Today’s Reflection
A prayer practice is just that: practice. It is taking time to learn how to listen for God. It is taking time to see the hand of God at work in our lives. We need to take this time because this listening, this seeing are difficult tasks. …
Prayer practice is the art of setting aside our own individual desires to seek the desire that God has placed on our heart. It is becoming aware of the distractions of our minds and then letting them go, and as we repeat the disciplines over time, we become more skilled at seeing God in all that we do.
—Daniel Wolpert, Creating a Life with God: The Call of Ancient Prayer Practices (Upper Room Books, 2003)
Today’s Question
How often do you reflect on how God is working in your life? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
Oh, I must find rest in God only,
because my hope comes from him!
—Psalm 62:5 (CEB)
Prayer for the Week
Our Father* in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done, on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.
*Use whatever name for God you prefer, such as Creator, Sustainer, etc.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Join us for the next online Academy Day Apart retreat, Hope in a Time of Despair: Advent Through Immigrant Eyes with Alexia Salvatierra and Rubén Ortiz. On December 3, 2022, we will explore themes of biblical justice and the marginalization of individuals and communities in a community of worship and spiritual practice. Learn more.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
3 Comments
Glad to read posts from Ally and Jill this morning, I read yesterday’s reflection but didn’t write. Grateful Lewis is doing better, David’s PT is going well, Ally is thankful for what she has, Jill enjoys competition, sportsmanship more than the score in her singles and double s tennis matches and made progress with leaves, grading, and letters of recommendation.
Sacrifice, learned that from my parents, that doesn’t mean I am always great at it, but it is a work in progress.
Can also spend more time listening to God. Speaking is easier than listening There was more participation in the prayer meeting-worship yesterday and a lovely luncheon followed. Thankful for visits from old friends and a repeat visit from new residents. Two girls came. We need to pay them more attention.
Had a drive and a walk with Erich, he was very much in his complaining mood, there were a few moments of positivity. I was tired and fell asleep. This has been a tough month, but progress has been made, some savings will be achieved. Have to find ways in our current economy. A goal unites us and that’s very good. Thank You, Lord for the progress being made. Slow and steady wins the race.
I definintely need to devote time to this practice. I have trouble finding time to be silent and still as h tends to come at me at such times. He has already been at me from the moment he came downstairs first thing this morning.
I spent yesterday with Megan at the Pittsburgh Science Center. We went specifically to see the special exhibit on guitars. Many of them were quite beautiful and quite a few were intricate. They had many different types of guitar like instruments including some mentioned in the Bible.
Prayers for Ally, David and Lewis, may God come beside them and help then with their many issues. Prayers for Jill, that her health continues to allow her to enjoy physical activity. Prayers for Robert and his church as they welcome new participants at worship.
I am grateful that this is quite a common practice of late. It births gratitude. And, it is woven into my prayer time – that He would continue working on me and through me.
I sure wish this gorgeous weather would stick around. Love having windows open in my classroom. I have a beautifully colored tree outside my window…more leaves are on the ground below it – blanketing the grass in gorgeous colors also. A really good day at school, good interactions with students.
Definitely going to try to get a walk in after dinner, but I just can’t get over how much shorter the evenings are. It was dark here before 7:00 last night, even on a vibrantly sunny day. Delaying dinner a bit, as my aunt called and she and my uncle are dropping by for a few minutes.
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