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

We are not Christ, but if we want to be Christians, we must have some share in Christ’s large-heartedness by acting with responsibility and in freedom when the hour of danger comes, and by showing a real sympathy that springs, not from fear, but from the liberating and redeeming love of Christ for all who suffer. Mere waiting and looking on is not Christian behaviour. The Christian is called to sympathy and action, not in the first place by his [or her] own sufferings, but by the sufferings of [others], for whose sake Christ suffered. . . .

—Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Compassion: Thoughts on Cultivating a Good Heart, compiled and introduced by Amy Lyles Wilson (Fresh Air Books, 2008)

Today’s Question

How does Christ’s “large-heartedness” prompt you to extend compassion to the world? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
—Matthew 11:28 (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.

4 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted September 18, 2021 7:15 am

    I think upbringing by Christian parents headed me in the right direction, but accepting Christ, having Christ in me, most certainly takes that beginning to another level. Of course, we were created to show compassion as God’s children. Thank You, Lord.

  • robert moeller Posted September 18, 2021 7:48 am

    Most certainly can identify with Jill’s situation at school, part of being a teacher. Yes, you try to do all you can on your own or with fellow teachers before going to the administration, which can often add another twist in the path to resolution. Hope it all works out for the best. Hope Roger’s troubles are resolved. Companionship is very much missed when you are without one. Finding a new one that fits the situation, from my experience, is very challenging. Every situation is different, that means there are many different solutions. Thinking of Larry.
    A restful R&R for Lou, your work puts you daily close to emotions. Glad your children are doing well.Thankful there is resolution between Megan and Julie after the tattoo. Not my cup of tea, but it’s not my body, thankfully it is only skin deep. Prayers for successful treatment of the hernias (more than one?) Had one repaired when I was in college. Continued prayers for the legal proceedings. They are an arduous path. Hopeful all my preparations for the railroad historical society convention aren’t in van, and no one gets sick. Stay safe, be well. Thank You. Lord.

  • Julie Posted September 18, 2021 8:45 am

    I thought compassion was something all humans felt, but I have learned this is not true. h is an example of one that can’t see beyond his own self to see the suffering of others. I have always felt compassion towards God’s creation.
    So many changes in my life currently, my heart and mind hurt and I am in constant fear. I need the Lord more than ever. I pray daily that He does have a better plan for me as His Word states.
    Prayers for Ally and David, their health and finances, prayers for Jill and her collegue, may they come to a better resolution and a more cooperative relationship, prayers for Lou, for safety and relaxation, prayers for Robert, may his railroad conference be held as scheduled, for Marti and her staff. Thank you for your prayers and kind words and may God bless alll visit here.

  • Jill Posted September 18, 2021 3:58 pm

    Christ’s humility, compassion and seeking out the lost are examples for us to incorporate with the Spirit’s help. We don’t need to look to other humans, although there are many who exhibit Christ-like characters/traits. It is easy to set these people as idols, but our focus must be Christ.
    I wasn’t sure at all how I would find Roger this morning, but he did show improvement. He is moving around, eating, looking out the window. I cooked him up some chicken – and he loved it. Not interested at all in the pumpkin puree. I did some research and I can’t just give him plain chicken with out supplementing it. Plain chicken alone can only comprise 20% of his diet. So I placed an order for cat food with shrimp and tuna in a clear broth. And I know it is truly clear, as I have bought it for him in the past week. He liked it so now I have a big order coming.
    Doing chores around the house along with schoolwork – as tomorrow I am going to the Browns’ game. Both of my friends and dad are going, like we did 2 years ago. Should be a picture perfect day – and we are favored to win big. The stadium should be rocking. I am so grateful that my friend welcomes my dad along. She is always so considerate of him, just as she is with including me with all their family functions.
    Praying for good timing for Julie’s hernia repair and ongoing legal matters. Praying too, for Lou’s weekend, and for Ally and David.

Add Comment

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