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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

LORD, I resolve to live more fully in [2018],
each day brighter, more purposeful,
full of faith and not of fear.
Give me courage to accept life’s adventures
and faith to avoid second guesses.
Grant me strength to say YES
to the life you want me to live.
Help me to hope in your promises.
If you are with me, who can be against me?
Teach me to appreciate each day
as a wonderful gift from you.
This is the day and the year that the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in [2018]!

–Lydia Grace, 19 [Muncie, Indiana], devozine

From page 4 of devozine, January/February 2015. Copyright © 2014 by The Upper Room. All rights reserved. Used by permission. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.

Today’s Question

Pray today’s prayer. Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

Put no confidence in extortion, and set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
Psalm 62:10, NRSV

This Week: Pray for compassion. 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: Anthony of Egypt (January 17).

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

37 Comments

  • Geree Posted January 18, 2018 2:21 am

    I love and agree with this prayer. Mostly I have decided to live life as a series of prayful adventures instead of a series of hassles and problems this new year.

    • Marcy Posted January 18, 2018 8:13 pm

      Excellent viewpoint, Geree, may God bless you in all that you do!

  • Louise Posted January 18, 2018 3:59 am

    I start my day talking to the God…as I go through my day situations pop up and I talk to God. I truly believe that God puts us where he needs us to be. I listen and I hear Him! I look and I see Him! He guides me through it all. UR is a place filled with Gods love. A safe place that God opened up to all that visit so that understanding, comfort, compassion, and peace can be part of daily life. People helping people makes God happy. I pray for all here at the UR that God will guide you through pain, struggle, and suffering and help you to feel peace. I am so very thankful for God. Without Him I would not be able get up everyday and push forward through the trials and tribulations that come with each day. Thank you God…I am listening and I hear…I am watching and I see. Peace to all!

    • Marcy Posted January 18, 2018 8:20 pm

      Louise, yes, you are one who starts the day praising and praying to God, like I believe we all do. My schedule has been interrupted, but I still manage to get my quiet time with God in place every day. Oh, where would we be without God, His one and only Son, Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit? We are so very blessed to have one another to pray for, ask for advice, etc. And that goes for anyone reading, too. Thank you, Louise.

  • Jill Posted January 18, 2018 4:47 am

    Andrea – thank you for what you shared last evening…inviting God to sit in on a conversation, a situation. I will be prayerfully mindful of that today, as I sit at the hospital, and am joined by my mother and sister. We will on be “on edge”…at varying levels. Oh, how I need the Holy Spirit to keep a guard over my mouth.
    Thank you all for your prayers for my dad – these past many days and today.
    This might sound not exactly right, but in trying to distract myself from my family – I will be praying for you all while time passes at the hospital. Especially the first hour or so until my mother and sister arrive.
    As always, prayers offered are needed and appreciated.

    • Betsy Posted January 18, 2018 7:03 am

      Praying for you, your sister and your mom as you wait by your dad’s side this day. He is so blessed to have you girls close by! I like Geree’s thought on “prayerful adventures” instead of struggles. May we all feel closer to God as we lift one another up.

    • Marcy Posted January 18, 2018 8:26 pm

      Jill, I have prayed a couple of special prayers for those before, during and after surgery, when recovering for your Dad. You go right ahead and pray for all of us! I can tell you, it’s actually very calming and takes you out of yourself. Praying for you, too, Jill, as you always know exactly how to say what the rest of us struggle to convey. Thank you, Jill.

  • Lou Posted January 18, 2018 6:15 am

    I love this prayer too and love your idea Geree. I will print this prayer and try very hard to live by it. I have been in a down place I think because I focus on what is wrong instead of all of my many many blessings – I will keep this prayer and focus on it and the gifts of the Father who is ever faithful and ever present.
    Prayers for your father Jill and your family- prayers for Mary and her father as he continues his recovery. Prayers of healing for Marcy and Julie. Prayers for Robert and Erich, and Andrea and her daughter, for Chloe and Paige, for all parents and children of any age that peace and love reign in the hearts of all. Send your Holy Spirit, Lord, today and everyday to bring us peace and healing of our hearts and bodies- help us to feel joy and to not neglect the time that you grant us here on this earth. Prayers for Connie, Francesca, Louise, April, Betsy, and all who come to this place. Peace to all.

    • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted January 18, 2018 6:17 am

      Thanks Lou!

