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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, in Compassion: Thoughts on Cultivating a Good Heart, compiled and introduced 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 (NRSV)

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 great compassion.

(Pause for a minute of silence and imagine how you can show compassion today.)

Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

The Upper Room’s RESILIENCE: Healing Practices for Mind, Body, and Spirit is just around the corner, September 30-October 2, 2021. This online event will be a time of reflection and interaction, and an introduction to spiritual tools that you can use in your own healing journey or the healing journey through which you lead others. Register today.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

3 Comments

  • Lou Posted September 19, 2021 5:08 am

    I receive Gods compassion knowing that in all of my human failings he loves me and never leaves me.
    I have enjoyed my time away with friends. This is my first time traveling with these two women. I have enjoyed my time away enjoying the other side of Lake Michigan, the beach , good walks, good food and companionship. Thankful to take this opportunity. Prayers for a safe return home to collect my pup and resume my routine after a nice break.
    Prayers for all of you this day as we being a new week. I will follow worship this afternoon via a recording when. I return. May God bless you all and may you feel His great love for you today.
    Thankful for all of your prayers.

  • robert moeller Posted September 19, 2021 6:35 am

    I believe have been much more aware of being embraced by God, a compassionate presence greater than myself, for the last 24 years. Sometimes I am more aware than others, but confidently feel God is always there.
    Thankful Lou’s time a way, her R&R, has been helpful.
    ZOOM worship this morning, we now have communion offered every Sunday.
    Prayers for problem resolution, improved health and well-being, wisdom in government, and peace. Thank You, Lord.

  • Jill Posted September 19, 2021 5:50 pm

    I am open to receiving God’s compassion, His guidance, His correction and discipline – all of it, all He intends for me. I am grateful for where He has brought me and trust Him implicitly in the days to come.
    A beautiful day to take in the football game. While the temps were in the low 80s – it was very comfortable sitting in the stadium. A slight breeze, beautiful blue skies. I am so grateful for how my friend, well both of them, treat my dad – so tenderly, listen so well. They encourage me to do better.
    We all enjoyed the time. It was great for dad to have this unique experience.
    I told him to make us a tee time for this coming Saturday morning, in anticipation of the doctor releasing me to return to activities Thursday. When I got home from the game I went for a walk and decided I would run outside tomorrow morning. I am feeling better – and this way I will notice if something seems to irritate it – and I can describe it to the doctor. I told my one team captain I wanted to play in the match next Sunday.
    Roger has had a good day, and I am encouraged by his energy level and eating. So grateful. When my friend came to pick us up today, she came in to see him. She is the one who found him outside of their house almost 9 years ago and hooked us up. He always remembers her.

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