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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

MANY OF US, if not most of us in the church, have forgotten why we do what we do in the first place. We’ve forgotten that the message of Jesus is actually good news of freedom, hope, and possibility, not just more things to accomplish, programs to run, and busyness to get swept up in. Especially for pastors and church leaders, we get focused on numbers, budgets, growth, and programs because those are the “measurables.” But we forget that Jesus invited us into a life-changing relationship, a companionship meant to bring wholeness.

—Junius B. Dotson
Soul Reset: Breakdown, Breakthrough, and the Journey to Wholeness (Upper Room Books, 2019)

Today’s Question

When have you felt like “it’s all on you”? How can you and your faith community create a culture where the work is shared and no one has to feel that way? Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
—John 3:17 (NIV)

Prayer for the Week

“O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” —Psalm 63:1 (NRSV) Submit your prayer to The Upper Room or share it in the comment section.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

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5 Comments

  • Jill Posted September 7, 2019 5:54 am

    I can’t say that I have experienced that feeling “It’s all on you” – at least not in terms of church responsibility or evangelism responsibility. Maybe because I have never been that intensely involved in a church, on that level.
    Yesterday was a very good day at school – finally done with the opening school tasks – I was able to teach! It was really good. It was nice to reflect at the end of the day and recognize that goodness. I realize I haven’t had that feeling in quite a while. Personalities are emerging quickly – and I am enjoying it.
    Dad not only brought pizza last night, but donuts too! What an unhealthy, yet tasty dinner we had. Conversation was light and we watched some tennis before we went home. Quite honestly, I was glad for the light conversation.
    Robert – glad you were able to get the attention needed from your dentist – hope you continue to heal well.
    I, too, seem to be a “day behind” on these during the week as the current day’s is not available when I am up early during the week.

  • robert moeller Posted September 7, 2019 5:59 am

    I’m very sure many people in my last church feel like it’s all on them. There are very few people doing all the work to keep the church going. I’m just getting familiar with my new church. You really don’t know how things are going until you are involved.

    Bj, Erich is healing, looking for work, completing remodeling his room, and making great meals. Thank you for asking.

    Some rain from Dorian this morning and the sunshine this afternoon.

    Prayers and support for those whose Dorian experience has been catastrophic. Have a blessed weekend.

  • Jill Posted September 7, 2019 6:12 am

    Whoops – forgot about Psalm 62 for a moment there.
    This morning I am reading Psalm 62 from “Psalms for Praying”. Not a translation, but someone’s (Nan Merrill) rendition. It begins…”For You alone my soul waits in silence; from the Beloved comes my salvation. Enfolding me with strength and steadfast love, my faith shall remain firm.” Two words jump out at me…Beloved and enfolding. I am just going to sit with those for a bit.

  • Julie Posted September 7, 2019 8:38 am

    I have not know this feeling when I was attending church. I was active in several capacities but never felt that my efforts were welcomed and in fact felt that I was superflous and even unwanted. But that is how I felt even during worship.
    Prayers for Jill and her new students and the satisfaction of a good and fruitful day’s labor.
    Prayers for Robert and Erich, may both continue to heal and make their new environment, both in the home and without, their own.
    Prayers for Mary and BJ, may both be abundantly blessed.
    Good to hear you signed up for the daily devotionals, BJ. Glad to know I could help and I only hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
    Prayers for healing for Andrea, Connie and Marcy.
    I have been reading Psalm 62 also. I have a study Bible that is the Holman Christian Standard Bible and it is a stdy Bible. The comments often include the original Hebrew word and its translation (Greek in New testament). I find this very interesting. In the Psalm 62 notes it points out the repetition of Alone and Rock and talk at length about this being the theme of the Psalm. That God alone or only is our rock or our place of safety and refuge. His presence is as steady and faithful as a rock.
    Prayers one and all UR followers and thank you

    • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted September 7, 2019 10:26 pm

      Thank you Julie!

      May God bless you abundantly too!

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