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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

Being a BeginnerWHEN I WALKED into a watercolor class for the first time, I felt insecure, unprepared, and afraid. I imagined that the other participants knew what they were doing, and many of them did. They were all smiles, lugging their well-worn portfolios of supplies, eager to wet their brushes and dip them in color.

Frankly, I had not even understood the list of supplies — vermilion, cerulean, cadmium, #2 brushes — I didn’t have a clue. … Ready for step-by-step instructions, I was startled when our enthusiastic teacher produced a small vase of common thistle — loaded with lavender blossoms — and said simply, “Paint it.”

Asking for assistance again and again, I haltingly mixed purple and white while wondering about my use of the proper brush. The teacher continued to insist, “Just begin. Just paint.” … I fought to set aside my competitive nature. … My aha moment came with my realization that my inhibitions were stifling the creative urge inside me that was struggling for expression.

– Linda Douty
Rhythms of Growth

From page 295 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/ Learn more about or purchase this book.

Today’s Question

When do you feel most creative? Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.

Job 38:4, NRSV

This Week: pray for those needing shelter. 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: Ignatius of Antioch (October 17).

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

5 Comments

  • Jill Posted October 15, 2018 4:06 am

    Rarely do I feel creative. I suppose I link creativity with artistry and I don’t have an artistic bone in my body. I recall middle school art class, I was drawing a raccoon. I, like the author above, kept seeking the assistance of the teacher.
    Many would likely point to my classroom and the “creativity” I bring to my instruction and class discussions. I am alive and myself in front of my students and it is natural. I am grateful for this gift given to me by my Father and strive to use it well, daily.
    Very grateful for the non-hurried weekend and lots of time at home. Got a lot of schoolwork accomplished and other necessary tasks. Grateful for time to play tennis yesterday and for minimal pain. Grateful for my mom’s continued good strength and physical stamina – there has been no noticeable downturn in appetite, nor activities. Today she and dad have a second appointment with the psychologist at the cancer center.

  • robert moeller Posted October 15, 2018 5:10 am

    It comes and goes, my creative spirit, sometimes it lasts for days, even weeks, at other times I’m just not motivated. I want to know that what I have done is in the right direction, good. I don’t so much create as assemble, build. The parts are there, I just need to form, shape, adjust, fit, and put them together.
    Thankful that I am making progress with the Bismarck steam locomotive model. It’s looking more like a locomotive.

    Thankful for so much good news from Jill both about her own activities and how her Mom is doing. Pray that all of these continue.

    It was a good day at church, helped with the winter clothing drive, set up for fellowship time, choir practice, worship service, preparation for the Christmas bazaar, fellowship, and clean up. Thankful for a beautiful fall day, a nice supper, and a good ball game.

    Erich made crepes yesterday in preparation for a meeting at his potential new job. They came out very well. His meeting is on Thursday.

    It’s a new week, prayers for Marcy’s well-being, resolution to job and living conditions for Julie, thankful Mary has a a new job, pray it is going well, prayers for Connie, Andrea, Betsy, Lou, Rusty and K, and all who come to the UR. Thank you all for your prayers. Thank You, Lord for watching over all of us.

  • Connie Posted October 15, 2018 7:54 am

    Creativity? Let’s see….not much, but I am interested in everything and love to discuss current events, etc. I used to have a way with words (somewhat) and still do, I think, but spellcheck has gotten in the way!
    My daughter was the creative one. She painted ceramics, made shadow boxes (one of my lambs on the Nativity appeared on one of her creations), had beautiful handwriting and expressed herself well, especially when someone needed encouragement.
    Thankful for:
    A peaceful morning and a quiet prayer time.
    A cup of coffee.
    Hope for a good week.

  • Julie Posted October 15, 2018 8:02 am

    I am not the lest bit creative. I used to cross stitch and crochet, but with my fingers being so mangled, this is no longer possible. I miss it.
    Prayers of gratefulness for Larry and Gloria attending psychologist appointments. Also for continued good health for Jill and Gloria.
    Prayers of gratefulness for Erich and his possible new job. Also for Robert who is gifted in leadership, both of his son and of all of the UR family members.
    Prayers for Marcy, may she be well.
    Prayers for Connie and her hummers. I used to plant hummer friendly flowers and enjoyed watching as they drank. N onger able to work in dirt.
    Prayers for Mary and her willingness to learn and grow.
    Prayers for Betsy and her willingness to follow God’s call to prison ministry.
    Prayers for Andrea and Lowell and their loving relationship.
    Please pray for Carry and Cora. Cora’s father was killed when his motorcycle was hit by a tractor trailer. Cary, Cora and their children came back to bury her father and their home was destroyed by Hurricane Michael 24 hours later.
    Prayers of thankfulness for all your prayers. I feel so blessed.
    Prayers for all who visit this group

    • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted October 15, 2018 7:00 pm

      Thanks dear Julie!

      When I am inspired by nature or just daily things or people I observed, I am creative.

      Thank you God for inspiration to be creative.

      Grateful for the joy of reflecting and also for parents’ good health.

      Praying that all be inspired to be creative in one way or another.

      Blessings!

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