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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

Your will be done, on earth as in heaven, that we may love you with all our hearts, ever thinking of you, and desiring you with all our souls and with all our minds; directing all our intentions to you and seeking your honor in all things; with all our strength devoting every power and faculty of mind and body to the service of your love and to no other end.

May we also love our neighbors as ourselves, drawing them to love of you with all our power; delighting in the good of others as in our own, sharing in their troubles, and giving no offense to any.

—Edited by Keith Beasley-Topliffe, Upper Room Spiritual Classics: Writings of Francis & Clare (Upper Room Books, 2017)

Today’s Question

How does this version from Francis expand your understanding of The Lord’s Prayer? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

“Pray then in this way:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.”

—Matthew 6:9-10 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace
Where there is hatred, let me sow love
Where there is injury, pardon
Where there is doubt, faith
Where there is despair, hope
Where there is darkness, light
And where there is sadness, joy.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Discover sacred space at home. Join our Online Academy Day Apart on October 24 with Frank Rogers, Jr. and Christopher Carter for spiritual resources that help participants navigate polarizing times and cultivate compassion and resilience for themselves, others, and the world.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

4 Comments

  • Jill Posted September 30, 2020 4:56 am

    This is beautiful. I am writing it in my journal. Everything we think about and act on flows out of our love and devotion to God. That He would be honored and glorified. The part which most speaks to me is at the end…concerning love of others/neighbors – “sharing in their troubles”. Yes, Lord, I am waiting for this opportunity.

  • Julie Posted September 30, 2020 8:40 am

    The line that struck me was “loving our neighbors as ourselved, drawing them to love of you with all our power.” Because we love our neighbor we should do everyting we can to introduce them to the love we have experienced for and from Christ. A more compelling reason to practice discipleship than any other I have heard or read.
    Prayers for Jill and her connection to this interpretation of the Lord’s Prayers.
    Prayers for Ally and David, may David continue to grow strong and may Ally continue to do her job with yesterday’s reflection in mind which seems to improve her outlook and renew her energy. I am happy you found my information regarding our kitties helpful. I am so excited….Tazzie ate hard food today! Prior to his antibiotic we had to give him pain meds just so he could eat baby food and drink water.
    Prayers for Robert and his model railroad work and his continued home improvements. May all go smoothly.
    Prayers for Marcy, may she remain migraiine free. Prayers for Roxy, may she be richly blessed for her loving care of Marcy. Prayers for Lucy Lou, may she continue to be healthy and a loving companion.
    Prayers, thank you and stay well UR

  • robert moeller Posted September 30, 2020 11:37 am

    Thankful for a good steady rain earlier today, for repairs to our water supply, great photos from a railroad modeling friend, and progress with my models.

    Yes. this is a wonderful broadening understanding of the Lord’s prayer. Thank you, St. Francis . The Lord’s prayer says all that needs to be said. It is the most vital of prayers. God comes first.

    Thankful for the good news about Tazzie, hope the result is long lasting. Prayers too for Julie and Megan’s safety, future, and well-being. Prayers for, Marcy, Roxy, and Lucy Lou. Love that name!
    Continued progress for Ally and David in business and health.

    A new month begins tomorrow, it’s already the middle of the week. World wide communion this Sunday.
    Thank You, Lord.r

  • Ally Posted September 30, 2020 12:13 pm

    St. Francis was a doer. The questions I must ask of myself are: how can I love my neighbor more? What can I do to build God’s kingdom? In what ways can I share my blessings with others? What do others see when they look at me? Do they see Jesus? Loving Lord, teach us to pray, build Your kingdom on earth, and love others with Your love. May they see Jesus in us. Amen.
    My stepdaughter has a birthday today and we are taking her to dinner in Macon Friday night. We plan to spend Friday and Saturday night in Macon GA. Looking forward to our little getaway. I’m not looking forward to going to a football party with David’s friends on Saturday. I know we will be the only ones wearing masks. David really wants to go. I’m praying for wisdom about what we should do. Help us to do Your will in all things, dear Lord.
    Jill, this prayer spoke to me as well. I’m going to copy and paste it into Word so I can print it out and put on my work bulletin board. Julie, I’m so happy that Tazzie is feeling better and eating his regular food. My vet said to try the Lysine, so I’m going to pick some up today. Our pharmacy carries it. Robert, I love hearing about your trains. Thank you for the reminder of World Communion Sunday. We will find a way to celebrate. I have missed Holy Communion. Marcy, praying you remain migraine-free. I’m thankful you have Roxy to help you and for your Lucy Lou. I thank God for animals. Praying all have a great day. We are having beautiful fall weather and the right cocktail for beautiful fall color: warm days, chilly nights, a little rain. I’m so thankful to God for bringing us all here.

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