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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

Whenever I find myself thinking that I am an expert on poverty or that people who are poor need my knowledge, I remember that Jesus has more wisdom than I do. Imagine how our relationships with people who are food insecure would change if we assumed they have skills, knowledge, and a particular approach to the world. We must remind ourselves that Jesus is in every person we serve.

—Elizabeth Mae Magill, Five Loaves, Two Fish, Twelve Volunteers: Growing a Relational Food Ministry (Upper Room Books, 2020)

Today’s Question

How would your ministry change if you assumed those you serve have been equipped with gifts to offer? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Are any of you wise and understanding? Show that your actions are good with a humble lifestyle that comes from wisdom.
—James 3:13 (CEB)

Prayer for the Week

God is great!
God is good!
Let us thank God for our food.
Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Find a food ministry in your area. Visit www.foodpantries.org.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

4 Comments

  • Jill Posted March 3, 2020 3:49 am

    This is a perspective which needs to grow in me. I struggle with this when I listen to the students in the hallway who use such vulgar and disrespectful language. I do think about what has caused them to be so angry – and can’t imagine what some of their “home” lives are like. That is where the breakdown is, I suppose – what is lived out at home, the absence of spirituality. Do they even know the “gifts” they possess and the positive impact they could have?
    I know a few of my students struggle with poverty, but see education as their “way out”. I think about who their mentors are, how they see hope.
    Father – grant me Your perspective and how You would have me to interact and bring Your Kingdom into this needy world.

  • robert moeller Posted March 3, 2020 6:46 am

    I can easily identify with Jill and the school where she teaches, I too taught in an urban school. There was rough language, but there were also students who were spiritual. Classrooms were not places for rough language and as time went by even hallways smoothed out. The school became Presidentially cited.

    Poverty does not have a strangle hold on wisdom. It may seem so, but I know people who have wisdom from God who are poor monetarily.

    Thankful Erich is taking advantage of an opportunity today. I pray it goes well. He’s done a lot of prep.
    Prayers for Marcy, Julie, Mary, Jill, April, Andrea, Rick, Connie, Betsy, Lou, Edy, Rusty & K, their families and friends, the UR family, and the needs and concerns as well as joys of all believers. Thank You, Lord.

  • Julie Posted March 3, 2020 8:41 am

    Jesus preferred to spend time with the poor, needy and sick. He associated with the outcasts of society. He stated that the least on earth will be the powerful in heaven, this implies that they have more spiritual knowledge and humility. Jesus thought He could gain from axxociating with the needy, so how much more may I have to gain?
    Prayers for Jill and her students. I remember high school and how some people hid insecurity behhind bravado. All of these crass students may not have troubled homes lifes, they may be acting tough to hide insecurity to to fit into a group.
    Prayers for Robert as he continues to assist Erich and support him emotionally and financially.
    Prayers for Rick and his work in the past with food ministries, may he resume when his schoolwork allows.
    Prayers for Andrea, April, Betsy, BJ, Connie, Edy, Lou, Mary, and Marcy.
    Our local leaders have told us to start preparing emergency kits in case, or when, coronavirus reaches PA. Coomon sense things like soap, disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizers, etc.
    Prayers and thank you UR

  • Rick Posted March 3, 2020 11:56 pm

    I like this ! What if indeed!
    I do miss serving the homeless meal program. Our regulars showed up early to help set up and set down. As well as clean up. It was a great way to get to know them. Each had there own gifts and talents and Blessed us.Those we serve in the church as well, are also valuable and are equipped with gifts and talents , although we may not always see them at first , sometimes we just need to feed there souls and allow them to flourish.

    Blessing to all, I’m exhausted and enjoyed your posts. Keeping all in my thoughts and prayers.

    Rick

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