      Blessings

    • Chloe Posted January 18, 2018 6:39 am

      Most wonderful mindset I would love to “capture” in this daily devo, that is shared today! It is my sincerest ptayer also Lou to copy and keep in front of me. As I battle a heartache daily in my heart from my daughters, it has been my nrw resolution and prayer to have this new mindset in leading my daily life. To not let the enemy control my life through theirs. As I was reading in my devotional time yesterday, cling to every word of Jesus to see you through. My faith shield gets hangs down a lot lately. So this devotional will be another encouraging word to help me put on the whole armor of God. I appreciate your thoughts and mainly your prayers lifted up for me and my daughters so very much. I am glad I stopped by today 🙂 and will lift up all also to our heavenly daddy that sees all. God bless and stay warm in all ways.

      • Marcy Posted January 18, 2018 9:31 pm

        Chloe, I do continue to lift you and Paige in prayer, along with others here, every day. I am thankful that you have this bond with other mother/daughter UR family members that can “walk in your shoes.” My sister was extremely hurtful to my mother right up until she had her surgery for her brain aneurysm when it burst, nearly killing her. After, my uncle, her brother and his wife realized my Mom was never going to be able to live outside a nursing home (she needed skilled nursing), they got all her things out of storage where they had hoped she could resume life. My sister and I were invited to look through everything and my sister, came from Arizona, my Dad paid for it. My parents were divorced, but Dad always stopped by with the Pekingese, which the folks at the nursing home LOVED! Anyway, my sister went through, discarding any sentimental items and tried to take both my grandma’s and my parents wedding bands and engagement rings, but my uncle said enough is enough. It was horrible, but my sister who is going to be 69 years old, nine years my senior has been and is still abusing drugs since the mid sixties and everyone knows it. I always seem to amble way off track, but if there’s drugs involved anyone, do WHATEVER you have to do to overcome that particular tool of the devil. Thank you, Chloe.

    • Andrea Posted January 18, 2018 7:16 am

      Lou, thank you. Prayers for you and your children.

    • Marcy Posted January 18, 2018 8:43 pm

      Lou, such a great way to frame or re-frame the relational elements of family. Where there is LOVE for God, the possibilities are endless, even if you’re the only one in your family who believes. That can change. People change, but God never does! Thank you, Lou!

  • robert moeller Posted January 18, 2018 6:58 am

    Yes, Lord, guide and direct us that we may abide in You. This is a wonderful prayer. Thank you Lydia Grace.

    Prayers for Jill’s and Mary’s fathers in the hospital, for Jill and Mary, their mothers, and sisters, and Mary’s brother as they attend their Dads. Prayers for Marcy’s situation and healing. From my understanding she needs more than healing of her health, but also assistance with insurance, and finding a good rehab that does what should be done. Lord. miracles are possible and one is needed for Marcy. Healing and comfort for Julie’s hands, fingers, and knee. Healing and recovery for Andrea’s grandson, her husband, Lowell, and reconciliation between Andrea and her daughter. May Chloe and Paige, Lou and her children find peace.

    Thankful for help yesterday, hope it will be used and improvement made. Had a good walk yesterday, made progress on a model. Thankful for a safe drive at night. I made a mistake and went to the wrong place. Was still able to get to the right place, but only as the meeting was ending. Had a good supper.

    Arnold is home from the hospital, Bob Jones will have his surgery in February. Anneliese has pain management today and has a ride there and back so she will be able to have some anesthesia before the procedure.

    A long awaited game of chess with my son today with his new set. Have some other activities planned as well.

    God’s peace be with you all.

    • Marcy Posted January 18, 2018 9:08 pm

      Robert, sounds like you had some drive time. I personally, have come to dislike driving at night, unless I know where I’m going. But throwing some ice or snow, uh, no. And yes, this has been an epic fail on one level, but a lot of nurses, PCT’S and CNA’S helped me post and some showed interest. I pray someone will water the seed next. The State of Illinois has been here twice conducting safety tests and going over everything, especially after the “waterfall” incident. I guess that’s what it was like at the main entry point. This was not a frozen or broken water pipe, some other really weird thing that never should have happened, apparently. The floors outside my room were wet, but not cascading, there are still computer systems out and there was no water for two or three hours. My nose buried in the Bible, I knew the fire doors were locked, alarms and such, but really, trying to get home healthcare by tomorrow probably
      No, won’t say it. God will find an agency my insurance will cover.
      I’m so glad to hear that Arnold’s at home starting his rehab, probably? And you say Bob will have surgery in February. Give us a date so we can pray, if you’re comfortable. Would like to know how Annaliese’s pain treatment went, let us know how the Chess game starts out and very grateful, Robert, for thoughtful words that are also thought provoking, beautiful words of prayer and your knowledge, which You are always willing to share with us. Thank you, Robert.

    • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted January 18, 2018 9:50 pm

      Thanks Robert!

      Blessings

      My dad will be transferred to a nursing home for the elderly to continue his physio soon.

