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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

THIS JOURNEY OF CONFLICT transformation, especially the decision to love an enemy, involves willingness to risk. Relationships always entail vulnerability. Commitment to relationships with God and neighbor involves letting go of the desire to control, including the outcome of your efforts.

—Thomas Porter, The Spirit and Art of Conflict Transformation: Creating a Culture of Justpeace (Upper Room Books, 2010)

Today’s Question

Are you willing to risk vulnerability for the sake of relationship today? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Conduct yourselves with all humility, gentleness, and patience. Accept each other with love, and make an effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit with the peace that ties you together.
—Ephesians 4:2-3 (CEB)

Prayer for the Week

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love.
(From the Peace Prayer of Saint Francis)
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

We Are the Church… Let’s Act Like It. Journey with Linda Pevey as she discusses practical and biblical ways today’s church can truly be a transformative presence in the world. Learn more about this small group study on the book of Acts.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

7 Comments

  • Jill Posted January 14, 2020 3:49 am

    Yes – I am willing to sacrifice vulnerability. Being transparent with others in my small group, these past five years or so, has shown me the depth relationships can reach. This has seeped into my willingness to also be vulnerable with others – when the environment is not as protected. I believe an air of caution is wise, but being willing to be selflessly honest can provide a unique level of relationship. Thank You, Father.
    Am I willing to “go there” with my sister? Willing to risk being spoken to harshly again? I know I have closed myself off and am very protective. Father, help me to entrust my feelings, my willingness to You in this relationship.

  • robert moeller Posted January 14, 2020 6:41 am

    In a far off land and unable to speak the language I met again and again with some one I met at a skating rink. The friendship that developed lasted 45 years. The same was true with Soo Ok, I talked with her, but did not know her when she had a shop in an arcade, later met her again, but didn’t know it wads her right away, In a very short time we grew very close, and married. In some ways, I, like Jill have the same relationship she has with her sister with my son. In many ways our relationships with others here on earth mirror our relationship with God. Very thankfully, God understands all of this and the mercy and grace of God’s love washes over us and sets us free when we believe.
    Had a good day yesterday with my son. Progress is being made with the idea to start a business. There will be a visit by a friend who has done this same business. They will share information.
    The dentist appointment went well and I am back on track with dental-periodontal care.
    Trains run, Bible study restarts today. Thank You, Lord.
    No news from Meesook, a long time friend who had spinal surgery.
    Prayers for the UR family continue.

  • Lou Posted January 14, 2020 8:07 am

    I want to say yes to the question but I do not know. Being vulnerable is also an invitation to being hurt and having been hurt in a way that has changed me as a person I don’t know if I could truly put myself in that position again. It is a struggle some days and in the post holiday quietness I find that I want to withdraw and protect myself instead of engage and be vulnerable. That’s just how I feel today- tomorrow may be different. Every day is different but I always know that God loves me.
    And He loves all of you. Of that I am sure- no matter what the day brings.
    Blessings to the UR family today and everyday.

    • Julie Posted January 14, 2020 8:18 am

      Prayers for You Lou, may you and I find the strength in God to allow vulnerability where safety is not an issue.

  • Julie Posted January 14, 2020 8:16 am

    No… and yes. No with h as my physical and financial well being are at stake. Yes with my mother. I related yesterday that she is difficult to have a relationship with and not just for me but others. She does speak harshly and one never knows what it will or won’t. It is difficult to hold a converstion, but I try and try again.
    Prayers for Jill and her sister, may they find common ground.
    Prayers for Robert and his dental health. Prayers that he and Erich find healing in their relationship.
    Prayers for Andrea, April, BJ, Betsy, Connie Joyce, Lou, Mary, Marcy, and Rick. May all be blessed.
    Prayers and thank you UR

    • Bj Posted January 15, 2020 5:50 am

      I too have issues with my mother, but, like is a reality. You have to learn to deal with family matters. My mother is 2 miles away from me. I got a sister 1 mile from her and can’t bring her a glass of water, but will call before she goes to her home and husband. I am now beginning to understand, her spouse is first. I goes to do household chores 7 days a week, not includinv doctor visits. I thank God every single time for the health and strength He gives me. His will be done, and i surely praise him. Yes, it hurts when she get sassy, but i still love her more and continue. If I had a very good caregiver waiting to pick my crumbs up all the time, I wouldn’t dare worry about the outside world. Even though I insist the my 2 sisters pitch in to visit our 85 years of age mother, there is still no avail. I am very single and retired. For the past 6 years I have cared for her. She was so spoiled, now she has gotten lazy. She does her own cooking. But I do have her back on everything else. She is not only my mother, she is my friend. Beside this UR group of friends, she is the only person I communicate with and visit. God knows all about our situations and He does cares. I am a witness that God is a company keeper for those in a lonely hour. May God bless all of you and keep you. May your day be filled in His favor. I love you all!

    • Andrea Posted January 15, 2020 8:31 am

      Thank you, Julie. I pray for your safety and well-being. I pray for a resolution that is generous to you going forward. You are a strong and compassionate person.

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