’s Question

What wisdom does God offer you in the midst of changing seasons? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

The LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

—Proverbs 2:6 (CEB)

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.

Something More

Hear more from Beth A. Richardson in the Christ Beside Me, Christ Within Me eCourse.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

3 Comments

  • Jill Posted August 2, 2020 6:17 am

    I am not sure what wisdom He offers. I am aware of His presence and His provision. I am asking Him for wisdom and discernment as there are decisions to be made in the upcoming weeks regarding my health. I am mindful that I rely on, and must continue to rely on, His strength and guidance as I continue to be very present to dad, realizing this time is a gift.
    Yesterday, a few of my colleagues were so gracious in speaking with my dad. It was funny to me to hear them address him so formally…Mr. I so easily forget he is 86 and they are just amazed he is so active and healthy. We stayed surprisingly dry for the most part – we only had to get our umbrellas out on two of the holes – as there were quick showers. It was a long day for him – he picked me up at noon and dropped me off after seven. He was tired, of course…he’s 86. But no worse for wear.
    As I think about the changing of seasons – it is noticeably darker longer in the mornings. For sure, the days are getting shorter. Can’t believe it is August.
    Today will be a zoom meeting with the cancer support group. I will finish with the wallpaper today…but still need to wash down the walls…scrubbing off residual glue/paste. I hope to be finished by the end of the day…but will have to see.
    Dad and I continue to read through the Heaven book by Joni Earkeckson Tada. While I know in my head we are merely sojourners here and sometimes that just rolls off my tongue – in my heart I am not as heavenly-minded as I should be. The chapter we are on this week talks about how we are made for Heaven, not Earth. And that we should be homesick. If this is wisdom (as spoken of above) – I need God to be gracious and bring me a better awareness (?) or appreciation (?) for this. The further we get through the book, the more I realize how hard it is for my logical, finite brain to even begin to grasp what Heaven will be like. And it makes me question whether I am too comfortable here. I will continue to pray on this…asking for a better perspective, the perspective He wants me to have on my future, eternal home.

  • robert moeller Posted August 2, 2020 7:32 am

    For me God’s wisdom is expressed in the Bible. “Nothing can separate us from the love of God, Love thy neighbor as thyself, put God first and all these things will be given unto you,” and, of course there are many more words of wisdom. We can ask for it. How amazing is that?

    Thankful you, Jill, were able to golf with your Dad. Amazing at 86 what he can do. Your determination has made the wallpaper job progress. Congratulations will soon be in order. Am very hopeful that this years’ classes will be distanced learned. Wish it wasn’t so, but life is more precious than learning and technology helps make at least some progress possible. Hope every student has distance learning capability. I know that is asking a lot.

    ZOOM worship this morning at 10. Hope God’s wisdom is with every congregation yearning to worship together in person. I believe it is not common sense to do so.

    Your post begs this question. If God wants us home why were we sent here in the first place? I have no idea how to answer that. I surely hope that we do our part, small as it is, and dependent on God’s love and grace, to make it home one day. I also do not know what heaven is like. I’m not worried about that. Thank You, Lord, You are more than sufficient.

  • April Posted August 2, 2020 9:21 pm

    What wisdom does God offer you in the midst of changing seasons? The wisdom to realize that change is occurring everyday, some I might like and some I might not. God is with us throughout the changes and has the last word. Hope was the last theme of our sermon series and today we started on Rise. I felt inspired by the words that were shared by both of the pastors’ sermons I listened to today.
    Robert, I agree with you about wisdom in the Bible and if we ask, God will send to us. I am doing that for myself and also for our leaders as they make decisions that affect so many.
    Today on our walk we saw two minks!! They are such sleek black creatures as they ran across the path and to the river. I was glad it was them instead of the skunk that seems to have been in our neighborhood the other night.
    Good luck with the wallpaper Jill. It will be so exciting to have new walls when you are finished.
    Blessing to all as we start a new month. I pray for wisdom to each.

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