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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

God created you as an amazing and complex human being. Science proves over and over that your body holds more wisdom than you can fathom. Your physical body also carries trauma and pain. No matter where you are on your healing journey, you are processing the traumas your body and spirit have experienced in the past. As a Christian, you look to Jesus as your model for living. Jesus not only experiences many mountaintop moments but also encounters great physical trauma and pain. So what can Jesus’ life teach you today about your body?

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

Today’s Question

How would you answer the question posed in today’s reflection? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

The Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
—Genesis 2:7 (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.

3 Comments

  • Julie Posted May 18, 2022 8:59 am

    I had to go hunting for this page. The concept that comes to my mind is that Jesus’ body kept going through the trauma. It was capable of absorbing so much and healing. God enables our body and created our body to be able to heal.
    H continues to confuse days and nights and days of the week. He also never had any real hobbies and so now finds himself with absolutely nothing to fill his days. He literally walks about the house aimlessly, stands and looks out the window or sits on the stairs all day long. It is unnerving.
    Prayers for Ally and the new lawyer, may they prevail in the appeal. Prayers for April and her loved one as the caregiving situation continues. Prayers for Jill as the school year comes to a close, may all her students continue to engage. Prayers for Lou and her daughter, for their joy in spending time together. Prayers for Rick and his husband as they enjoy their home city. Prayers for Robert, may his transition to the Poconos be successful.

  • Ally Posted May 18, 2022 9:15 am

    God created us in God’s image. Jesus was also created in God’s image. Jesus is the prime example of what a body can endure. Looking to Jesus, I take away that I need to care for my body more lovingly. I haven’t done that very well.
    My appointment with the new attorney went vey well and I feel this firm will work with me and for me. I feel really good about making a change in my representation. Thanks to all for your prayers. Know that I pray for the things close to your heart as well. Blessings to all.

  • Jill Posted May 18, 2022 11:33 am

    I feel like Christ knew His bodily limitations, as well as His mental and spiritual needs – thereby exemplifying the importance of rest. He “got away” for time of prayer and meditation – a hugely important nourishment. He willingly endured physical pain, accepting this from His Father. I read this quote this morning – “The Christian must not only accept suffering, he must make it holy.” Christ nailed this…no pun intended. When I saw this quote this morning, I typed it in my phone – as I feel there is much potential in this quote. I pray I am obedient in following this example.
    Was able to spend some time in my flowerbeds yesterday, prior to dinner. I will need to be making some more purchases soon – as there are still places to plant flowers.
    Two of my year 2 students have tested positive for Covid and are unable to sit for their exams for the program. Luckily there is a protocol in place, so they are still able to possibly attain the diploma. A few teachers have also tested positive. I keep lying low, masked and in my room most of the time. There is a meeting after school – as our union is entering into negotiations for our next contract. It is not a required meeting, but highly recommended. Not going to feel comfortable in that small of a space…so might not stay long.

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