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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

WHERE THE LOVING eye of the soul is continually fixed upon God, there can be no darkness at all.

– John Wesley
A Longing for Holiness

From page 42 of A Longing for Holiness
Selected Writings of John Wesley
, edited by Keith Beasley-Topliffe. Copyright (c) 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

Name the darkness in your life during your prayer time. Imagine the light of God shining on you. Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

The poor shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the LORD. May your hearts live forever!

Psalm 22:26, NRSV

This Week: Pray for victims of gun violence. 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: Jacinta Marto, Francisco Marto, and Lucia dos Santos (February 20).

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

14 Comments

  • Jill Posted February 21, 2018 4:42 am

    I really must sit and ponder this quote. This term – darkness – has been used repeatedly this past week by my friend Lisa. And, yet, I know she is keeping her eyes on Christ. Monday, following the funeral, she texted me and said there are no words, she would not be calling me. I texted her back and told her to just be in silence, it is ok. About an hour later she texted and said she had just spent 45 minutes with Jesus. No doubt talking about this darkness.
    Back to the quote…continually fixed upon God – maybe this is the key. Our surroundings can swallow us up…maybe…but I believe we also exist in His Presence, His watchful eye. The protection of the Shepherd.
    Will think on this more and eagerly await what my fellow UR friends have to say.
    Not sure if the school shooting in my area hit the national news yesterday. A 7th grader, at a school about 20 minutes from here, shot himself in the bathroom as school began. Lisa’s niece attends the school and her brother and sister-in-law were frantic. My student teacher from 2 years ago teaches at the school. I reached out to her and she was shaken for quite a bit. More evidence of darkness.
    Rusty – so very good to hear from you. Thanks for taking the time to update us. We miss your wisdom and pray faithfully for you and K.
    I was with my parents for quite a bit last evening. Mom was in a dark place and I just pray for my dad – that his light will not go out. While she was showering I got some time to talk with my dad. His strength continues to improve, but his antibiotics run out tomorrow and he is worried that his bladder infection is not fully knocked out. He is concerned that he will start to feel poorly over the weekend and not be able to get in touch with the doctor. This is uncharacteristic worry from my dad – and this concerns me. And – he is very concerned about the news we may receive today from mom’s testing.
    I thank you all for your faithful prayers. I feel like today will be similar to last month – when we were at the hospital for dad. I will be distracting myself by lifting concerns named here to Our Father.
    Blessed be the holy name of Our Father. Who was, and is, and is to come. Amen.

    • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted February 21, 2018 9:10 am

      Jill, keeping you, your parents and your students in prayer

      May all be well with you, your parents and students

      Blessings

  • robert moeller Posted February 21, 2018 6:50 am

    God is light, in God there is no darkness, even darkness is light to God. Wesley’ short statement is very deep. I agree with Jill that it requires time to think and pray. Staying close to God, keeping the faith as Abraham did, and Paul describes in Romans 4: 13-25 is vital. We are the branches, Jesus is the vine.

    Prayers for you, your Mom and Dad, and your sister. Thankful your parents have you and your sister to help them. One day at a time. So thankful Lisa has you as a friend, you both share faith in God and God will help her and her daughter’s friend’s family through this agony. Prayers for the school where the 7th grader took his life, for the student teacher you had now teaching there, and the entire community. Gun laws need improvement, but beyond that our culture needs a change. There’s been a steady increase in violence depicted on tv, in movies, videos, and games. It’s not healthy.

    The good news of the morning is the post by Rusty. Very welcome. Pray that soon we will hear from Marcy.

  • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted February 21, 2018 6:52 am

    Another overwheming day. I was passed the admin phone at 10am by our manager and supposed to answer any jncoming calls, etc till 2:30pm. When class starts, j need to make sure all my students complete their homework, learn and test their mother tongue spelling, helped p2 students with their mother tongue homework and go and test p3 mother tongue spelling and do the dismissal for all the classes until the last child went home, locked the place up and repot what time the last child went, Sounds like the work is meant for super woman. Glad the day is over.

