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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

I believe we can look at solitude, community, and ministry as three disciplines by which we create space for God. If we create space in which God can act and speak, something surprising will happen. You and I are called to these disciplines if we want to be disciples.

—Henri J.M. Nouwen with John S. Mogabgab, Editor, A Spirituality of Living (The Henri Nouwen Legacy Trust, published in partnership with Upper Room Books, 2011)

Today’s Question

Why do you think solitude is a prerequiste for community? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
—Luke 5:16 (NIV)

Prayer for the Week

Dear God, We look to your Son Jesus as our example of a balanced life—solitude, community, and ministry. Help us to know our belovedness in you and to spread the message of your love. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

What does it mean to be contemplative? This Lent, Roger Owens invites us to approach prayer and life differently. Join us for a free webinar on January 30, 2023, as we explore 7 Prayer Practices for Lent with Roger Owens and prepare ourselves for a contemplative approach to the Lenten season. Learn more.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

2 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted January 11, 2023 6:15 am

    A tough question this morning. We concentrate on fellowship, togetherness, community. There’s a hint when we recognize that Jesus went to lonely places to pray. Plenty of those here in the White Mountains of NH. A short walk and you are in the woods. Solitude puts us one on one with God, in communion with our creator. Personal relationships with God are enabled there.
    Preparing for our church’s charge conference on the 22nd, have paperwork to complete, meeting tomorrow to fill it out and sign it. Will give our lay pastor a rest on the 29th and deliver the message .
    Thankful for the good news many of you shared yesterday and the post from Mary. Wish there were more posts from the many who made their presence known not so long ago.

  • Ally Posted January 11, 2023 10:37 am

    Hmm. Pondering this. Perhaps solitude enables us to get away from the noise and static, so that we can better hear God’s voice. Maybe listening for God’s voice helps us to listen and be more sensitive to the needs of our community.
    David is ok with staying in rehab a few more days and is prepared to work hard. We’ve talked about keeping up the good work when he is discharged. He will have home health therapy and then hopefully, outpatient rehab. I’m thankful for medicare. Kitty Lewis is better and it seems the antibiotics have kicked in. He is eating and drinking well, so I’m going to watch him next few days and if he relapses, will take him in to see vet. I’m checking into a veteran’s assistance program and am looking at the online paperwork today. Errands to do and chores at home as well.
    Robert, prayers for your charge conference and for you as you give the messsge on the 29th. I’m glad you take advantage of the nature and beauty in your area. Julie, check out CBF podcasts. You can find them through Google. Also Seedbed podcasts have some good things.
    Jill, Good to hear about the kittens and that Larry is progressing. Enjoy your time with your family in warmer climes. Such good news that negotiations for you a good contract.
    Good to hear from Mary and lifting up all who visit here. I thank God for our community here.

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