Today’s Reflection
Those early apostles in the upper room hunkered down in fear, trying to figure their way out of their predicament. They drew straws (so to speak), probably had some meetings, and advocated for their particular strategies. . . . Then, in blew the Holy Spirit, God’s life-giving breath, unhindered by the closed shutters and with a love so fierce that it opened their hearts to tenderness and compassion! It was so transformative that fear did not have power over them anymore.
This is the transformation that is called for today, a stepping into the unknown, trusting in a divine tenderness that can hold us, even in our fear. God calls us to journey from our heads into our hearts, listening for that deeper wisdom that can guide us through all the valleys of death.
—Paul Nixon and Craig Gilbert, Launching a New Worship Community: A Practical Guide for the 2020s (Discipleship Resources, 2021)
Today’s Question
What can help you listen more closely to the guidance of the Holy Spirit? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
[Jesus said,] “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you.”
—John 14:26 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
Dear God, help us to welcome new people into our faith communities. Guide us to people who are seeking you, and help us convey your love and acceptance as we develop authentic relationships with them. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
For many churches, the call to make disciples comes with a realization that the church’s current worship opportunities do not reach certain groups in their surrounding community. A practical guide for church planters in the 2020s, Launching a New Worship Community is now available in both English and Spanish.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
3 Comments
Stay connected, in relationship, do my best to stay on the path.
Bazaar set up starts today.
Tomorrow is my day of days remembering the passing of Soo Ok.
The bazaar is on Saturday 11-3.
Worship and then fellowship with other UM churches as part of church conference on Sunday, what would have been my Dad’s 104th birthday. A busy four days. Thank You, Lord.
Thank you to UR for this question. Where to I start when praising the Holy Spirit and declaring my love for Him. I’ll stick to just two things this morning. First, I walk with the Spirit because he lives in me and in all Christians. I know he is always there, guiding me, comforting me, helping me. A quiet, supremely powerful presence of Love in my heart. Quite a few years ago I shared a breath prayer with this group that is very helpful in helping me calm myself and find peace when I am distressed: “You are here, You are near, You dwell within me.”
Second, I know that the Holy Spirit “helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words.” (Romans 8:26-27)
He fixes my weak and broken prayers!
Prayers, Robert, for you as you memember Soo Ok. I know she meant so very much to you.
Prayers for Ally in her search for the car and insurance she needs
Prayers for Julie and h as they continue to navigate recovery and PT challenges.
Prayers for Jill as she progresses in her recovery from surgery and in her assistance to people at the end of life.
And prayers for some people I remember from when I was a member of this group in the past. May their lives be blessed and their Christian journeys fruitful: Betsy, Marcy, Andrea , Mary, Connie, Edy and Penny. And all the others. Praise you, Lord and bless you.
Stillness…of body and mind. When my mind is empty – there is space to sit and be open.
Another glorious day of sunshine. I must get to the leaves when I get home. That was the plan yesterday, but then I stopped by my friend’s to encourage her…she being the one who had double knee replacement a week ago. The lack of reduction in pain is hard for her right now and she can’t get comfortable while lying down. So, she is struggling to sleep well. It kinda all snowballed on her yesterday.
Last night was our closing night of GriefShare. Still lots of healing for many of the participants, but hopefully they are armed with some strategies, especially as the holidays approach.
Rusty – really good to remember those once familiar names. Good to know God is intimately aware of them, even tho we no longer are.
Add Comment