Today’s Reflection
The Compassion-grounded, “Rest and Digest” state can set us on a path to physical and mental well-being. However, Christian spiritual traditions insist the purpose is something other than personal well-being. Being in intimate relationship with God, the Eternal Source of Compassion, is both the means and the end: We are invited to ground ourselves in Divine Compassion, receive Compassion, become filled with the Presence of Compassion, so that we become images of God, living expressions of the Eternal Source of Compassion.
—Andrew Dreitcer, Living Compassion: Loving Like Jesus (Upper Room Books, 2017)
Today’s Question
What helps you get in touch with the Eternal Source of Compassion? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
The LORD is merciful and righteous;
our God is compassionate.
—Psalm 116:5 (CEB)
Prayer for the Week
Gracious God, give us compassion and humility in our hearts. Let us be kind, gentle, generous, loving, giving, and forgiving wherever we may go.
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Something More
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Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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5 Comments
Time in quiet, contemplative prayer and study. Also – intentional gratitude provides the proper perspective to recognize the bountiful compassion present to me and in me. May I be a pipe-line of His compassion to others.
I look out the window this morning and see the tiniest sliver of the moon in the soft morning sky. And “Good Morning to You, too, God.” O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is Your name in all the earth. When I look at Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars that You have established, what are human beings that You are mindful of them, mortals that You care for them? [Psalm 8: 1, 4].
Yes, Good Morning indeed.
Thank you Jill- beautiful and thoughtful words from you as always. I appreciate your daily contributions here.
My daughter and I went out late at night / early morning to try to get a glimpse of the perseids last week during their peak- we are too near the light pollution of the city but we saw several meteors and we enjoyed our efforts – but sitting outside intentionally gazing at the heavens and the creations there made me aware of how tiny I am. I often look up to the heavens when I take my dog out for the last break before bed and amazingly I can usually see one of the dippers and sometimes other unknown to me constellations- what an amazing God who loves us. May I be mindful of this great love and pass this on to someone I encounter today-
Pass it on.
Prayers of love, peace, and healing for all here at the UR.
Prayers today for my youngest as she awaits news of approval of a new place to live near her school, for my oldest as he continues to try to advance at his workplace, and for my middle child who is so far away- may she be safe and happy as she figures out her next steps in life. Prayers for their safety and strength.
Thank you ur family.
I connect to the source of compassion through reading ofthe Bible, Devotionals and the comments shared here. I also connect to the source of compassion as I witness it in others, whether directed to myself or others. I connnect to the source of compassion when I offer compassion to others.
Prayers for Jill and I , too, thank you for your beautiful words shared each day. You are an inspiration to me.
Prayers for Lou and her children as each struggles with issues depending on their current life circumstances. May all know that God’s will shall prevail and that He works all things out for those who trust in Him.
Megan and I spent a lovely day together yesterday eating takeout outside and at home, eating ice cream and running many errands. Both of us received our flu shots. I would like to know if anyone has gotten the shingles vaccine and if so how were the days following. I would like to get it soon, but the pharmicist said many have flu like symptoms for a few days. He said he had fatigue and lethargy the next day.
Prayers, thank you and stay well dear UR
I connect with Jesus, the source of compassion, through talking to Him and reading the Gospels. and connecting with those who need a touch of compassion. Our church has been reading through Matthew and this week we start in Mark. Reading about the love and compassionate acts of Jesus serve as a reminder for me to treat others with compassion. I especially need reminders to act with compassion toward those who are hard to love. I ask God for help with this each day. Loving Lord, help me in all my interactions with others: in person, at work, and on social media; to embody humility and act with compassion. In the name of Christ, I ask this. Amen.
Jill, thank you for the beautiful imagery and for the passaged from Psalm 8. Lou, I lift up your loved ones, that they will be aware of God’s presence and seek wisdom as they seek the desires of their hearts. For all of our UR family, I pray for safety and wellness. I pray that God will place opportunities in our path to be Christ to others, even when it is hard. I lift up teachers and students as they make their paths through this very different school year. Love to all of you. May you feel God’s peace today.
Have had both shingles shots and don’t remember any problems. It was a some what hectic morning, did food shopping, prepared a sign for an expected delivery, went for a walk, I’m back doing that, grateful for places to go right from home. Early in the morning I finished a drama, am very thankful it ended so well. One of the characters names’ was Soo Ok.
God has blessed me with compassion, wish I could do more, thankful for the resources I’m given, prayerfully I hope they are used wisely. Faith, trust, UR reflections, Bible study, prayer, and worship
enable compassion.
Prayers continue for all of you, thankful for your posts, encouragement. Stay safe, Thank You, Lord, for these precious servants. Amen to your prayers.
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