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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

AGING IS A spiritual journey. To be on an intentional spiritual journey as we grow older is to be at peace with God. It means we have accepted the reality that we live our lives under the loving gaze of a mysterious God who is ever beyond us, deeply in love with us, and always with us.

– Richard H. Gentzler Jr.
An Age of Opportunity

From An Age of Opportunity: Intentional Ministry by, with, and for Older Adults by Richard H. Gentzler Jr. Copyright © 2018 by Discipleship Resources. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Discipleship Resources. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.

Today’s Question

Call, write, or visit an older person today. Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

And this is the testimony: God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

1 John 5:11, NRSV

This Week: pray for those who feel left out. 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: John of Avila (May 10).

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

8 Comments

  • Jill Posted May 11, 2018 3:18 am

    This opened the floodgates (once again) this early morning. Tears have been very near for a few days now. A song by Casting Crowns broadsided me yesterday on the way to school. Tough to start the morning walking in to school with mascara smudged around my eyes.
    Oh, how I long to never deviate from the journey He has planned for me. Yes – an intentional journey – eyes on Him. Accepting the reality…yes – even moreso – embracing it – for it is what He has willed. Father – You are mysterious – draw me ever nearer.
    Prayers for this community of steady pray-ers. Father – thank You for this safe space to gather. Your Spirit hovers over it.

  • robert moeller Posted May 11, 2018 5:36 am

    I’m in touch with older people on a regular basis, here, on the internet, and at church. I think there is a a lot of truth in today’s reflection. All that I am and have is from God, very thankful for God’s ever presence, QT every day, walks in beautiful surroundings, the company of the UR, and model train friends.

    Prayers for Jill, Gloria, Larry, and Becky. This is a tough leg of their spiritual journey. Prayers for Marcy’s needs, thankful for her prayers and posts; Julie’s daughter, the kidney stone, Julie’s hands and foot, her wellbeing and safety are in my prayers. Saw the unique ride up a hillside in Pittsburgh on tv and have a memory of riding it long ago. Prayers for Betsy and the divided congregation, for Lou and her children on their move, Andrea, Lowell, Andrea’s daughter and grandson, their health, well being, and relations.
    Prayers for Connie, April, and all the UR family, thankful for their prayers and sharing. Saw a model of a train station like the one I hope for being built on an internet video yesterday. Inspiring. Thank You, Lord, for the blessings of the day.

  • Betsy Posted May 11, 2018 6:54 am

    I am fortunate to be part of a Bible Study class with many “mature “ ladies of faith, and I’m blessed by their strength and love for the Lord. Grateful to be able to learn from them as I journey with Jesus.

    So glad to see Marcy’s posts again! Also, Julie’s insightful quotes each day. Continuing to lift up Jill, Larry, Gloria and Becky. A serious illness does affect the entire family, and I pray that God continues to strengthen each of you during this season. Yes, Robert, we have so much to be thankful for! As spring comes to us all, I marvel at God’s work in nature. I plan on some walking time outdoors this weekend.

  • Julie Posted May 11, 2018 7:44 am

    I have always been drawn to older people. Even as a child I had special relationships with not only my grandparents but also many other neighborhood older individuals. When I went to my old church on Easter, I sat for a long time prior to the service with an older woman holding hands and catching up with each other.
    Prayers for Jill, Becky, Gloria, and Larry. I am glad that you allow yourself to experience the range of emotions we feel given the difficult situation you are living. It is not always pleasant, but our psyche needs various outlets.
    Robert, you are referring to the incline that travels up and down Mt Washington. Yes, it is a very popular tourist stop. Prayers for you, Erich, Annaliese, and Pearl.
    Prayers for Betsy and her church.
    Prayers especially for Andrea and her daughter. I hold you in prayer, in my heart and in my arms.
    Blessings and prayers for each of the UR family and their concerns shared and unshared. Thank you so much for your prayers for my daughter and myself. Her kidney stone passed we believe.
    If plan “A” doesn’t work, just remember: the alphabet has 25 more letters. Unknown

    • Andrea Posted May 11, 2018 8:23 am

      Thank you, Julie, I am grateful. I am thankful to hear your daughter’s kidney stone passed. Prayers for you, for the Reynaud’s symptoms to abate, and for your well-being in your home. Blessings.

  • Andrea Posted May 11, 2018 8:20 am

    “We live our lives under the loving gaze of a mysterious God who is ever beyond us, deeply in love with us, and always with us.”

    My daughter texted me several says ago asking me to let her know when I am available. I let her know some times, including Mother’s Day ( perhaps a mistake), then followed up by saying I know she might want to spend Mothers Day with just her little boy and husband. Since then, no word from her.

    I prayed this morning, thanking God for my daughter, for giving this difficult, fragile person to me to love and cherish, and for my precious grandson.

    Wishing all a blessed week.

  • Connie Posted May 11, 2018 8:31 am

    “Morning by Morning new Mercies I see”

    Most of my neighbors and friends are somewhat older than I. They look at me as the “youngster”! I sent a birthday card to my Aunt this week who is in her late 80’s and can run circles around me and always has. I have always prayed that I will age gracefully and with dignity. So far, so good, I think.

    A to Z……Always….Believe……

    Jill, you are doing such a good job holding things together. God bless you and yours.

    I really don’t know what I would do without all of you…..your wise posts, your caring hearts, your faithful prayers. Thank you with all my heart.

  • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted May 11, 2018 11:27 pm

    May we be at peace with God

    Blessings

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