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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

COMPASSION IS THE VITAL CORE of Christianity. Jesus summed up all of his teachings with the commandment to love God with our entire being, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Tragically, however, we are rarely encouraged to extend compassion to ourselves. In fact, it has often been downright discouraged. . . . And yet, Jesus’ invitation is to love our neighbors as ourselves, not instead of ourselves. The care, good will, and delight we extend to ourselves should be the measure of that which we offer to others.

We do not love ourselves well. Self-denigration, self-loathing, and chronic self-critique are epidemic. …

Self-denigration violates the teachings of Jesus. Jesus sought to restore personhood, not diminish it. … In the eyes of the God Jesus knew, we are all sons and daughters of the divine, we are all beloved, and we are all held in the sacred radiance that delights in our beauty and giftedness.


Weavings, Nov/December 2015/January 2016

From “That’s My Girl! That’s My Boy! Seeing Ourselves the Way God Sees Us” by Frank Rogers Jr., pages 42-43, Weavings: A Journal of the Christian Spiritual Life, November/December 2015/January 2016. Copyright © 2015 by The Upper Room. All rights reserved. Used by permission. http://bookstore.upperroom.org/ Learn more about The Upper Room.

Today’s Question

Love yourself well today by reminding yourself that God loves you. Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

“When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come.”

Mark 13:7, NRSV

This Week: pray for estrange family members. 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: Gertrude the Great of Helfta (November 16).

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

6 Comments

  • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted November 17, 2018 5:24 am

    Grateful for all your prayers!

    We are all well loved by God!

    Praying for Julie’s fingers, Connie and Marcy’s health.

    Blessings!

    Grateful for rest and looking forward to celebrating my dear sister’s birthday tomorrow.

  • Jill Posted November 17, 2018 5:32 am

    It is so apparent that He loves me. Oh how He loves me. Father – thank You for bestowing Your love on me, for guiding me, for transforming me.
    I spent time yesterday with my spiritual director and was able to tell her what has transpired in the past month. I clearly remember my previous visit – I was so very tired and in a not so good spot. And a complete 180 on this visit. I so clearly see His hand over the past year. And this past month has been bountiful in good news and manna. It’s humbling.
    I spoke with the assistant principal who observed me. And while she didn’t give me her overall evaluation, we spoke at length and she was very positive and encouraging. She asked me to do one reflection piece and on Monday we will meet briefly and I will get my “rating” for this semester. It is so good to have that off of my plate.
    I sit in relief, knowing mom is feeling so well physically. I am praying it continues through the holidays, for her sake, as well as dad’s. My god-daughter’s basketball season is close to starting and I have been unable to attend any scrimmages yet, but will get to one this morning. Her mom keeps telling me how good she is doing – and I am excited for her.
    My heart is very full of gratitude and goodness this morning. Thank You, Father.
    My cousin texted me last night, saying he had some time this morning. He will be stopping by to help me with some tasks I am ill-equipped to do. He is able and has the necessary tools.
    Grateful for Marcy’s ability to post yesterday. This family here is dear and I am grateful for each of you and hold you all in prayer.

  • robert moeller Posted November 17, 2018 5:42 am

    Oh the benefits of returning to read the comments of the previous day! Many people commented sharing thoughts, opinions, and prayers. Thank You, Lord! Welcome newcomers, new commenters. Marcy and Julie do extremely well naming so many people and pets in their prayers. I echo their prayers and blessings for everyone.

    Yes, may we love ourselves as we love our neighbors. May our love for neighbors be great, deep, honest, and sincere. I do think that love also involves sacrifice, Jesus most certainly sacrificed for us and as followers of Jesus we are expected to sacrifice as well. Care for others as God cares for us.

    Prayers for Gloria, Marcy, Julie, Connie, and all who need help with health and well being. Joy for Betsy’s family and the newly weds. May estranged families be reconciled, those mourning find peace, and may we all be thankful for the blessings of the day. Thank You, Lord.

  • Connie Posted November 17, 2018 8:08 am

    I will strive to love myself more today because I have no doubt that Jesus loves me. Jesus loves even me.
    Thankful for:
    A beautiful snowfall that requires no shoveling.
    The hungry squirrels eager for some peanuts.
    An anticipated peaceful weekend, a calm before the holidays.
    It’s Saturday, Sweet Saturday!

  • Julie Posted November 17, 2018 8:22 am

    This concept is one with which I struggle. As a result, I am beginning to realize how emotionally abusive h is and how I have accepted this treatment as normal. I have much to work through.
    Prayers for Mary and her family as they celebrate her sister’s birthday.
    Prayers for Jill and Gloria. May they continue to do well physically and emotionally.
    Prayers for Robert, Erich and Anneliese. May Robert continue to enjoy good health.
    Prayers for Connie and may future medical results be positive.
    Prayers for Betsy and her family. May today be filled with joy and harmony.
    Prayers for Marcy. Dear sister, I pray fervently that the insurance appproves all of the medical interventions and medicines needed to improve your health.
    Prayers for Lou and her family, Andrea and her family, April and her family, and Timothy.
    Prayers for all of the new posters and welcome to a safe and supportive haven.
    Prayers for each of the UR family members

    • Marcy Posted November 17, 2018 6:36 pm

      Oh Julie! How well I know what the constant verbal abuse does to one’s self-esteem. I am with you in prayer each day and I ask God to restore all hurt to wellness! You are so lovely, Julie, just a really lovely person, and don’t let anyone tell you different, as that is how God made you, sees you and loves you Himself! Sending much Love to you! And a scratch or a gentle stroking to Chai and Tazzie, as well, which ever they prefer.

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