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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

THE HOLY SPIRIT draws us into a shared life by empowering us to walk in the light. We cannot walk in the light by our strength only. How often, especially within the setting of the church, do we tend to give the impression that we are more honest, more caring, more virtuous than we really are? In theory we may be willing to see the value of being open, honest, and transparent; but we seldom find it easy to put this theory into practice. Somehow it is easier to pretend to look good than to be good, to pretend to love than to love, to appear to be holy than to be holy. Rather than living in the power of the Spirit we become imposters of the Spirit.

—Trevor Hudson
Holy Spirit Here and Now

From page 48 of Holy Spirit Here and Now by Trevor Hudson. Copyright © 2013 by The Upper Room. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. Learn more about or purchase this book.

Today’s Question

When did you last honestly share a weakness, sin, or struggle with a sibling in the faith?  Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
—1 John 1:5-7, NRSV

Prayer for the Week

Lord,
by the light of the Holy Spirit
you have taught the hearts of your faithful.
In the same Spirit
help us to relish what is right
and always rejoice in your consolation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
From A Book of Prayers © 1982, ICEL. All rights reserved.

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

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5 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted June 8, 2019 7:49 am

    It has been quite some time since I had a fellow believer with whom I could
    honestly share a weakness, sin, or struggle. In my lifetime this has not been a frequent activity. Communal confession before communion has been far more frequent.

    I have shared weakness and struggle with my children recently and am hopeful for some help once I am moved. Their actions are those of non-believers, but only God knows their hearts and minds.

    Having someone who understands Christian confession is a great blessing. It is, from my experience, a difficult search and find. Talking to God is far easier.

    Tomorrow is my last Sunday at my current church. Think I have found a new church near the new home. Expect to be there on the 23rd.

    Prayers for all the UR family, you also keep me on the path that leads to life eternal. Thank You, Lord.

  • Julie Posted June 8, 2019 8:26 am

    I have found no one in my life here that I can openly speak with regarding my sins or fears or pain or life. I rarely speak of these things here. Any sharing is fraught with fear of rejection and shame.
    Prayers for Robert and Erich and their move. May Robert’s children respond to his needs with compassion and the love and respect a child should show a parent. May the new church be as receptive of Robert as the one he is leaving.
    Prayers and deep sympathy for Mary’s loss. Both parents in such quick succession, my heart aches for you. May God heal your sorrow and may He assure you that your parents are reunited and in no more pain. May you receive strength from family and friends. God bless you for your loving care for both your parents.
    Prayers for Marcy, may God grant her respite from her pain.
    Prayers for Connie’s health, may the doctor’s receive God’s wisdom to diagnose the cause of her weight loss.
    Prayers, blessing, warm hugs and thank you dear UR family

    • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted June 8, 2019 9:29 am

      Thanks Julie!

      May you be able to find someone whom you can speak openly with regarding your sins, fears, or pain or life.

      Blessings!

  • Jill Posted June 8, 2019 9:43 pm

    Mary – deepest condolences to you and your sister. May God continue to comfort you both. You honored God as you consistently cared for them both.

    • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted June 9, 2019 12:19 am

      Thanks Jill!

      May God bless you and your family abundantly!

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