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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

JESUS DIDN’T SAY, “No one comes to the Father except through Christianity.” He didn’t say, “No one comes except through the church.” He said, “No one comes except through me!” We are invited to make Jesus Christ our way. He is our pattern for living.

How do we do that? We see four ways in which the first disciples made Jesus their way. First of all, they stayed connected with Jesus in a small community. That is what they did for three years. They lived with Jesus in a small group. Knowing him was not limited to individual experiences. Faith will always be somewhat abstract until it becomes real to us in relationship with other people. The disciples came to understand who Jesus was and what he could do through a fellowship with others with whom they entrusted their lives.

—Rob Fuquay
The God We Can Know: Exploring the “I Am” Sayings of Jesus

From page 94-95 of The God We Can Know: Exploring the “I Am” Sayings of Jesus by Rob Fuquay. Copyright © 2014 by The Upper Room. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. Learn more about or purchase this book.

Today’s Question

Have you ever approached a decision with the question, “What would Jesus do?”  Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

“Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.”
—John 14:12, NRSV

Prayer for the Week

Lord, open my eyes, my heart, and my mind so that I may know who you are.

Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.

Something more

Hundreds of people post prayer requests on The Upper Room prayer wall each day. Take a few minutes to respond and pray with some of those in need of prayer today. Pray with us.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

Sponsored by The Upper Room. Copyright © 2019 | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA

7 Comments

  • Jill Posted March 23, 2019 5:15 am

    Good morning friends. I am so encouraged by your ongoing support of my family and I. I sense your love and concern.
    Julie – thank you for praying for comfort for my mom. My family praises Our Father that she has not had any physical pain thus far. However, the mental an emotional anguish continue to be a massive daily, moment to moment hurdle. My dad continues to be incredibly steadfast and positive, but it is wearing on him. My sister and I continue to keep a close eye on him.
    I have been under the weather this week – inevitable with the schedule I am trying to maintain. Finally coming out of it, but difficult to be at the top of my game when trying to function on insufficient rest/sleep.
    Have been praying for all of the family here, especially for Andrea and her travel and injury concerns. So relieved to hear that Lowell was able to come to you and am hoping you will arrive home safely. And so very good to hear from Marcy.
    May God grant each of us His wisdom as we try to live for Him in each of our situations. May we understand more deeply how to live, not in our own strength, but in His that He willingly and lavishly supplies. O Father, help us. May our hearts be set on glorifying You.

  • robert moeller Posted March 23, 2019 6:43 am

    Asking for God’s, Jesus’, or the Holy Spirit’s guidance, wisdom, discernment, is some thing I have done, but not always. There are times when I think we are enabled to make decisions ourselves. In important, vital, tough, perplexing situations most certainly I need divine help. Thankfully it is always available for the asking.

    Prayers for hospice patients, the sick, the infirm, the suffering, those who are healing, the needy, homeless, and all who turn to God for help. Thank You, Lord.

    Well before Lou’s name was revealed in a prayer, there were many clues. May your prayers be answered Lou. I’m thankful you and your children with God’s help are making your way.

    While the procedure is unpleasant, hopefully Anneliese will benefit from it and the inflammation that is causing so much pain will be well treated. New meds, after x-rays and blood samples, hopefully will over the next two weeks
    make a great improvement. She has new glasses as well.

    Prayers for her close friend, Doris, who is not doing well. While Doris has not revealed fully what her problem is, we believe it is a form of cancer.

    Prayers that Andrea and Lowell are safely on their way home from Norway,
    Marcy is getting the medical and financial support she needs, and Julie’s hands and foot are beginning to improve with the warmer weather.

    Thankful for wonderful meals and a pie Erich made. We are beginning the process of funding and finding a new home. Have had snow overnight.

    That Gloria is not having physical pain is a blessing, prayers that emotional and mental anguish will be given to the Lord. Continued prayers for Larry, Becky and Jill through this situation. God’s peace be with you.

    Blessings to the UR family, the Lord is with us, we are gathered in His name.
    Thank You, Lord.

  • Julie Posted March 23, 2019 8:17 am

    Every morning I ask God to direct my steps along the path which He has set me on. I pray that He direct me today and each day forward. I feel that all things are part of His divine plan for me and that He has a plan and destination already prepared. I need to listen for His guidance to lead the life He has made me for and for me.
    Prayers for Jill and her family. May Jill heal physically and emotionally, as she is supporting so many and there are so many demands she must meet. Prayers that Gloria continue to be free of physical pain. May Larry continue to be Gloria’s great support. May they entire family receive the Lord’s strength, peace and comfort.
    Prayers for Robert, may he follow the Lord’s plan and guidance as he plans his move. May Anneliese receive pain relief from all of the medical interventions.
    Prayers for safe travel home for Andrea and Lowell.
    Prayers for safe travel for Lou and her daughter.
    Prayers for a wonderful visit with Harrison for Betsy.
    Prayers Connie, may her spirit soar with the spring birds. Our morning doves have returned.
    Prayers for Mary and her family, may she relax and recharge today.
    Prayers for Marcy, may she receive all the medical care she needs.
    Prayers for Rusty, may his dizziness abate.
    Prayers, blessings, and warm hugs dear UR family. Thank you for your kind words and prayers. Some healing has begun, but as it is still very cold and snowy here, not expecting much more improvement too soon.

    • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted March 24, 2019 3:48 am

      Please pray for my mum. She is in the hospital now

      Thanks

      Blessings

      • Connie Posted March 24, 2019 8:42 am

        Lord, heal Mary’s Mother.

        • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted March 24, 2019 8:45 am

          Thank you dear Connie!

          Your prayers have lifted me up!

          May God bless you and your family!

  • Connie Posted March 23, 2019 8:37 am

    What would Jesus do? Not some of the things I do, but I always try to adjust the situation.
    Thankful for:
    Andrea’s progress.
    Hearing from Jill. Lord, give her strength.
    Julie, I heard morning doves this week in the darkness.
    Recovery from a very bad fall awhile ago.
    Robert’s news.
    “Onward Christian Soldiers…….with the cross of Jesus going on before”

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