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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.

In order to continue receiving Upper Room Daily Reflections after January 1, 2019, please confirm your subscription here.

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Today’s Reflection

WHERE DID I GET THE IDEA that worship must always
be restrained, quiet, and dignified?
Throughout my long life, you have showered me
with blessing upon blessing.
Today I will not withhold the praise you deserve.
Awaken the passion that I’ve kept tucked away for
a rainy day.
It’s all about you, Lord. Not me – but you.
Before I get out of this chair, I will lift my hands
and say aloud the Lord’s Prayer. Today I will
consider what all those words mean.
I will sing a hymn of praise while I comb my hair
and put on my socks.
I will not wait for another day.
I will make a joyful noise!

– Missy Buchanan
Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body

From pages 19-20 of Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body by Missy Buchanan. Copyright © 2008 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

Pray today’s prayer. Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths.

Psalm 25:4, NRSV

This Week: Pray for those who are lonely. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.

Prepare for Advent

Explore how nativity sets, Advent wreaths, candles, carols, Christmas cards, and other traditions help prepare our hearts for the God “who bends low to enter our world and our lives.” The Living Nativity, a new book and eCourse by Larry Peacock, is available now.

This week we remember: John Knox (November 24).

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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

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In order to continue receiving Upper Room Daily Reflections after January 1, 2019, please confirm your subscription here.

7 Comments

  • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted November 29, 2018 2:59 am

    Father God, I uplift those who are lonely into your hands. May we look out for them and include them in our fellowship and celebrations.

    We continue to pray for Marcy’s health and Julie’s fingers. Robert’s move and Erich’s job, Lou and her family, Andrea and Connie’s family, Jill and her parents.

    Blessings to all!

  • Jill Posted November 29, 2018 3:22 am

    Yes, Father – indeed, blessing upon blessing You grant. And my thanksgiving is inconsistent and wanting. Hallowed be Thine name! Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory – forever.
    I awoke this morning to find 2 emails from my principal – there has been a tragedy. One of our students died last night and a sibling of another of our students also. Several kids were playing and a gun accidentally went off, a fatal shot to the head. The shooter then shot himself. A second email contained the names – I do not recognize either. I was thinking how it never occurred to me that it would be one of MY students. Yet – many of my colleagues will be terribly impacted. Our principal’s theme for our staff and school this year is that we are “family”. We have lost one of our own. I would appreciate prayers from this prayerful group – as we approach the coming days. The emails came through after 11:30, so I doubt very many saw it and Facebook was quiet on our staff page.
    Father – give wisdom to the teachers who will be especially impacted – struggling with their own emotions, yet expected to soothe their students’ emotions. The additional grief counselors who will be on site – may they be able to appropriately console grieving students. And, Father, I selfishly thank You it was not one of my students. I also thank You that it wasn’t gang related, but (merely) accidental. Watch over our school.

  • robert moeller Posted November 29, 2018 4:44 am

    Yes. Lord, yes prayers for all concerned at Jill’s school after the loss of a student and another student’s sibling. Prayers asking for God’s wisdom on how to deal with guns and be safe. Thankful it was not one of Jill’s students.

    Thank you, Mary for your UR family prayers.

    Hard to make a joyful noise with the news from Jill’s school. Thankful that we have an understanding God and mourning is blessed. Prayers for the lonely are certainly appropriate after this loss of life.

    God’s peace be with all of you dear UR family. Thank You, Lord.

  • Betsy Posted November 29, 2018 7:13 am

    Praying today for the faculty, staff and students at Jill’s school. There is so much death that young people have to deal with in this current time. Please comfort these young people and provide wisdom to the adults as they try to deal with the loss.
    Praying for all our family that gather here each day and lift one another up. We praise you with thanksgiving, Lord!

  • Julie Posted November 29, 2018 7:56 am

    My heart goes out to the two families affected by the shootings of students at Jill’s school. This is a difficult thing for parents and my heart aches for them. May others be mindful, especially at this time of year, of their pain.
    Prayers for Mary and her family and her new found joy.
    Prayers for Robert, Erich and their move forward along God’s path.
    Prayers for Betsy and her family and unborn family.
    Prayers for Andrea and Lowell, may his ankle issue improve today.
    Prayers for Lou and her family as they find their new normal.
    Prayers for Connie, amy her health improve today and each day.
    Prayers for April, Shirlee and her daughter and all who rest here awhile. May any loneliness be relieved during your visit.
    I pray for a resolution to the gun issue in this country, there is too much loss of life, too many guns used thoughtlessly when words would suffice.
    Prayers dear UR family

  • Andrea Posted November 29, 2018 7:58 am

    I pray for Jill and her colleagues, and the students and their families, at Jill’s school. May the staff be supported and strengthened in the days ahead. May the school community receive expert counseling. May gun violence of all kinds, accidental and intentional, lessen in our country through wise decision-making and strategies.

    Prayers for Connie’s health and strength.

    Thank you for your prayers for Lowell. Yesterday, an ultrasound was negative. He sees the doctor again today.

    May God bless those who are lonely this holiday season. May our hearts be opened.

  • Connie Posted November 29, 2018 8:40 am

    Tragedies are terrible and it seems sometimes the holiday season is when many occur. My heart goes out to Jill and everyone involved. God have mercy.
    Thankful for:
    This praying, caring community here.
    Mary Lou Redding, Missy Buchanan, Beth Richardson
    Only a light dusting of snow-no accumulation.
    “I love Thee oh Lord, my strength. Thou art my rock, my fortress and my deliverer”

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