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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

IT IS GOOD TO RENEW ourselves from time to time by closely examining the state of our souls, as if we had never done it before. For nothing tends more to the full assurance of faith than to keep ourselves by this means in humility and the exercise of all good works.
—John Wesley

– Keith Beasley-Topliffe
Selected Writings of John Wesley

From page 69 of Selected Writings of John Wesley, edited by Keith Beasley-Topliffe, part of The Upper Room Spiritual Classics series. Copyright © 1997 by Upper Room Books. All rights reserved. Used by permission. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.

Today’s Question

How is it with your soul? Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.

Isaiah 60:1, NRSV

This Week: Pray for inner peace. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.

Did You Know?

In need of prayer? The Upper Room Living Prayer Center is a 7-day-a-week intercessory prayer ministry staffed by trained volunteers. Call 1-800-251-2468 or visit The Living Prayer Center website.

This week we remember: Simeon Stylites (January 5).

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

Sponsored by Upper Room Ministries ®. Copyright © 2018 | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA

24 Comments

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  • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted January 1, 2018 4:39 am

    It is well with my soul though physucally i am exhausted visiting my dad at the hospital daily for quite a few hours.

    Blessings to all and have a great year ahead!

    • Marcy Posted January 1, 2018 11:42 am

      Praying for you, sweet sister Mary. A bumpy start to the New Year for me too, but I pray the most difficult parts are passing now and will only get better from here on out. My love to you and I our family, Mary. O how much Jesus loves us, and we Him!

  • Jill Posted January 1, 2018 4:53 am

    How is it with my soul? Honest answer…swirling, upheaval. I made an attempt yesterday afternoon to smooth things over with my sister. Interesting how good intentions can quickly turn sour. So, my soul is discouraged and disheartened.
    After several good days for my mom, yesterday was not. She was unable to attend a family birthday party yesterday afternoon. Dad stayed home with her, and when I dropped off some of the birthday dessert, dad was pretty downcast. He said it is heartbreaking to see her struggle like this. She is sick and tired of being sick and tired.
    Sorry for lack of sunshine and lollipops this morning, this first morning of the New Year. On board the struggle bus. Appreciate your prayers for my mom’s health and the health of our family unit.

    • Marcy Posted January 1, 2018 6:42 am

      Marisol typed the message to you, Jill. She also thought of the some of the ideas to say. She is so soft, like me, inside. It will all look and get better, Jill. God always sees to that.

    • Marcy Posted January 1, 2018 11:32 am

      Hi Jill, Marisol helping me once more here to type. I didn’t mean to make it sound like you shouldn’t tell us when you are on board the struggle bus. Just that you are such a beautiful speaker of words and thoughts, very real, prayerful, God-filled words, thoughts and prayers, there is no need for you to apologize. But upon thinking about it, I can see how it came out different from what I meant, as so often happens when I’m especially moved. The message is: We love you and are praying for you for strength and rejuvenation through our Almighty Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. I am sorry for any misunderstanding, my sister. I care about you.

  • Marcy Posted January 1, 2018 6:35 am

    Jill, what do you MEAN “sorry for lack of sunshine and lollipops?” This is human and are you not? How many times have you pulled us from the pit with your expressive, straight from the heart and soul words? I also struggle with my sister, it is very discouraging and feels hopeless at times, then The Second Wind, which is our Father comes and fills us anew, giving us energy and positivity one one hand, and peace and serenity on the other. I will most certainly pray for your parents, your sister and especially you. And they are allowed their not so good days too, although I know this is more of an issue for your Mom. I wish I had your way with words, but Christ picks us up when we are tired and dejected, then gently sets us down and has a heart to heart with us. It’s the way I’ve always imagined it, as I see myself as His child.
    Much love and and many prayers coming your way. We all love and support you always, Jill.

  • robert moeller Posted January 1, 2018 6:41 am

    Today’s question is a good way to start a new year. I know that God has gotten me this far in life. I have been more aware of that over the last 20 years. While I have a concern on my mind, I have to trust that a way will be found to resolve it. I am encouraged that my son is making his way with his job. It is a very positive step. I’m thankful for the help of heart rehab, the fellowship of the UR family, church, and my children. Life always presents concerns, but with God we make our way.

    So thankful for the posts, prayers, witness that comes from the UR family.
    God is most definitely at work here. Thank You, Lord. Just as the organs of the body are all needed so each believer contributes as the spirit directs and enables providing the full array of God’s love.

