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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 HIS TELLING of the early Easter-morning encounter, John describes Mary as heartbroken. She has gone to the tomb hoping to give Jesus her last act of love by anointing his body. To her great distress, the stone has been rolled away, and the body of Jesus is gone. She is overcome with anguish and heartache. Not being able to perform the final ritual is the last straw for her. She has come to the end of her rope.

It is exactly at this point, at the end of her rope, that the risen Jesus comes to her. This is always where he comes to us.

—Trevor Hudson
Pauses for Pentecost: 50 Words for Easter People

From page 21 of Pauses for Pentecost: 50 Words for Easter People by Trevor Hudson. 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

Is it difficult for you to express pain and anguish?  Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.”
—John 20:15, NRSV

Prayer for the Week

Lord Jesus Christ, breathe the freshness of your Spirit into us that we may come alive again.

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

Something more

Discover Sight Psalms, a daily, online, photo inspiration intended to help people reflect on God’s presence in the world and in their lives through the use of images. Learn more.

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

6 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted April 25, 2019 7:14 am

    There are times when I have cried and there will be times when I cry. I don’t think it is hard to do.

    Off to see my sister today, haven’t seen her since before Thanksgiving. Making progress on the condo purchase, have one more thing to do and then it’s up to
    others.

    Hope for God’s blessing on all of you who come to the UR. God knows your needs and is always present. Thank You, Lord.

  • Julie Posted April 25, 2019 7:58 am

    YES! I have been told by many people in my life that they do not want to see any of my emotions. I cry in private only.
    Prayers for Andrea and all her friends in Sri Lanka, may they be safe.
    Prayers for April, Betsy, Lou, and Rusty.
    Prayers for Connie, may her spirit be renewed.
    Prayers for Edy and Bill, may they be well.
    Prayers for Jill and Larry, may they heal on their trip.
    Prayers for Mary and her return to her normal routine.
    Prayers for Marcy, may she be well.
    Prayers for Robert, may he be safe as he travels and have a good visit with his sister.
    Prayers and blessings and warm hugs dear UR family. Thank you for your prayers and kind words and thoughts.

  • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted April 25, 2019 8:17 am

    Thanks Julie and amen to your prayers!

    The day when my mom passed away, I had a good cry before I went to bed in my bedroom cause I miss her. Then I was reminded that she is safe in the arms of Jesus, no more pain and suffering.

    Blessings to all and may all be well!

    • Connie Posted April 26, 2019 8:49 am

      Psalm 56:8

  • Martha Phillips Posted April 25, 2019 9:11 am

    Yes, it is hard for me to express pain and anguish. I have been taught so much restraint that it is very difficult to change. As I have grown older it is a little easier knowing that a good cry with trusted family/friends is cleansing and helpful. Thanks be to God.
    Prayers for Caleb

  • Andrea Posted April 25, 2019 3:36 pm

    I do not cry easily anymore. I did cry shortly before Christmas, having just attended the two funerals within a short period of time of a dear uncle and a dear aunt. Tears are a gift and I am grateful when they come. Shedding tears feels like a solace.

    Prayers for UR dear friends. God’s bless all who visit here today.

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