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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

The Sacred Intersection

IT’S EASY TO MAKE a narcissistic career out of spiritual growth. After all, theology is fascianating. Kindred spirits are usually wonderful folks to be with; retreats are relaxing; books are compelling.

However, the beautiful process of spiritual growth moves in a cycle of blessing that doesn’t stop with me, mine, and my development. It moves outward in a dynamic flow.

As lofty as that sounds, we know from experience that sometimes decisions about where to invest our time, money, and energy can vex and overwhelm us. Ideally, our inner work energizes our outer work, and we become less attached to what others think, what they expect of us, and whether they approve of us. We become less chameleon-like in allowing others to dictate and define who we are.

Our decisions about intentional service need to emerge from a thoughtful, reflective place where we weigh the needs around us and see where they intersect with our gifts, graces, and passions. That sacred intersection points to our place of service at any given time.

– Linda Douty
Rhythms of Growth

From page 207 of Rhythms of Growth: 365 Meditations to Nurture the Soul by Linda Douty. Copyright © 2014 by Linda Douty. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://bookstore.upperroom.org.

Today’s Question

Where is your place of service? Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law they meditate day and night.

Psalm 1:1-2, NRSV

This Week: pray for those who affected by natural disasters. 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: Hildegard of Bingen (September 17).

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

15 Comments

  • Jill Posted September 17, 2018 4:14 am

    My place of service right now is with my parents. This path requires endurance, time and availability.
    Thank you to Mary, Robert and Marcy for your supportive words yesterday and for your continued prayers. Really – to all of you who faithfully sit at the throne of grace and lift my family before Our Lord.
    I pray for the multitudes struggling with flooding in the Coastal Carolinas. Father – continue to protect those who are rescuing and getting supplies in. Might there be hope to replace despair.
    Grateful for a quiet day at home yesterday, following church. Got needed schoolwork completed. This week is very busy as both Bible studies are now up and running and we also have interim pickup (similar to conferences) Thursday evening.

  • robert moeller Posted September 17, 2018 6:49 am

    Jill, I think you are right about your place of service. Your reaction to praying for your Mom is very understandable. Hopeful she will go to counseling and that the upcoming scan is encouraging. Prayers for all of you during this situation.

    Marcy, thankful for your witness despite all that you have gone through. Your posts and prayers are so powerful, thorough, deep, and encouraging. The Holy Spirit is at work. Thank You, Lord.

    Julie, keep up your efforts to find a job, work with your lawyer, support your daughter, and keep praying, your situation will improve. Thankful for your prayers for others.

    Mary, prayers for your teaching and work at school. Ask for God’s wisdom and guidance and you will be on the path that is right for you. A lot is asked of teachers in Singapore that I don’t understand. God knows what you are doing and I believe the Holy Spirit is with you.

    I think my place of service is right where I am. As best I know how, I’m trying to help Erich find his way, we have a plan, and while it will take some time to execute, I think it will enable him to find his way. Good things take time.
    Thank you all for your prayers and concern.

  • Betsy Posted September 17, 2018 7:16 am

    I had to be at church early yesterday and missed my morning devotion time here. Reading over all the inspirational messages from posts and today have truly humbled me. I’m so blessed to be among such diligent and devoted believers. I learn at your feet each day!
    Jill, your devotion to service to your parents is where you need to be. God is working through you as you concentrate on your mom and dad, while also staying in the moment at school and remaining true to God’s word through your participation in Bible Study. Prayers for you and your sweet family.

    Marcy, I continue to lift you up as you remember each of us faithfully. Robert, your service to Erich and the prayer and work that have gone into making sure he is settled and safe is selfless. Continued prayers for you. Mary, praying that your tireless work as an educator can continue to bless your students.
    Julie, April, and all who come to rest here each day: I ask for healing and grace. Grateful for a quiet weekend and busy, fulfilling work ahead this week.

    • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted September 17, 2018 7:22 am

      Thank you dear Betsy!

      May you be blessed abundantly by God everyday as you draw nearer to Him, seeking His guidance and wisdom!

      Blessings!

  • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted September 17, 2018 7:18 am

    Thanks Robert for your prayers and advice!

    May Erich find the way.

    May God lead and guide both you and Erich every step of your life journey!

    Blessings!

    May God grant me wisdom and guidance each day!

