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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

WE HAVE TO train ourselves to become the type of earthly vessels that can endure the challenging joy of waiting on God, whether we are waiting for the Christ child or for an answer to prayer. We need ways of training ourselves in strength, patience, courage, and endurance. Spiritual disciplines like prayer, solitude, fasting, and scripture reading can be useful resources for training in daily discipleship. They open us up, hone our hearing and our spiritual vision, and make us sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

—Enuma Okoro, Silence and Other Surprising Invitations of Advent (Upper Room Books, 2012)

Today's Question

Which spiritual disciplines support your attentiveness to the Holy Spirit’s leading?  

Today's Scripture

“But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.”
—Jude 1:20-21 (NIV)

Prayer for the Week

Transforming God, as we wait, prepare our hearts to receive you.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

As we enter the third week of Advent, let’s step back from the encroaching busyness of the holiday season to listen to God through the silence, thanking God for the gift of Emmanuel. Help others to experience the presence of Christ by giving to The Upper Room.

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

IN ORDER TO EXPERIENCE FULLNESS OF JOY, part of our soul reset must include spiritual practices that help us stay close to God and order our lives in such a way that we avoid overcommitment, over-scheduling, and under-praying. Spiritual practices such as prayer, journaling, small groups, confession, and even lament keep us connected to God as we reset and reorder our lives in the path of abundance and joy versus busyness and being overwhelmed. Spiritual practices are so important and vital for our discipleship journey. They are not about being a better church member. They are not about being a perfect leader. They are not about having the appearance of religiosity or holiness. They are about growing in our relationship with God and staying in love with Jesus.

—Junius B. Dotson

Soul Reset: Breakdown, Breakthrough, and the Journey to Wholeness Upper Room Books.

Today's Question

What personal habits or rhythms have you developed to stay spiritually grounded and close to Jesus? Share your thoughts.  

Today's Scripture

“These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go to the house of God under the protection of the Mighty One with shouts of joy and praise among the festive throng.”
—Psalm 42:4 (NIV)

Prayer for the Week

“O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.”—Psalm 63:1 (NRSV) Submit your prayer to The Upper Room or share it in the comment section.

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

5 Comments | Join the Conversation.