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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

Belonging is instinctual for humanity, instilled at the beginning of time when God declared that it is not good for humans to be alone. We naturally find our places of belonging with people who become family in one way or another. As we find those welcoming places, we learn to settle into our own souls and come home to self, to God, and to living in community.

—Marsha Crockett, Sacred Conversation: Exploring the Seven Gifts of Spiritual Direction (Upper Room Books, 2022)

Today’s Question

Where have you felt a sense of belonging? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
—Romans 15:7, NRSV

Prayer for the Week

Holy God, thank you for the gift of spiritual direction and for someone to accompany me on my journey of growing closer to you. Help me to remain open to suggestions my spiritual director offers and to pay attention to signs of your presence. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

This Lent, Roger Owens invites us to approach prayer and life differently through participating in Everyday Contemplative: A Lenten Online Experience. Together, we’ll explore a contemplative approach applicable to all spiritual practices—indeed, to life itself. Register here.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

Transfiguration Sunday

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

2 Comments

  • Lou Posted February 19, 2023 12:43 pm

    I felt a sense that of belonging today in church – I tried to sit quietly on the side in the back because I really wanted to focus on the worship and not be distracted by the people around me- however several old friends/parishioners sought me out which was nice and I felt a sense of belonging. I felt that also when I had breakfast with a friend at a local diner- many of the staff know me because we have gone there as a family for years – they always ask about the kids. Despite these occurrences belonging in the church and the community I often feel like I need a change and I have been struggling with changing churches because I have too many memories there and I don’t engage and participate like I would like to- I often feel like I avoid the painful reminders and connections while at the same time I feel like I do belong there… you can see I’m struggling.
    Prayers for many struggling here – Ally prayers for you and your husband- it has been very challenging for you both. Prayers also for Julie and your challenges. You both are in the trenches of caretaking – God bless you. Prayers for Robert as you continue to love and support your son despite your differences. Prayers for Gail as she has come through challenging circumstances and shares her faith here. Prayers for Jill as she enjoys some good time away from her dedication to her teaching. prayers for all who come here today- some searching for a place to belong- God loves us all. We belong to Him.

  • robert moeller Posted February 19, 2023 2:07 pm

    There are places where I have felt home. They start with the homes I grew up in, my parents, I felt at home with my wife’s family, my long time Korean friend, and in many churches.
    Yes, I echo Lou’s prayers for peace, love, mercy, and hope for caregivers, Julie, Ally, Jill, April, and Lou. As followers of Christ we are all caregivers, some tasks are easier than others. God sees us through every situation.
    The Spirit was with us today enabling worship with our guest worship team from Teen-Adult Challenge. Their testimony to the work, power, love of God in their and family, friends lives was
    encouraging. We were glad to support them. Thank You, Lord!

    May persistent patience, time to themselves, and self love be theirs.

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