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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

IN THE MONASTERIES of medieval times the monks and nuns heard the Bible read aloud during meals. Most could not read, so hearing the Word was the only way they could become familiar with the poetry, history, stories, and instruction of the holy text. The readers read the words slowly and often repeated them, allowing individuals to listen with their hearts for the Spirit present in the words. I like to imagine those holy men and women taking in the words to nurture their souls while the food they ate sustained their bodies…

Contemporary Christians can follow these sisters and brothers of earlier times and learn to pray with scripture. To pray with the Word, we will have to slow our reading so we too can taste and savor the words.

– Jane E. Vennard with Stephen D. Bryant
The Way of Prayer Participant’s Book

From page 81 of The Way of Prayer Participant’s Book by Jane E. Vennard with Stephen D. Bryant. Copyright © 2006 by Upper Room Books. All rights reserved. Used by permission. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about or purchase this book.

Today’s Question

Choose a scripture from the lectionary readings listed below. Pray with that scripture. Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

The LORD watches over the strangers; he upholds the orphan and the widow, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.
Psalm 146:9, NRSV

This Week: pray for refugees. 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: Donald M. Baillie (October 31).

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

4 Comments

  • Jill Posted October 31, 2018 7:13 am

    Father, thank You for Your Word and for The Spirit to interpret and write it on our hearts. May our hearts be malleable for You and Your glory.
    Mom got a really good report from the oncologist yesterday – he sees no need to run tests right now because physically she is doing so well. He encouraged her to live, to live each day and to enjoy each day. Dad had a brief conversation with me on the way out of the doctor’s office. He thinks mom may be open to seeing my counselor or a counselor affiliated with the counseling at my church. He said she is asking questions of him, regarding what my experience is like. UR friends – I so appreciate your prayers for my mom. If I could humbly ask you to pray for wisdom for me if and when this conversation occurs. That I would not be speaking from my agenda, but from God’s.
    The leaves are really turning here and it is beautiful to see all the poignant colors. Thank You Father for the beauty of Your creation.

  • robert moeller Posted October 31, 2018 7:59 am

    Thankfully I found today’s reflection through a search.

    I chose this scripture:

    Hebrews 9:11-14
    9:11 But when Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation),

    9:12 he entered once for all into the Holy Place, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.

    9:13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, with the sprinkling of the ashes of a heifer, sanctifies those who have been defiled so that their flesh is purified,

    9:14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to worship the living God!

    How thankful I am that Jesus was able to do this, purifying our conscience from dead works to worship the living God, for all who believe in Him. That this is a gift to us, not something we can attain ourselves by effort or expense, is certainly Good News. Thank You, Lord. Lord may all creation come to believe and accept Your precious gift.

    The worldly part of us tends to focus on Halloween, our spiritual side on All Saints Day. Thankful that God gives us memory to remember what has been done for us and that we can also remember those we held and hold dear when they were and are physically with us.

    The Lord be with you, and also with you. Prayers for Marcy, Rusty and K. Like the downed plane in Indonesia they are off our radar, but we remember them.
    Prayers for the needs of the UR family. Have a blessed day.

  • Julie Posted October 31, 2018 8:13 am

    I read the Bible, daily devotionals, and this reflection as I eat my breakfast. Who knew I was emulating medieval nuns and monks?!
    Prayers for discernment for Jill. I t is difficult for humans to untangle our intentions and leave only the Lord’s in our hearts. May Jill reflect on You and Your will, Lord. Prayers of great thanksgiving for Gloria’s positive report and newly positive and inquisitive attitude.
    Prayers for Robert and Erich. May Erich find this job worthwhile. May Robert continue to enjoy such great health and vigor. I thank the Lord again and again for Robert and his example of gracious support and love both of family and of the Lord.
    Prayers for Connie and her family as October ends. I am thankful for Connie and her enduring sense of gratitude in alll life circumstances. May I also always find even small things for which to be grateful.
    Prayers for Lou and her family and continued success moving into the world for her children.
    Prayers for Betsy and her developing grandbaby.
    Prayers for Andrea and her family and safe travel.
    Prayers for a happy and now stress free Mary.
    Prayers for Marcy and her safety.
    Thank you for your prayers for my daughter and me.
    Prayers for a wonderful group of loving and faith filled family in Christ

    • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted October 31, 2018 8:21 am

      Thanks dear Julie!

      May you also be happy and stress free!

      Blessings!

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