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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

It is unfortunate that some people think they have no gifts at all and may feel they have nothing to contribute. Scripture refutes this idea. Spiritual gifts come from the Holy Spirit, and every believer receives at least one (see 1 Peter 4:10). Some people have gifts that are frequently used “behind the scenes,” so they may not consider these gifts to be significant; yet, without them, various efforts fail for lack of precisely this kind of support.

—Christine Harman, For the Common Good: Discovering and Using Your Spiritual Gifts (Discipleship Resources, 2021)

Today’s Question

Who could you encourage by reminding them that “behind the scenes” gifts are significant? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot would say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body.
—1 Corinthians 12:14-15, NRSV

Prayer for the Week

Lord,
Give me knowledge and insight that will help me make the right choices in my life. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

You are beloved, and you are gifted. Rediscovering Our Spiritual Gifts: Building Up the Body of Christ Through the Gifts of the Spirit will help you discover the particular gifts the Holy Spirit has given you and challenges you to use. A “Grace Gifts Inventory” is included in the book to help you identify and apply the spiritual gifts in your life.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

Save 45% and receive free shipping on Disciplines 2021 regular and enlarged-print versions by using the promo code DISC45 at checkout. Offer good while supplies last.

2 Comments

  • Jill Posted July 16, 2021 6:38 pm

    Everyone has their God-given role. It is up to the individual to accept it graciously and use it efficiently and effectively. Just because it isn’t a “glamour gift” (whatever that is), God has bestowed it uniquely to the individual – to be used to His glory.
    My friend had about a dozen people assisting her in setting up for her daughter’s graduation party. We each dutifully did what she requested and had the place looking sharp with plenty of time to spare. I had time to return home, pick up dad and go to the party.
    The next two mornings, I will be assisting a photographer in setting up her booth for a local art fair. Tomorrow is about an hour away, and Sunday about a half hour away. Weather looks iffy for tomorrow morning. I dug out a rain slicker – just might need to don it to stay dry while we put up her canopy booth.
    Early to bed this evening, as last night was a late night. And up very early tomorrow morning. Don’t like to set an alarm ever, especially in the summer. But – I need to be on the road by 6 AM to meet her at 7.
    Prayers for Robert and his tooth extraction, for Julie and Megan as they visit Julie’s mother. Prayers, too, for Lou and her children, and Ally and David.

  • robert moeller Posted July 17, 2021 3:36 am

    Thankful for helpful Jill. I am a morning person , but want to read posts from the NEM community so am trying to post in the afternoon. That is easier said than done. Have appointments to learn my options after the teeth are removed. Yes, Lord, prayers for the NEM family, those out West in the US, flooding in Belgium and Germany, and wisdom in all American legislatures. Thank You, Lord.

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