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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

I GAZE out the window at the oak tree my children and grandchildren used to climb.
Now that I am alone, the memories of this house comfort me.
I wish I could roll back the clock to an earlier time when laughter and music filled these rooms, but I can’t.
On days when I feel sad and lonely, I find comfort in the familiarity of home. My home.
The kitchen window overlooks the crape myrtle that blooms every spring.
The squeaky screen door announces a neighbor’s arrival.
The workshop smells of oil and wood shavings.
My family members think it is time for me to move, but I cannot imagine my life compressed into a single-room apartment.
I have tried to digest their concerns—
I need more help; I can no longer live safely on my own; I am alone; my home is too expensive to maintain.
I know they mean well, but the idea of moving brings anxiety and fear.
O Lord, I don’t know what to do.
How can I leave the place that brings so much joy to what time I have left?
Comfort me, God, and give me direction.


Voices of Aging

From page 53 of Voices of Aging: Adult Children and Aging Parents Talk with God by Missy Buchanan. Copyright © 2015 by Missy Buchanan. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.

Today’s Question

Visit or call an elderly loved one today. Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom.

James 3:13, NRSV

This Week: pray for people with chronic illnesses. 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 Chrysostom (September 13).

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 September 13, 2018 3:54 am

    Father – I cry out for Your mercy. Oh the things the older generation has experienced and survived. And to lose a sense of independence – Father, help them to see the need to trust and cling to You.
    As Marcy continues to get disheartening news, thank You for her strong faith. Father, may there be fresh manna and new mercies for her this morning.
    Father – I cry out for Your provision of daily bread for my father. May the darkness not overcome him…may he continue to be able to find You in all of this…Your light, Your love. Oh, Father – rain down Your Presence – to all in deep need.
    Lord Jesus, hear our cries. Come quickly.

  • Jill Posted September 13, 2018 3:57 am

    Betsy – mom has not been back to the oncologist since May, when it was decided to forgo further treatment. We return to him this Tuesday, to get results from the scan.

  • robert moeller Posted September 13, 2018 6:11 am

    Can understand this reflection, am not in that position, but I’m getting older.
    Certainly have contacted someone closer to this than me. Took care of Mom when she was no longer able to care for herself, very thankful my sister and I were able to do that.

    From an early age I’ve had experiences with older people who need help to stay in their own home or when all else was not possible went to some sort of care. The idea that this care is possible is great, how well it is carried out is always a concern.

    Thankful for a wonderful day yesterday even though the weather was a bit dreary. Was able due to great roads to travel some distance and find in very close proximity three things we have been looking for: a Korean grocery store, Godiva chocolate, and a new set of daily use dishes. Had a little navigation problem, but patience and careful search made it a success. Thankful for a safe trip down and back. Sort of a belated birthday present for Erich.

    More after I read yesterday’s post.

  • Betsy Posted September 13, 2018 7:05 am

    This passage today brings back all the conflicted emotions my family experienced when we had to move my mom to assisted living after her stroke. I saw how hard it was for her to leave her family home and all her possessions. I know that with age comes loss of independence. Praying that those who are faced with these decisions turn to God for strength. We have an elderly neighbor who just had a health scare and were all chipping in to cook and clean for her. Praying that Beverly continues to get stronger so she can continue living in her home.
    Julie, sorry for the misunderstanding about where the explosion took place. When reading back over threads of posts, I get confused over the origin of a story!
    Thank you, Jill, for the update on Gloria. Praying for your family as you receive news of the scans.
    Welcome to Margaret and Jim. Your advice on journaling was very helpful. Our group of pray-era continues to grow! Blessings to all our UR family this day. God gifted us this morning with a beautiful sunrise.

  • Julie Posted September 13, 2018 8:00 am

    I have always been drawn to older individuals. And I, like Robert, have experienced the fact that some care facilities are better than others. I also worked in hospice at one time which I found very rewarding.
    Prayers for Marcy, may she hear from the Social Securities office soon.
    Prayers for Jill and Gloria, may next Tuesday’s appointment go well. Lord Jill is crying out to you mightily this morning please heaar her cries and wrap her in your arms of comfort and safety.
    Prayers of gratitude for safe and successful travels for Robert and Erich. May they be following your leading. Robert, there is an area in Pittsburgh where thare are many ethnic markets, including Korean. I love Godiva chocolate as well and it is available at Barnes and Noble.
    Prayers for Betsy and her daughter in law and new grandchild to be. I too get confused and must go back to the comments to see who said what. I am thankful that we finally have sunshine for the first time since last Thursday.
    Prayers for Mary and her job and parents. I looked up Washi tape as I had never heard of this.
    Prayers for all of the UR family

    • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted September 13, 2018 8:59 am

      Thanks so much dear Julie!

      Hope you get a glimse of what washi tapes are. Basically it is a kind of japanese product that i use for my diy projects.

      May you be filled with God’s love, joy and peace and surrounded by good and kind people!

      Blessings!

  • Connie Posted September 13, 2018 8:52 am

    We love our home and the thought of ever moving is sent to the back of my mind. “God know the plans He has for us…plans for good…..”. He will be here through it all, that I believe.
    Thankful for:
    This lovely Fall weather.
    Two Hummingbirds feeding at the same time-never before except last year when I think it was a Mother and Baby. Same ones maybe.
    My red hanging basket is thinning out, but still pretty.
    Prayers for Marcy and also Jill’s Mother’s upcoming results, hoping for some encouraging news. For Robert, Erich, Julie, Betsy, Lou and everyone here. We are one in the Spirit.

  • Eva Bryant Posted September 13, 2018 2:04 pm

    I have had to make the transition from a home that I shared with a spouse, children and grandchildren. I can relate to being lonely. However, I have grown closer to God. I find my self talking out loud to God and I know that he hears me.

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