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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

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.
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Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

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Today's Reflection

HOW DO WE BEGIN to care less compulsively? First, we honor the gap between our feelings of care and compassion for someone and our desire to help immediately. When we feel another person’s pain, rather than leaping into any set or predetermined active response, we acknowledge that we don’t know exactly what this person needs. Our initial response must simply be our presence; we listen deeply and get alongside the suffering person. Inwardly, we direct a glance Godward and ask, “Lord, how would you have me respond here?” With this modest attitude we seek the whisperings of the Spirit, respect the mystery of our neighbor, and practice the art of compassionate nondoing.

—Trevor Hudson, A Mile in My Shoes: Cultivating Compassion (Upper Room Books, 2005)

Today's Question

Think of a circumstance where you are called to show compassion. Ask yourself, “Lord, how would you have me respond here?”  

Today's Scripture

“Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.”
—Matthew 10:40 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Give me the eyes to see when others hurt, the ears to hear when others cry, and the courage to bring light into their darkness.
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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.