Extravagant Love
Today's Reflection
As I have offered spiritual direction to people over the years, people have asked how to develop a better prayer life with the hope that I had a magic or simple solution. There are many practices or habits one could adopt, like befriending silence, walking a labyrinth, lectio divina, centering prayer, keeping a journal, or working in a soup kitchen. Yet the first questions are really, “What is your heart’s desire? What is your longing?” Can we recognize our response to God’s extravagant love as the Spirit’s gentle nudge and soft push to develop practices of openness, receptivity, and gratitude?
—Larry J. Peacock, The Living Nativity: Preparing for Christmas with Saint Francis (Upper Room Books, 2018)
Today's Question
Consider the author’s questions in today’s reflection.
Today's Scripture
“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. ”
—Romans 8:26-27 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
Hallelujah! God is with us. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
The Upper Room wishes you a blessed Christmas season, full of joy and love, in celebration of the greatest gift of all—Jesus Christ. You can continue to spread the gift of Jesus by giving to The Upper Room.
Your tax-deductible gift of any size will impact lives throughout the world.
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
4 Comments | Join the Conversation.Centering
Today's Reflection
[SPIRITUAL] PRACTICES teach us how to move into the center where we come into relationship with God—the ground and source of our being. Living in the center leads us to a quieter, more focused life. The center provides awareness and mystery that allows us to see more deeply. The spiritual practice of centering enhances our ability to see the world in new ways.
—Valerie K. Isenhower, Meditation on Both Sides of the Camera: A Spiritual Journey in Photography (Upper Room Books, 2012)
Today's Question
Which spiritual practices allow you to see more deeply?
Today's Scripture
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
—John 8:12 (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
4 Comments | Join the Conversation.Stay Close
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.
Something More
Click here to watch a video featuring Rev. Junius B. Dotson sharing about Soul Reset.
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.