  • Julie Posted September 17, 2018 8:17 am

    I feel as though my place of service currently is to my daughter. In this way, I feel a unique kinship with Robert as we both try to help our children follow God’s path for their life. I am doing this by starting my own job search and taking her hand and guiding her along the path I am taking to become self sufficient once again. Is is difficult and I find courage through the thoughtful words and prayers offered here. I thank you. My daughter responds to actions better than words, so I feel confident that this path may long last result in her moving forward.
    Prayers for Robert and Erich and may they follow the path God has set before them. May the way be made straight by the Lord.
    Prayers for Jill and her family. I am praying fervently for good news to be delivered tomorrow. But may Gloria be given Your strength no matter the outcome. May she also rest in Your assurance and lay doown her sorrow and anxiety. God bless Larry for his constant support of Gloria and bless Jill for her support of Larry. Bless and keep this family in your care.
    Prayers for Mary and her students and colleagues. May she be rewarded richly for her selfless toilling.
    Prayers for Betsy. I echo your words of being humbled by those who post and the thankfulness for all that these wonderful people have taught me.
    Prayers for Marcy and Lucy. I am thankful for each day we see your loving words. I thank God daily for allowing me to share my life with my two sweet kitties and I knoow you feel the same f Lucy. May your pain be less today.
    My daughter and I enjoyed a day together at a Reneissance Festival yesterday. I am so thankful for the wonderful relationship she and I have together.
    Prayers and love I send to you my UR family

    • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted September 18, 2018 12:20 am

      Thanks Julie for your prayers.

      May all be well with you!

      Blessings!

  • Andrea Posted September 17, 2018 8:39 am

    We are in the Boston area, a combination volunteer service/vacation trip. We have volunteered scanning old photos for an Atmenian archives, and we spent a day volunteering as ushers at a reception for new citizens naturalized at Fanueil Hall in Boston. Both experiences have been moving. I am drawn to these kinds of service opportunities as both my grandfathers, and all eight of my great- grandparents, were immigrants

    Prayers for dear UR friends. I have been following the UR reflections and your comments every day and I keep you all in prayer. I will be able to comment more once we are home (the 23rd), and until then, I will be following along each day and praying with and for you.

    Blessings.

    • Andrea Posted September 17, 2018 8:41 am

      *Armenian* – four full days of scanning priceless old family and community photos, some as old as the late 19th century. (My grandfather was Armenian.)

  • kathy g Posted September 17, 2018 9:00 am

    i take care of my 2 grandchildren Isabell 2 & Bradyn 5 in kindergarden. what a blessing. I thoroughly enjoy this. I try to share Jesus with them. I believe this is my ministry.

    • Marcy Posted September 18, 2018 7:49 pm

      Kathy, your grandchildren, Isabell and Bradyn, are receiving God’s blessings as you teach them about Jesus! Blessings to you!

  • Connie Posted September 17, 2018 11:30 am

    My place of service is my home, keeping things going. Not an easy task at times, but at least I am needed! Late start this morning…spilled coffee, burnt hand, cleaned up the spill (sticky with cream and sugar). Oh well, what used to take me 10 min. now takes much longer.
    Thankful for:
    My home, my yard, and my dwindling flowers. The For-Get-Me- Nots, however, are in full bloom and spreading. (Planted in memory of my daughter).
    This site that keeps me grounded, interested and faithful.
    For Kathy and her sharing the story of Jesus with her Grandchildren.
    “I love to tell the story, of unseen things above. Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.”

  • Perla Goody Posted September 17, 2018 11:23 pm

    I like the thought of not being concerned with others think of me. I am blessed to be bilingual and I will use my blessing during this time of immigrants suffering. Many may not agree with my service to them, but I will continue to help them in any way I can.

    • Marcy Posted September 18, 2018 7:56 pm

      Perla, you are doing God’s work in helping the immigrants, especially those on the southern border, and what they are suffering at this time. Also, I have empathy for all the people who are no longer being welcomed due to their religion or seen as “dangerous.” I pray for them all and I pray that we as a nation, be vigilant, but welcoming and accepting of a diversity of peoples. You have my prayers and support! Blessings!

  • Perla Posted September 19, 2018 2:26 pm

    Thank you Marcy. Heaven will be the colors for f the rainbow in people. Can’t imagine a heaven that excludes.

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