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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

Many of the ammas of the desert greatly valued stability, a spiritual practice that simply means to stay put. Stability is still one of the vows taken by those who become monastics. The vow recognizes that in committing ourselves to a particular place and staying rooted despite changes around and within us, we grow in a way that is different than if we are constantly on the move. … Stability is not just about physically remaining in one place. The practice of stability impels us to find something worth giving ourselves to for a long, long time—a place, a community, a person, a path—and in that, to grow deeper in relationship with the God who dwells there.

—Jan L. Richardson, In the Sanctuary of Women: A Companion for Reflection and Prayer (Upper Room Books, 2010)

Today’s Question

How might you encounter God through the practice of stability in this season? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

But me? It’s good for me to be near God.
I have taken my refuge in you, my LORD God,
so I can talk all about your works!

—Psalm 73:28 (CEB)

Prayer for the Week

Lord, guide me to reflect on—and learn from—the decisions I made yesterday so that they might reshape the longings I have for tomorrow.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

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Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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5 Comments

  • Jill Posted October 23, 2020 5:19 am

    Whoa – again – second day in a row – this parallels what you talked about yesterday in your post, Ally. When you “stayed” with your family for those years – the richness you experienced, how God used that to impact your life and sustain those around you.
    As I was reading this – I was thinking, too, about our “imposed” stability due to Covid. I suppose this is what the question is getting at. Are we willing to accept, even embrace, the challenge of staying near to Him, worshiping Him in a different setting? Are we willing to continue to be grateful, in the midst of these circumstances? Are we willing to say “yes” to His sovereignty, asking Him to use this pandemic to re-mold our hearts in closer alignment to Him? Are we willing to confess our grumblings, the discontent in our hearts over our current state? Of course – these are all questions I must field myself…they are poignant to me. Yes – He is my anchor, despite the turbulence and He holds me fast.
    Such a beautiful day yesterday…got to spend some time outside after school – as I was at my friend’s house. Outside romping with her dogs, eating pizza on her deck, soaking in the goodness. One more day today before the bottom falls out. Slept with the windows open overnight…the wonderful sounds of pre-dawn nature. Dad, my sister and her husband and I are meeting for an early dinner outside at a local restaurant when I get done with classes today.

  • robert moeller Posted October 23, 2020 5:43 am

    Have been mostly “staying put” since the virus began. ZOOM has kept every ministry of church open, active, and in some ways broader as more people can be reached. Bible study has broadened, deepened.
    More time spent on my hobby and trips beyond food shopping, car maintenance, a medical appointments have been to places of great natural beauty. In person social contact has greatly diminished.

    Today’s reflection fits with thoughts from the pastor and will be shared at this morning’s breakfast. Staying safe and still living lives that God intended is our current challenge Put God first and I think we will be fine. Thank You, Lord.

  • Marcy Posted October 23, 2020 7:15 am

    Ever Near

    Ever near my Savior’s side
    Would I linger night and day;
    He alone shall be my guide
    Thro’ life’s rough and thorny way.

    Refrain
    Ever near, ever near,
    Dearest Savior, ever near,
    Thou art now the Living Way,
    Near Thee ever let me stay.

    Tho’ the night be dark and drear,
    And no ray of light I see,
    I’ll press on if He is near
    To uphold and comfort me.

    Refrain

    When the cheerful light of day
    Raises hope and makes me strong,
    Still I would beside Him stay,
    Lift to Him my thankful song.

    Refrain

    Shades of death I will not fear,
    Jesus lights the darkest way;
    And I know He will be near
    Till I reach the perfect day.

    Ellen M. Hastings (1875)
    Music: PACIFICA (Robert Lowry)

  • Julie Posted October 23, 2020 8:47 am

    I guess we know what’s on most people’s mind…but not mine. All I could think of was the chaos and uncertainty that I am living through now and how I have no stability, including not knowing where I will be living. I have little stability in my life so I must cleave to God for only he is stable for me now.
    Prayers for Jill, Larry, Becky and her husband, may all be safe while enjoying family time together.
    Prayers for Robert and his much curtailed socilaizing. Thank you, Lord, that you have provided means for Robert to stay connected to his pastor and church and congregants.
    Prayers for Marcy and may she be well and enjoying Lucy’s antics and warm purrs.
    Prayers for Ally and David, thank you for sharing such intimate memories of your family with us, I am humbled by your selflessness to your family than as well as now. May David’s pulled muscle heal soon.

  • Ally Posted October 23, 2020 12:21 pm

    I suppose that many of us have been experiencing stability in the monastic sense, as we are sticking close to home most of the time. In my younger days, I liked to do a lot of going. I liked having a lot of things to do for the weekend. Now I enjoy just being. In the quiet of home, I spend time with God. My preferred spot is our side porch. These crazy times have been a blessing in some way, as staying put as helped me realize all of my blessings.
    David’s pulled muscle seems to be healing. I have an appointment with my cardiologist next week, so I hope to know what’s going on . Praying it is just anxiety. We appreciate your prayers. We hope to have a quiet weekend coming up. Looking forward to getting some extra sleep and some things done around our house,
    Jill, thank you for your words and I pray that God continues to use this season of staying put to work in our hearts. Hope you have a lovely time with your family tonight. Marcy, thank you for this meaningful hymn. Praying we all feel the nearness of God’s presence today. Praying you continue well. Robert, I Zoom has been a great blessing to many during this pandemic. My sister will be leading a Zoom Bible study during Advent that I will take part in. A real blessing that we can do this, as we live hours apart. Julie, I wish I could offer comforting words to you. Know that you, Megan, and the kitties are in my heart in this time of uncertainty. I pray the Lord keeps and blesses you both. Not sure if there is anything I can do as I am far way, but if there is, name it and I will try. I thank God for our time together in this forum, everyone. I feel God has spoken to our hearts this week. Blessings to all.q

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