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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

I see—no, I experience—the truth that my pain, my confusion, my sense of failure is surrounded and embraced by a compassionate presence greater than myself. It is my heart, not God’s that continues to offer accusation, that mercilessly judges. God steps forth as loving arms, as the patient, longing heart of a mother aching to gather her children in and hold them, to speak wordlessly with the tender pressure of hand and breast of their beauty, dignity, and belovedness.

—Wendy M. Wright, “The Compassion of God,” in Compassion: Thoughts on Cultivating a Good Heart, compiled by Amy Lyles Wilson (Fresh Air Books, 2008)

Today’s Question

How can you receive God’s compassionate love today? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

For the mountains may depart
and the hills be removed,
but my steadfast love shall not depart from you,
and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,
says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
—Isaiah 54:10 (NRSVUE)

Prayer for the Week

God: With my eyes, I choose to see with compassion. With my hands, I choose to give and touch with compassion. With my feet, I choose to go where I can deliver compassion. With my heart, I choose to love with compassion. (Pause for a minute of silence, and imagine how you can show compassion today.) Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

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Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

2 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted July 7, 2024 6:37 am

    How can you receive God’s compassionate love today? Doing God’s work, leading worship and enabling Communion. All is ready, Thank You, Lord.

  • Jill Posted July 7, 2024 2:37 pm

    I received God’s compassionate love today in my visit with a new hospice patient. She has such a robust faith. We had a lovely time together. And, through a simple comment by my friend – who hears me, sees me, gets me. Thank You, Father – for the blessing of both of these today.
    Church was also an encouragement.
    Dinner prep and service at the homeless shelter this evening. I will see my best friend. Our communication has been minimal since we were out of town together two weekends ago. It will be good to get eyes on her this evening.

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