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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

We are called to live into our belovedness with courage. At times we will be called to take risks and make sacrifices. We will be called to be vulnerable and lean into uncertainty and even fear. We will be called to do what is necessary to glorify God. It may be scary, and it will require a great deal of courage. But it will be possible because we will be living out our true story with our whole heart. And it will be possible because Jesus sends his Spirit so that we too might live this life of belovedness.

—Kristen E. Vincent, We Are Beloved: A Lenten Journey with Protestant Prayer Beads (Upper Room Books, 2019)

Today’s Question

With God’s help, what courageous step can you take today? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.
—2 Timothy 1:7 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

God of love, who invites me to this journey with your Beloved Son, open my heart to accept your invitation. Hear my concerns about this journey. Help me to learn the way of the beloved. Let me know I am beloved. In the name of Jesus, who reveals the way to your heart. Amen.
Kristen E. Vincent, We Are Beloved
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

As we walk with Jesus through this Holy Week, join us at 11 a.m. (CST) on Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday for special times of prayer and worship in The Upper Room Chapel. You can find us on Facebook Live and YouTube.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

Easter Sunday

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

3 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted April 17, 2022 7:34 am

    I continue to believe, “He is risen, He is risen indeed. Christ, the Lord is risen today, alleluia!
    Thank You, Lord.
    Saw posts from earlier on the week, prayers for Ally’s job search, disability paperwork, David’s biopsy results, glad Jill is on vacation, not much longer and school will be out, Julie has new windows, continued prayers for healing. Larry seems to be doing well and there was a great get together with Becky and Jill. God’s peace to you all, Happy Easter!
    Just back from Easter sunrise service at the UCC church in N Conway . Glad I found out about it and went. The car is FINE, plans and reservations made for the Poconos trip Tuesday-Thursday.
    My Swanton station model parts finally arrived, but work on the model is on the back burner. The move is top priority.
    Hope you all have a blessed, holy, and happy Easter. We remember that Jesus earthly mission to save humanity was completed. The blessing above all blessings. Thank You, Lord.

  • Ally Posted April 17, 2022 2:43 pm

    Christ is risen! My courageous step today will be to try an overcome job application anxiety and apply for at least 2 part-time remote jobs. I’m not sure why this has become such a daunting task. I will try to overcome feeling overwhelmed and do this.
    We Had a lovely Easter service of worship with great message from the pastor. I am really thankful for a church where all are welcomed and accepted. I’m making a delicious southern Easter meal: roast chicken and cornbread dressing, collard greens, twice-baked sweet potatoes, Sister Schubert rolls(a brand of frozen yeast rolls that tastes like our grandmas made them. Yum!), and white cake with lemon butter cream. Wish you all were here to share it.
    Know that your concerns are close to my heart. Praying everyone is having a meaningful Easter. Blessings to all!

  • Jill Posted April 17, 2022 5:36 pm

    He is risen indeed!
    I am not sure what my next courageous step will be. I agree with the writing above so much. We are called to take risks, be sacrificial and live vulnerably. It is so important to remain before the Spirit – seeking wisdom and discernment. I believe when this is so – we will know to act. Now – I was certain I was moving in the direction the Spirit led me at the beginning of the year – but the opportunity ended up not occurring. It did create some doubt in me. But, maybe, just maybe – it was to see if I was willing to step into a vulnerable place. Setting the table for another opportunity where He will be glorified.
    Church was jam packed this morning. There were chairs set up along the back hall. I saw a friend from the cancer support group and sat with her there. We both had masks on. I told her I was considering not coming – due to the crowd. The service ran long and I had to leave early to ensure I would get to my sister’s in time. Plenty of food and visiting, along with some cards. My aunt – my mom’s sister – and I took a walk. The sunshine was bountiful, but the wind made it chilly. Still – good to be out in the sunshine.
    Ally – continuing to pray for your courage as you try to find the job right for your situation. Robert – may you a safe trip which will prove helpful as you search out the Poconos.

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