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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 question Will I be hurt again? arises not only in situations of violence and abuse but in the daily push-and-pull of life. Many people undertake the process of forgiving only when they are assured that it will not make them vulnerable to the offending person. They want no part of a forgiveness that exposes them to ongoing hurt. We must therefore understand what the gospel asks of us. It does not require us to remain in situations of danger or to put up with ongoing hurt. Protecting ourselves from harm is our right and duty.

—Kathleen Fischer, “How Do I Protect Myself?” in Forgiveness: Perspectives on Making Peace with Your Past, compiled by Amy Lyles Wilson (Fresh Air Books, 2008)

Today’s Question

Who helps you discern how to forgive while setting healthy boundaries? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Make no friends with those given to anger,
and do not associate with hotheads,
lest you learn their ways
and entangle yourself in a snare.
—Proverbs 22:24-25 (NRSVUE)

Prayer for the Week

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
(This week’s prayer can be found in Matthew 6-9-13, NIV.)
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Feeling Your Way Through Grief by Missy Buchanan is an invitation to embrace the complexities of loss, find solace in genuine emotions, and embark on a faithful journey toward healing. Preorder your copy and save 20% with the promo code FG20 at The Upper Room store.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

1 Comment

  • robert moeller Posted July 12, 2024 5:22 am

    My situation described, however not completely. There are + and – . It’s not all -. I am well helped.
    Home today, It’s a long ride. Need to get started soon. Thank You, Lord for the safety You provide.

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