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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

Believing Power

THE WOUNDS that scar the mind and heart,
the pain that binds the soul,
the power of faith that transcends thought,
the Love that frees, makes whole,
all shape a life more certainly
than visible reality.

-Gerrie L. Grimsely and Jane J. Young
Contemplative by Design

From page 24 of Contemplative by Design: Creating Quiet Spaces for Retreats, Workshops, Churches, and Personal Settings by Gerrie L. Grimsely and Jane J. Young. Copyright © 2008 by Gerrie L. Grimsley and Jane J. Young. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.

Today’s Question

What shapes your heart? Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ?
James 2:1, NRSV

This Week: pray for the leaders of nations. 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: Mother Teresa of Calcutta (September 5).

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

5 Comments

  • Lou Posted September 7, 2018 11:59 am

    God and his ultimate love for me shapes my heart- my good friends and their support and love for me shapes my heart – my children and extended family and the trials and tribulations and joys we experience together shapes my heart. Joy and pain shape my heart. At one one I thought my heart was broken beyond repair- I sometimes still feel that but also feel that Jesus my friend offers my heart some healing if I trust and receive it.
    Several hard days here – my trust and faith a little shaken – I have found myself questioning why oh why this week. Too many stressors and things just not going right- but the Lord gets me up and keeps me going – as He keeps all of us.
    blessings and peace to all – hoping for a good and restful weekend for the UR family- especially Mary who has had a long week!

    • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted September 8, 2018 8:11 am

      Thanks so much Lou!

      May you have a good weekend and may God continue to bless you abundantly!

      When things get difficult, may we continue to cling to God for He is bigger than our problems and He is in control!

  • robert moeller Posted September 7, 2018 1:43 pm

    Today’s reflection expresses a spiritual truth. ”
    THE WOUNDS that scar the mind and heart,
    the pain that binds the soul,
    the power of faith that transcends thought,
    the Love that frees, makes whole,
    all shape a life more certainly
    than visible reality.”

    The last two decades have proved this for me. I’m very thankful for that spiritual growth that took place soon after the biggest tragedy of my life. Not sure where I would be without it. God has helped me along in ways others do not understand.

    There are still moments, weeks, days when my biological clock remembers, there are inklings of grief, hurt, sorrow, and pain, but as in the past God sees me through. I understand what you mean – Lou.

    This came late today, but at least it came, and a reply is possible.

    Prayers for Gloria and Larry, Marcy, Julie, Mary, Jill and Becky, Betsy, Connie. April, and Andrea. The Lord’s peace be with you, your family, and friends. Good news, one of the inmates I know, is no longer an inmate. Thank You, Lord. Thankful for wonderful meals, harvests from the garden, research work on the model, a new tool and lamp coming soon. Prayers you are all registered to vote may God’s wisdom be with you when the time comes. Prayers for those in government who make big decisions. Have a blessed weekend.

    • Lou Posted September 8, 2018 7:20 am

      Yes Robert – life is rarely “easy” and pain often lingers – but God sees us through if we trust in him to guide us- you are a man with steadfast faith. Blessings and prayers for you and your family.

    • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted September 8, 2018 8:14 am

      Thanks Robert for your example of faith and perseverance despite challenges in life.

      Never give up, God is always with us!

      Blessings!

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