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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

Planned solitude helps us remember who we are and allows us to focus on our own spiritual formation. It reminds us that God loves us just as we are. It lessens our need for others’ affirmation and approval and frees us to be more willing to act on whatever God is calling us to do.

Create a mini-Advent retreat for yourself today. Carve out a time for solitude, and focus your attention on God.

—Trevor Hudson, Pauses for Advent: Words of Wonder (Upper Room Books, 2017)

Today’s Question

How much time do you set aside to be alone with God? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

But seek first the kingdom of God and [God’s] righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
—Matthew 6:33 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Holy One, guide me as I reflect on the wonder of Jesus’ birth this Advent. May Jesus be born anew in my life. Help me to show his love and grace to others. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

This year, The Upper Room Chapel is celebrating Advent with preachers from across the globe in a special Advent Around the World Series. Hear preachers from Ukraine and the Caribbean, just to name a few. Join us on Facebook or YouTube each Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. (CST) for a moment of prayer and worship this Advent season.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

4 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted December 9, 2022 6:10 am

    NEM starts my day, there are times during the day, prayers before I sleep and time in the wee hours of the morning.. I don’t measure the time. Fellowship time this morning and hopefully a walk with either Russ or Erich. Have to review posts, saw yesterday’s, prayers for Ally’s feelings of hopelessness and worries about the future, thankful David is making such good progress with PT.
    Prayers too for Jill’s friend who is on the road a lot because of her job. Prayers for Julie caring for H.
    Jesus never promised us a rose garden, but promised to be with us through all of life’s joys, concerns, and sorrows. Thank You, Lord Jesus. I’m thankful to be able to witness to that truth. Unseen, but felt, and acknowledged is the help of the Lord in many situations.
    A cold spell in the forecast with lows in the teens. A hymn-carol sing Sunday afternoon with our coordinating pastor, Deb Hoffman, and her guitar. She’s recovering from surgery and about to start chemotherapy, so far so good, and the prognosis for a successful result is good. We are very thankful to have her, she’s in our prayers. Another Christmas concert at the Little White Church in nearby Eaton takes place this coming Wednesday with two church members taking part. Prayers and blessings to you all. Thank You. Lord

  • Jill Posted December 9, 2022 9:14 am

    I am grateful for my quiet mornings. I have gotten much better at aiming for quality instead of quantity. As of late, it has been above average, and I am grateful.
    The sun is out today, and that in itself is a blessing which can permeate other parts of the day. I noticed on my run this morning that we had leaf pick-up – how that helps the streets look tidier. Now, I suppose, we are ready for our first real snowfall.
    Tonight and tomorrow are full up with family and my god son’s basketball game tomorrow evening. Hopefully Sunday following church will be time at home.

  • Julie Posted December 9, 2022 9:40 am

    Not a lot of time alone in contemplation. I more folow the same routine as Robert.
    Yesterday was very hectic. I spent the morning at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden creating a wreath. All our hands were covered in sap, sticky and dirty by the end. Grocery shopping in the afternoon as well. Wednesday h forgot how to take a shower as his dementia is worsening. Also on Wednesday I had therapy and Megan was on the call as well. She will not be detered from getting the dog at this time. My therapist tried to dissuade her and at least get her to wait until she can be employed at home. I have three concrete, nonnegotiable items I need to discuss with her. I am filled with trepidation. She is leaving the dog in the basement while she is at work and one of the items is how she will deal with the dog barking, whining and crying all day. I will have to listen to it while she will not.
    Thank you for your prayers Robert. I love that song by Dolly Parton.

  • Ally Posted December 9, 2022 10:19 am

    I will be home all day, so its a good day for a mini retreat. Thank You, Lord. I have a UR book of retreat ideas I came across recently. Will pull that out and choose one to follow.
    David’s PT told him yesterday that he is progressing more rapidly and his goal
    Is to discharge home. We needed to hear that. Monday, I will attend an observation and family training, this will give me a chance to ask some questions.
    Jill, thank you for your kind affirmations and prayers. Know I’m praying for your friend and you and your fellow teachers as you advocate for safety in your school.
    Julie, praying that somehow Megan will listen to reason regarding the dog. Prayers for you as you care for H.
    Robert, prayers for your coordinating pastor as she undergoes chemo. Praise God for her good prognosis. Thanks to everyone for your prayers for David and me. They mean so much. I always feel encouraged after I visit here.

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