      Grateful for all your prayers

  • Trackback: Prayer for the New Year – College United Methodist Church
  • Andrea Posted January 18, 2018 7:45 am

    Marcy, prayers for you to be safe, for a smooth transition home, for strength and health. Jill, I will lift your father, you, your mother and your sister up in prayer today. Mary, I lift you, your father and mother in prayer. Prayers for Lou and her children, for Robert, Erich, Anneliese, Arnold and Bob Jones; for Chloe and her daughters, for Julie and her daughters, and her fingers and knees; for Connie and her husband, for April, Betsy and Grace, Francesca. Prayers for Geree, thank you for joining in the comments today. Prayers for those I forget to name here and for all who visit UR.

    My daughter and I came together in our email communication yesterday and I will be visiting her on Saturday. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers, surrounding her and me. I will focus on listening more deeply to her and be more aware of her underlying anxiety and fear.

    I am grateful for getting out yesterday to snowshoe with my husband at a beautiful regional park close by. The temperature was in the 20’s, the sun was out and the air was fresh. I gave thanks to God for the beauty and my ability to be immersed in it. It was a cleansing. I am grateful for UR and every person behind the scenes, as well as the reflection writers.

    • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted January 18, 2018 9:51 pm

      Thanks Andrea

      Blessings

    • Marcy Posted January 18, 2018 10:15 pm

      Andrea, thank you for sharing that visual last night, that we are sitting with Jesus through all or any difficult situations. I’m comforted by the thought of being in Jesus’ Everlasting Arms. Both are true statements!
      I’m so happy you are going to see your daughter and your grandson on Saturday. What, if anything, does your son-in-law have to say in the rearing of his son? I’m praying for your daughter, for her own mental health, it’s not as scary as it used to be, even though I know there are still some who attach complete hogwash to those who have and treat it. That’s the key. Treated. It’s like anything else, there are a number of different ways to do so and there should be no shame whatsoever attached.
      Snowshoeing! Ahhh! Sounds great! And beautiful! I know what you mean about cleansing. Another beautiful vision, this one natural and including Lowell! Thank you, Andrea!

    • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted January 19, 2018 6:09 am

      So glad to hear that your daughter made up with you and you are visiting her on saturday. May your time together be a meaningful one.

      Keeping both of you in prayer

  • Julie Posted January 18, 2018 7:57 am

    This prayer beautifully captures how many of us here live our lives. We have realized that life is not always pretty or easy. Yet with the Lord we live our best lives.
    Prayers for Jill and her famiy
    Prayers for Andrea and her family
    Prayers for Lou and her children
    Prayers for Chloe and her daughters
    Prayers for Robert, Erich and Annaleise
    Prayers for Mary and her job and her family
    Prayers for Marcy, Louise, Gerree and all who visit this warm group of supporters
    Thank you for your prayers. My fingers continue to worsen but my knees are slowly healing
    Blessings and love to all

    • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted January 18, 2018 9:51 pm

      Thanks Julie

      Blessings

    • Marcy Posted January 18, 2018 10:27 pm

      Julie, the first person who welcomed me to this wonderful site, accepting me for who and where I was. You’ve all been working on me, through Christ Jesus, and your own personal contributions. I join you in your prayers for everyone, I think even including myself, today!I am praying for Winter to warm up again, Spring to make an early appearance and a miracle to stop the pain in your hands and fingers. I’m thankful, your knee is healing, but do me favor, and try to stay sitting with your leg elevated. Thank you, Julie!

  • Marcy Posted January 18, 2018 8:11 pm

    Okay, Lord, I will pray the same prayers I would have prayed before I found out my news today. Regardless, of added physical restrictions, Lord, I am praying towards the same goals. I have to have oxygen whenever I’m climbing stairs or walking, thank you, Jesus, I don’t need it at rest. Then, I’m praying to you, our Triune God, to fulfill the goals I had AND I’m praying that this is temporary. But if it is not, help find the connections, Lord, for the small, four hour supply Inogen, if possible, so I can usher and work at the shelter. Maybe, God, you have something else entirely different planned for me. I will be listening, for the Holy Spirit’s leading. I will always love You, Jesus, I’ll never stop loving you in this lifetime, or eternity, or beyond even that. I will always trust in You, Jesus. Thank you for bringing me to this loving family of believers, O Almighty God. I care about them and have genuine love for all my siblings in this UR family, where I was first accepted and encouraged. Thank you, Jesus Christ, for each and every one of them. IJN Amen.

    • April Posted January 18, 2018 10:09 pm

      I like to come back to the UR site in the evening and recently Marcy’s evening posts of her day and her prayers for each have calmed me after my busy days…. bless you Marcy. I pray that your next steps… home, oxygen, insurance, etc. will be supplied for you. Your posts reflect your strong faith that I know sustains you throughout your days. Thank you for sharing with others even as you are struggling yourself.
      Dear Jesus, I lift my UR family to you and ask that you would be with each of us, tonight and always.