    Prayers for Mary as she cares for her dad in the hospital and mum at home.
    Likewise Jill cares for her parents. Prayers that her effort to reconcile with her sister are fruitful. Prayers for Marcy that her faith will make her well. The needs and concerns of Julie, Lou, Andrea, Louise, Betsy, Chloe, Connie, and all the UR family are in my prayers. I lift up members from church who have health issues and loved ones in need of prayer. May the faith of my family be restored. Lord, we need You always. Thank You for your ever presence.

    • Marcy Posted January 1, 2018 3:44 pm

      Robert, I pray 2018 is the year the Good Shepherd brings your flock back to His fold and that your family finds the joy they have been missing, not knowing what they miss. Bless you and love to you, always.

      • robert moeller Posted January 1, 2018 4:19 pm

        Thank you Marcy. Yes, God will see me through. Prayers for you as you receive the medical care you need. Thanks be to God. You are a powerful witness for God and very much appreciated.

    • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted January 2, 2018 6:29 am

      Thank you Robert for your prayers!

      Blessings

  • Marcy Posted January 1, 2018 6:53 am

    Prayers for Marsoll, pleas4,vast she works double shift.thanjs

    • robert moeller Posted January 1, 2018 4:23 pm

      Lord, I lift up Marisol as she works double shifts helping, caring for those in need.

  • Julie Posted January 1, 2018 7:54 am

    Jill, Prayers, as I have been, for your parents. I know what you mean about sharing negative thoughts and feeings. I struggle to share dark thoughts and feelings. I do not want to burden others and I feel that it will reflect poorly on me. However, I know that when others share in such a manner, I feel closer to them as if they have finally allowed a peek behind the curtain. Please know that sharing shows a strength of character and a trust in those you share with. I am honored.
    Prayers for Mary and her parents as well as her friend Marasol.
    Prayers for Robert as you transition to heart maintainance.
    Prayers for Marcy and her continued healing.
    Blessings and prayers for all who openly share here
    You are among friends
    Have a great new year one and all

    • Marcy Posted January 1, 2018 4:15 pm

      Thank you, Julie, for your prayers and I am also praying for you as we struggle through this cold, cold weather. I know it’s only January 1st, 2018, but may Springs come soon. Thank you, also, for re-thinking my words today. Love to you and so blessed to call you friend.

    • Marcy Posted January 1, 2018 4:16 pm

      Also join you in prayer for our UR family.

    • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted January 2, 2018 6:31 am

      Thanks so much Julie for your prayers

      Blessings

  • Andrea Posted January 1, 2018 8:11 am

    Happy New Year! Prayers for each and every one of you, and for your prayer concerns, and for inner peace for all of us. Mary, Jill, Marcy, Marisol, Robert, Julie, Connie, Louise, Chloe, Laurie, April, as well as those who visit silently. Thank you for your friendship here and for your prayers this past year. Prayers for Beth Richardson and all UR staff and contributors. God’s blessings, God’s peace, God’s healing, today and throughout 2018.

    • Marcy Posted January 1, 2018 4:19 pm

      Thank you and bless you, Andrea. I join you in your prayers for the UR staff and read Alive Now for years, so including of course, Beth Richardson. Love to you and your family in 2018.

  • April Posted January 1, 2018 10:06 am

    A genuine friendship is a heavenly present. It blesses our hearts because God’s love is in it.
    Evelyn McCurdy
    I treasure genuine friendships with my UR family. Joy to the World, 2018!!

    • Marcy Posted January 1, 2018 4:20 pm

      Amen, April. Praying get for a blessed 2018!

  • robert moeller Posted January 1, 2018 10:21 am

    It’s only a few hours in a new day of a new year and the blessings, encouragement, support are flowing. Thank You, Lord.

    Yes, most decidedly yes, being able and then sharing our problems exposes us, shows our weakness, vulnerability, and yet here at the UR we are accepted, lifted up, and able to move on because of the love that flows through us from God. How amazing is that! One day the whole world will be like that.

  • Cherie Posted January 1, 2018 10:30 am

    Happy New Year! I pray it is a loving healing one for all!

    • Marcy Posted January 1, 2018 4:21 pm

      And to you to, sister Cherie. Praying for Ron daily. Love to you.

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