    Thank you God for being my ever present help,

    Blessings to all

    May we fix our eyes on God continually!

    • robert moeller Posted February 23, 2018 7:10 am

      Mary, I do not understand the school system in Singapore. You are overwhelmed, I’m lost. From my understanding you are what we call a jack of all trades meaning here that you are asked to do just about anything and expected to be very skillful doing everything. Thankful that God is with you.

      Delighted that your Dad is home and praying that his recovery continues to go well.

  • Betsy Posted February 21, 2018 7:14 am

    My heart is heavy this morning with news from my sister. Her oldest daughter suffered a miscarriage over the weekend. She is fine physically, just a normal end to a planned pregnancy, but she and her husband are so sad. They were so wanting a sibling for their son. I ask for prayers for them both as they heal from this sadness.

    So glad to hear from you, Rusty! You and K continue to be in our prayers. Sounds like you are very busy with all life brings. Please continue to “drop in” when you can!

    Jill, praying that your parents’ health begins to stabilize, and they begin to feel more like themselves. Also, praying for strength for you for this journey with them. You are a thoughtful, sweet daughter and friend. Your friend Lisa is blessed. Keep God close.

    Mary, your work responsibilities continue to grow. Praying for clarity and calm as you meet each new challenge.

    Robert, thank you for sharing the Romans verses. We are all strengthened by God as he is the vine and we are the branches. Blessings for you, Erich, Annalise and others in your life.

    • robert moeller Posted February 21, 2018 7:32 am

      Yes, Betsy, prayers for your sister’s daughter. Thankful she is physically well.
      Losing a longed for baby is sad. Prayers for recovery and a new beginning.

      Thank you for your prayers, hope you are getting the rest you need. Yes, we all welcome Rusty’s post. Praying we will hear from Marcy next.

    • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted February 21, 2018 9:02 am

      Praying for your sister’s daughter.

      May all be well wuth you and your family

      Blessings

  • Julie Posted February 21, 2018 8:12 am

    I missed Rusty’s post. I will haave to try to access yesterday’s reflection.
    Mary, I continue to pray for your situation morning, noon, and night. May God keep yoou strong.
    Jill, they did have that news on the evening broadcasts here. Perhaps because we do live somewhat close. Prayers for your mother today. I pray you recive answers finally. Continued prayers for your friend.
    Robert, prayers for Isis and Erich.
    Betsy, my heart aches for your niece. I had a miscarriage after 16 months of trying. It is devestating.She is suffering,, I will pray.
    I am in much pain still. Will be for months yet. Spring is still far off I fear.
    So much pain here today. God hear our cries.
    Prayers and warm thoughts of love and strength and support
    Don’t tell me not to fly, I’ve simply got to.
    Bob Merrill and Jule Styne, “Don’t Rain on My Parade”

    • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted February 21, 2018 9:06 am

      Thanks Julie for always keeping in prayers.

      May you have a speedy recovery

      Carol, i am keeping your husband, Robin, and you in prayer

      Blessungs

  • Carol Posted February 21, 2018 8:18 am

    Darkness! I know this. My husband has for past 20 years has mental illness. It is an ongoing darkness for me as one never knows what is coming next. Would appreciate prayers. His name is robin.

    • robert moeller Posted February 21, 2018 2:15 pm

      Carol, prayers for your husband, Robin. So thankful that God understands this problem. As humans we have made progress, but there is so much more to learn and be able to do. It took a long time to diagnose manic depressive, bi-polar in my wife. Bless you, I am sure your husband benefits from your care.

  • Pam Posted February 22, 2018 8:58 am

    Perfectly said, Robert! I add prayers in agreement for Carol with Robin!

    • robert moeller Posted February 23, 2018 7:02 am

      Thanks for the compliment, Pam. There are many physical illnesses that are giant challenges for us, but many mental illnesses or conditions go way beyond this. Insurance wants measurable results, without it, they don’t pay.
      Without God where would we be?

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