      • Marcy Posted January 18, 2018 10:32 pm

        Gotta give all to God, who is the source of my hope, and the strength to stand up for myself the last week or so, with an assist from the faithful one. Please Lord, hear our prayers. Thank you, April!

      • robert moeller Posted January 19, 2018 3:20 am

        April, Amen and thank you for so much of what you wrote here. Lots of posts in the evening. Marcy has been through a lot recently, I too pray she can get out of rehab and go home. I am hopeful that here will be some assistance there for here as well.

    • Andrea Posted January 18, 2018 10:46 pm

      I agree with April, Marcy. I wait to see your evening posts. I am praying for you to get the care support you need when you go home, and to continue to heal and gain strength. In my mind’s eye, I see Jesus sitting in a chair beside you, watching over you constantly. Thank you for your prayers and for your strong faith witness.

  • Marcy Posted January 18, 2018 10:39 pm

    Mary, my sweet sister, I’m literally shutting my eyes and falling asleep between submissions, but am stubborn! Praying for your Dad, help from family. Help for your Mum and strength for you, as you continue to teach with such dedication and devotion. I’m always thankful for your short, straight to the heart of the matter posts. Thank you, Mary!

  • Marcy Posted January 18, 2018 10:47 pm

    Praying for all the members of the UR Reflections family. I’m ever mindful of Abdrea, Cherie, Julie, Jill, Chloe and Paige, Robert, Gerri, Lou, Mary, Louise, Connie, Betsy and Grace, Francesca, Pam, Ami, April, Jean, Rusty and K, Joan, Carol, Eileen, Dorothy, Holly M, Laurie, Tori, Stephen Walket, Edy and any all I may have missed. Thank you, all of you, and God bless!

    • robert moeller Posted January 19, 2018 3:27 am

      Prayers that you will go home today, your cat will be glad to see you, hope travel and getting into your home goes well and you have help there too. I certainly hope your insurance provides well. Thank you so much for posts and prayers for others even while you are enduring, recovering from your situation. Your memory of all who come to the UR is amazing. You are a God-filled person of great faith. Many blessings.

    • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted January 19, 2018 6:11 am

      Thank you dear Marcy for your perseverane in prayer.

      May God bless you with good health and His presence be so close to you.

      • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted January 19, 2018 6:19 am

        Please continue to pray for my job. Today when i went into the centre to take the biscuits, two boys started fighting. This incident is not the first and i am glad the vice principal of the school is very supportive. He told us that if the children needs duscipline, just go ahead and let him know. There are quite a few who needs discipline but my boss inly mentioned two, my class is the biggest but many teachers employed by the center does not know the mother tongue the students are learning and kept coming for help. I even need to translate for them cause the cleaner cannot cimmunicate with them,
        this job is overwhelming and they expect me to be a miracle worker.

        May God do somethung to change the situation

        • robert moeller Posted January 19, 2018 7:05 am

          Mary, you and your teaching situation are very much in my prayers. Thankful there is good support from the vice principal with discipline. Am praying for your boss thinking that he or she only knows some of the discipline problem. Prayers for the language problem. That is serious. I once had to translate for just one person and it was hard because he was impatient. You are being pulled in many directions at once. Lord, Mary very much needs Your help. Grant her wisdom to make good decisions and courage to be able to carry them out. Help guide the school to provide aides able to help with language problems faced by students and teachers. Bring calm to students fighting. Thank You, Lord.

          Mary, glad to know your Dad will have help recovering from his surgery in a nursing home. He’s making progress. Thank You, Lord

          • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted January 19, 2018 7:30 am

            Thanks so much Robert for understanding!

            In fact i was having sore throat, running nose and coughing but i still go to work cause 2 staff left and a few on medical leave,

            Thanks so much for your prayers.

            Blessings

  • robert moeller Posted January 19, 2018 7:18 am

    Prayers for Marcy as she goes home today. May the transition be a good one with safe travel and good help.

    Prayers for Anneliese, I have not heard from her, she was having trouble with one hand. Her pain management appointment was yesterday, I pray it was not cancelled, that she went, had treatment that was very successful and helpful, and is safely home. I’m thankful for Doris who drove her. After the procedure, it usually takes a couple days to recover from the procedure itself.
    There are often bad headaches and the site of the injections is very sore. She has a number of problems that cause her pain: osteo-arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibro myalgia, and spinal stenosis. Both hips and knees have been replaced. Thankfully there has been great help with her thyroid and she has lost a lot of weight. Despite this she is more unsteady on her feet and has fallen. She’s recovering from a cracked pelvis. Lord, be with her. Thank You, Lord.

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