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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

JESUS SAYS to Levi, a tax collector, “Follow me.” Levi leaves everything and follows Jesus immediately and then throws a party for him. The party gets tense when the Pharisees and their scribes question Jesus for spending time with “sinners.” They know that Levi’s life and profession are messy and, according to their standards, unclean. But this does not stop Jesus from wanting a relationship with Levi. Jesus knows that our lives are messy. He knows about the issues that drag us down and hold us back from becoming the kind of people God wants us to be. Even so, Jesus says to us, “Follow me,” believing that we possess the gifts and potential to be his followers.

—Trevor Hudson, Anthony Egan, SJ, and Russell Pollitt, SJ
Divine Friendship: Reflections for Lent

From page 16 of Divine Friendship: Reflections for Lent by Trevor Hudson, Anthony Egan, SJ, and Russell Pollitt, SJ. Copyright © 2018 by The Upper Room. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. Learn more about or purchase this book.

Today’s Question

What messiness in your life is holding you back from accepting Jesus’ invitation to follow him? Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth; and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up, left everything, and followed him.
—Luke 5:27-28

Prayer for the Week

Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart.

Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.

Did You Know?

Are you looking for Lenten resources? Divine Friendship: Reflections for Lent reminds us that God deeply desires friendship with us. During the month of February, Daily Reflections readers will receive a 30% discount when buying Divine Friendship from The Upper Room Bookstore. Visit our store this month, and use the following promo code when you check out: REFLECT30

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.

Sponsored by The Upper Room. Copyright © 2019 | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA

4 Comments

  • Julie Posted February 15, 2019 8:26 am

    Well, where do I begin. My Reynaud’s keep me from being able to attend church. The situation with h prevents me from forgiving or loving him. Two of many examples.
    An odd thing happened this morning. I slept through my alarm for 15 minutes. I have never had this happen before. In fact, I am awakened at the drop of pin. I must be very tired indeed.
    Prayers for Andrea and Lowell and for improved health. Prayers for Jane and may her chemotherapy be effective in fighting her ovarian cancer. Prayers for Teri and may her surgical procedures go smoothly.
    Prayers for Mary and her parents, may they all be well and joy filled.
    Prayers for Robert and Erich and may they follow God when seeking a new home.
    Prayers for Connie and may her spirits improve despite the cold and snow.
    Prayers for Jill and her family as they support one another through this new chapter in their lives.
    Prayers for Marcy, may she be receiving needed care.
    Prayers for Rusty and his family, Lou and her family, Betsy and her family, April and her family and Edy and her family.
    Prayers and blessing dear UR family

    • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted February 15, 2019 5:07 pm

      Thank you Julie for your prayers!

      “Tough times never last but tough people do!”

      This quote was found in my journal this morning.

      May you be blessed Julie and be tough!

  • Kimberly Bourdeau Posted February 15, 2019 8:53 am

    Being A Sinner And I’m Still Invited To The Table.

  • robert moeller Posted February 15, 2019 1:39 pm

    Like Levi I am not perfect, that’s why Jesus is calling. Have been trying for some time now to be a better follower, thankful that God’s grace makes up for what haven’t done.

    With a shared computer, a keyboard isn’t working, but a replacement is on the way, I’m on the computer later in the day.

    Hope a wonderful Valentine’s Day was had by all.
    Thankful that Erich’s work is progressing. No word yet on the results of the MRI Anneliese had on Monday. Between her daughter, a helpful upstairs tenant, a doctor, and some support services, things are progressing.

    Prayers for Julie with Reynaud’s and a tough home situation. Bless you for your diligence and tenacity in praying for the UR family regardless. God empowers you! I echo your prayers.

    Prayers for any one with health issues, may comfort and God’s peace be yours. Joan, in my church, is terminally ill. Others have heart concerns, still others walk with great difficulty and pain.

    I most certainly hope that God guides Erich and I as we become more earnest in our search for a new home in a place we believe will offer what Erich needs in terms of employment.

    May the Lord empower all who come to the UR to be the followers you were meant to be. Thank You, Lord

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