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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 unexpected moments of life are like two sides of a coin. You receive glorious news that a grandchild is engaged or that a son is coming home from overseas. Then you hear of a sudden death or diagnosis that brings you to your knees. Know that God will always find a way to create good from the bad.

—Missy Buchanan, Spirit Boosters for the Journey of Aging: 366 Devotions (Upper Room Books, 2016)

Today’s Question

When have you experienced joy and when have you experienced sorrow in recent months? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
—Romans 8:28 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

God, No matter my age or circumstances, make me an instrument of your peace and joy this week. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Show your loved ones how much you care by giving them Spirit Boosters for the Journey of Aging, daily reminders that they still have purpose, no matter their age.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

5 Comments

  • Lou Posted October 27, 2021 5:16 am

    I’ve experience joy in being with family and being able to spend some good time with my mother helping her as much as I can. The sorrow obviously comes from the loss of my aunt but joy also in witnessing how she was so loved and how she now is finally home. Prayers for safe and easy travel back home as I re enter work life after a week off. Prayers for my cousins as they return to their homes and prayers for them and my whole family as we grieve.
    I pray for all of you here at the UR. May you find peace in all of the joys and sorrows we all face.

  • Julie Posted October 27, 2021 8:41 am

    I had joy last week when my hematology appointment went so well and sorrow yesterday when the surgeon doused my plans. I have sceduled the surgery but have questions and have a message for my doctor’s assistant to call me so she can tell him to call me. Basically, I am very thin, this is my build, but the surgeon worries this will affect my recovery and even possibly my reaction to the anesthesia. I have had general anesthesia before so I doubt that will be an issue. I have to consider the impending divorce and losing the insurance and financial resources.
    Prayers for Ally and David’s health and finances. Prayers for Jill and her preparation for her review, may the person she has reached out to be helpful. Prayers for Lou and her family, may all be safe as they travel home. Prayers for Robert and his continued pursuit of the necessary documents and funding to buy a house. Prayers for April and Rick and how wonderful to here from them. Prayers for Marti and her staff. Thank you for your prayers and may God bless all who visit here.

  • Ally Posted October 27, 2021 11:22 am

    Today’s Scripture is a reminder that God is working, even when things seem bleak. The sorrow of knowing personally so many who have died Is comforted by the joy I feel in the miracles which have happened in that some who were given no hope are recovering. Today there is joy in beautiful fall weather and love from caring friends. Thank you, Lord. Thanks to all my friends here for your prayers for us. I hold you all and the things close to your hearts close to my heart. Blessings to all.

  • Jill Posted October 27, 2021 5:29 pm

    I don’t know that I have experienced sorrow recently, and am grateful for that. Sorrow, to me, has a depth to it, and I have not been in that pit recently. Thank You, Lord. Joy, yes I have experienced this…joy at how well my school year is going and just the deep satisfaction and appreciation for being back with my students in person. This is a great joy.
    Today’s experience of observing the Supreme Court hearing a case was unique and fascinating. Some of my students were thoroughly engaged and asked well thought out questions to the lawyers in the breakdown session afterwards.
    I had a task to complete for my treasurer work – the only one I have disdain for. Having not done it for two years due to the pandemic, I was loathe to do it. I got the paperwork for it Monday and put it off until today after school. It went so smoothly and I was grateful. Hopefully who ever does the next line of work down the food chain will not find any errors. I was anticipating it taking a long time, but I got through it quite quickly.
    I stopped by an animal rescue/adoption place by my school and took all of Roger’s previous foods to donate. Saw some super cute kitties, but Roger would not be the welcoming committee. So – will keep that place in mind for my future beyond Roger. Hope that is a long way off.
    Small group this evening. A good way to put the finishing touch on today.

  • robert moeller Posted October 27, 2021 6:55 pm

    The joys this week: good eye exam small change in glasses, a teeth cleaning, mortgage approval for a place we found, the sorrows, the place has two big issues that break the deal: water in the basement and baseboard electric heat., a friend with a fibro-myalgia attack. Hopefully successful out patient surgery tomorrow to remove a lipoma, a good Thanksgiving webinar, and worship planning.. Busy days. Prayers for Lou, her Mom at the passing of her aunt, safe travels home, Julie’s surgery, legal, financial, and insurance issues, Ally’s health and job prospects, Davud’a health issues, continued UR NEM ministry. Thank You, Lord.

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