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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

WHETHER DRAMATIC and sensational or still and small, stories that allow us to recognize sacred places do so by alerting us to God’s presence in the here and now. Once we understand that God can enter our lives in any place and at any time, we become aware of the Divine in the present moment.

—Michael E. Williams, Spoken into Being: Divine Encounters Through Story (Upper Room Books, 2017)

Today's Question

Where are the places you most readily notice God’s presence?  

Today's Scripture

“Then Jacob woke from his sleep and said, “Surely the LORD is in this place—and I did not know it!”
—Genesis 28:16 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

I love to tell the story
For those who know it best
Seem hungering and thirsting
To hear it like the rest.

From "I Love to Tell the Story" by
Katherine Hankey, The United Methodist Hymnal, No. 156

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Something More

During Advent we think about a wondrous mystery: that God chose to become human and lived among us. Rediscover The Wondrous Mystery this Advent.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

Sponsored by The Upper Room. Copyright © 2019 | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA

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Today's Reflection

THE SPIRIT ALSO sends us clues for our spiritual lives on a daily basis, not just when we are facing big decisions or major challenges. Attentiveness is a spiritual practice for every part and moment of our lives. Seeking God’s presence, finding our presence, looking to feed our souls, and being aware are all avenues that deepen our spirituality.

—Valerie K. Isenhower, Meditation on Both Sides of the Camera: A Spiritual Journey in Photography (Upper Room Books, 2012)

Today's Question

Can you practice being aware of God’s presence in each moment?  

Today's Scripture

“But surely, God is my helper;
the Lord is the upholder of my life.”
—Psalm 54:4 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Breathe on me, Breath of God.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room or share it in the comment section.

Something More

Sight Psalms is a daily online photo inspiration from The Upper Room intended to help people reflect on God’s presence in the world and in their lives through the use of images. Subscribe today.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

Sponsored by The Upper Room. Copyright © 2019 | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA

6 Comments | Join the Conversation.

Today's Reflection

PRACTICING AWARENESS and trust in God’s love is what spiritual disciplines are about. Just as our muscles require physical exercise, our faith requires daily practice of concentrated awareness of God’s abiding love. With the discipline our faith requires, we can even send God’s love to people and places all over the world. Awareness of God’s presence and prayers of loving kindness exercise the nerve pathways in our minds that can move our attention from all our worries and concerns to God’s presence.

—Tom Camp, Upper Room Disciplines 2019 (Upper Room Books, 2018)

Today's Question

Which spiritual disciplines enable you to practice greater awareness of God’s presence?  

Today's Scripture

“Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us.”
—2 Timothy 1:14 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Lord, thank you for all the ways you are present in my life.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room or share it in the comment section.

Something More

Have you visited The Upper Room Prayer Wall? Request prayer and let others know you are praying for and with them. Click here.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

Sponsored by The Upper Room. Copyright © 2019 | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA

3 Comments | Join the Conversation.