X

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

Jesus’ life demonstrated what writers would later call the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (See Galatians 5:22-23.) As we continue to open ourselves to God’s grace, those gifts will flourish within us. That occurs when we place Christ the cornerstone at the center of our discipleship. Practicing the way of discipleship and demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit give way to action in, around, and throughout the world.

—George H. Donigian, In Days to Come: From Advent to Epiphany (Upper Room Books, 2017)

Today’s Question

How has the fruit of the Spirit led you to action? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things.
—Galatians 5:22-23 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

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
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Happy New Year! Spread the love of Christ in 2021 by giving to The Upper Room. Every gift matters. Make your year-end donation today.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

5 Comments

  • Lou Posted December 31, 2021 6:32 am

    Prayers for all as we see one year pass away and enter the new year. May all feel God’s presence and love. Prayers especially for Jill, Robert, Julie, Ally and their families and for past posters who hopefully still check in – Mary, Connie, Rusty, Gail, Betsy, Sarah, April. Prayers for everyone who comes to this place- may the year ahead be filled with good health and God’s peace.

    • robert moeller Posted December 31, 2021 12:00 pm

      Amen to that wonderful prayer!

    • Ally Posted January 1, 2022 11:17 am

      Agreeing with you in prayer, Lou.

  • Julie Posted December 31, 2021 8:31 am

    I do think that I aam more patient, compassionate, kind and so forth. I don’t know if it is age or the fruit of the Spirit, though I suspect it is both.
    I had a breast ultrsound yesterday because even the 3D mammogram was unreadable. It was clear. But while there I asked the front office staff about their work and the number of openings and growth. They assured me that there is a need to for more as I explained to them that I am conssidering taking a class which will result in my having several certifications for front medical staff personnel. This is an online course through my local community college. I will do more research once school resumes.
    Prayers for Ally and David, for improved finances and health and for Ally’s cousin Susan, may she continue to improve following her heart surgery. Prayers for Jill, for safe travel and for Roger’s health. Prayers for Robert as he tries to find an appropriate book for his Bible study group. Prayers for Marti and her staff.
    Thank you for your prayers and may God bless all who visit here.

  • robert moeller Posted December 31, 2021 12:14 pm

    So hopeful that Julie’s interest, community college classes, and front medical staff openings match up. I think that would be a very interesting job for you.
    Through a service called Extended Table I will be able to offer Communion that has been blessed by a pastor on Epiphany Sunday. Never ever imagined that I would ever do this.
    The Holy Spirit is at work. Thank You, Lord. The Bible study group seems headed for a srudy of Proverbs. Thank You, Lord, Pastor Sue, and study group members.
    I add my prayers to those offered here. A church member needs prayers for a shunt in his brain that needs to be cleared, other members need prayers as they are in hospice, in need of mental health help, or need assisted living care. There us no shortage of the need for prayer everywhere in the world. Absolutely amazing that God CAN and DOES HANDLE every prayer.
    Thank You, Lord. John 14:27Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”

Add Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *