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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

A life with God invites you to be honest with yourself—to admit your weaknesses and tender spots. It also asks that you allow yourself to be shaped into the likeness of Christ in order not only to better yourself but also to better the world around you.

—Whitney R. Simpson, Holy Listening with Breath, Body, and the Spirit (Upper Room Books, 2016)

Today’s Question

Is it difficult for you to be honest about your weaknesses? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

The Spirit helps us in our weakness.
—Romans 8:26 (NRSV)

Breath Prayer for the Week

Inhale: Jesus
Exhale: Give me peace.
Whitney R. Simpson, Holy Listening with Breath, Body, and the Spirit
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

As the war in Ukraine continues, we invite you to join us for a special Prayer Summit in The Upper Room Chapel on May 25, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. (CDT). We will hear firsthand stories from Ukrainians and from those serving Ukrainian refugees. Together, we continue to pray for peace and an end to violence in Ukraine and around the world. Please plan to join us on Facebook Live and YouTube.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

5 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted May 19, 2022 5:59 am

    Yes and no. My actions don’t always match my heart. Am trying very hard to change that. Thankful God knows me and loves me despite my mistakes. Have to keep at it.
    Had two showings yesterday, no feedback yet. Have weather in the 90s forecast for Sat-Sun. Views and saves increasing every day. Today is only day four, am encouraged. Need to be patient. Still in demand, but demand is not as strong. Want to respond to your posts today, that’s easier done on my computer than my iPhone. Prayers for you continue, but knowing more recent events helps shape my prayers. Thank You, Lord.

  • Julie Posted May 19, 2022 9:13 am

    Yes because throughout my entire life any sign of weakness was used against me. I have always felt like a prey animal in the widerness that cannot show weakness lest it be pounced on by a predator.
    Megan’s vehicle did not start this morning and she called her father and did not come back into the house to wait or tell me or ask if I could jump her. I know she did not do any of these because I have not allowed her to use my new vehicle in the past when she has had car issues. This very much upsets her. There are many reasons for this and most are because of h who never asked and would just take my car as if it was his not mine. This was with my old car and so I am very leary of someone using my new car. In my head I know this is Megan but the first time her Jeep broke down she just assumed she would use my car instead of asking and it sounded so much like h that I stopped her in her assumption and refused. Now she is angry with me whenever her Jeep breaks down without me doing anything in the new situations.
    Prayers for Ally and her new lawyer and their appeal of the disability ruling. Prayers for April. Prayers for Jill as she tries to remain Covid free despite the outbreak at her school. Prayers for Lou and her daughter as they visit. Prayers for Rick and his husband. Prayers for Robert and the sale of the condo, may all go smoothly.

  • Jill Posted May 19, 2022 1:48 pm

    One friend in particular has helped me to be aware of my weaknesses, which I am blind to. She talks about her issues with pride and how she is often going to prayer in confession. This has really resonated with me these past few years. Just this morning I did not demonstrate the patience I should have with a student and ended up in prayer confessing as I walked to my office for lunch. Also – confession following my actions and words on the tennis court. Yes, there is improvement – but still lots of room for confession as well.
    My tennis team this evening – two players are dealing with very ill parents. My partner – her dad had hospice called in this morning. And our captain – her mom had shown signs of progress battling pancreatic cancer, but has had a significant downturn. We have had to find replacements for both of them this evening. My partner lost her mom right before Covid shut the world down and still is quite sorrowful. It will be very difficult for her when her dad goes.
    Ally – hope things go well with this new representation – may you be heard and actions taken which lead to a good resolution.

  • Ally Posted May 19, 2022 5:21 pm

    It is very hard for me to admit to weakness. I do not like to ask for help and risk being seen as weak or not competent. I do understand that everyone needs help at times. I ask God to help me let go of my pride and ask for help when I need it.
    Today I worked on some things from the to-do list the new attorney gave me. Also worked on a project for my former colleague. She has asked me to help with projects she has been assigned. All can be done from home. This is an answer to prayer, as we are struggling financially. According to law, an SSD claimant can work up to 29 hours per week and this will be under 20. David says his balance is ok, but could be better. We talked about getting Dr. to order some physical therapy to improve his balance. Its also a matter of sticking with the exercises for maintenance. I think I’ll have to do them with him so he will continue. Might be good for both of us. Very hot here today. We need rain badly. Our area is under a burn advisory. Going to try to get out early tomorrow to do errands before it gets really hot.
    Robert, praying the condo sells soon and things smooth out for your move to the Pocono. Julie, prayers that Megan’s vehicle will be an easy fix. I pray she will come to understand why you have set boundaries regarding your car. Praying the kitties are well. Jill, prayers you remain Divide free and for your tennis mates and their families as they deal with illness. Prayers for Roger and that his insulin regimen is what he needs. I’m glad too, that he’s made it to the double digits. May God bless and keep your boy! Thanks to you all for your prayers and support. You don’t know how much it means to me to know you care and pray. I pray for our world and for the cause of human rights. Thanks be to the God who cares for us. Blessings to all.

  • Rick Posted May 20, 2022 3:01 am

    Yes, indeed but I can’t stay in Resentment long.I have to turn it over to God. In confession and prayer for a heart of forgiveness and asks for the right thought or action before making amends. It’s been a hard week after an unexplained spike in my BP. After being seen in ER Sunday and following up with my cardiologist, the new meds are not working as expected. I’m confident he will find one soon. Prayers for Robert and an exceptional offer on the condo . As well as God leading him to a new home.
    Prayers for Jill and her teammates facing illness and grief from a loss. Praying for a safe and covid free end to the school year. Prayers for Julie and Megan over Julie’s wishes for respect, prayers for healing and love. Prayers for Ally and David, that the new lawyer will have success with the Appeal. For David’s strength and balance with exercise. Grateful to hear you have some additional income during this time. Prayers for Lou and her family and safe traveling mercies.

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