X

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

BECOME QUIET for a few moments and imaginatively join Mary as she stands weeping outside the tomb. Envision yourself meeting Mary in the garden, her eyes and yours filled with tears. Go together across to the open tomb, look inside, and slowly take in what you see. Witness the intriguing emptiness of the grave . . . the grave clothes neatly folded . . . the shroud and napkin lying separately.

Now stand for a moment at your own pool of tears and reflect on it in the light of this resurrection picture. Weep if you need to. Allow this Easter-morning scene to deepen your belief that, on the other side of your brokenness, grief, and loss lie the possibilities of new beginnings. We can look at our tears and give up in anguish and despair, or we can look up to God through them and hope for transformation. I encourage you to make the second choice. Resurrection life and tears often interweave, which could be why the psalmist, many centuries ago, celebrated the promise that “those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.”

—Trevor Hudson
Hope Beyond Your Tears: Experiencing Christ’s Healing Love

From page 19 of Hope Beyond Your Tears: Experiencing Christ’s Healing Love by Trevor Hudson. Copyright © 2012 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 would it mean for you to look up to God through your tears and hope for new beginnings?
 Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

May those who sow in tears
reap with shouts of joy.
—Psalm 126:5, NRSV

Prayer for the Week

Lord, fill my life with resurrection hope.

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

Something more

Nourish your soul. Explore other resources and program ministries of The Upper Room.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

10 Comments

  • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted April 30, 2019 3:33 am

    Yes, Lord, fill my life with resurrection hope!

    Blessings!

    • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted April 30, 2019 6:20 am

      Don’t know why, every time I think of my mum, I have sweet memories of her, her smile.. then the hymn, save in the arms of Jesus, keeps playing in my heart and I feel comforted.

      Thank you God for comforting me

      • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted April 30, 2019 6:56 am

        Trying to spend more time with my dad. Played bingo with him. Showed him videos of China, swatow, where his relatives live, even Mandarin Christian songs but he’s tired. Rubbed essential oils for him and he went to bed. At least he finished his dinner tonight. Last night, he only ate 3 spoons and couldn’t eat anymore. Praying that he will eat well every meal.

  • Jill Posted April 30, 2019 4:36 am

    I am weeping, with my eyes on God, because I KNOW He is going to use the circumstances of this past year plus in some way. I know He is transforming me and that even incredibly hard circumstances are for the ultimate good – which I view as His Kingdom come. Yes, Father, Thy will be done. Please make it evident to me the role You would have me play.
    Father – surround Edy and Bill with peace in the days ahead. May the medical care he receives be top notch, may they both be confident in the medical team. May Your Spirit be their ultimate Comforter.
    Grateful for the rhythm of school and an awareness that I was joking with one of my classes – and I was smiling. Even tho I had been back in the classroom, that had been missing. Grateful for the nearness of Roger – we have been in the midst of a love-fest since I returned. Grateful for how the sounds of birds singing breaks through the stillness of the early morning.

  • robert moeller Posted April 30, 2019 6:26 am

    I will say that at least once in my life I have looked up through my tears and found God. It made a positive difference that is hard to describe. It strengthened my faith and enabled me to do many things to help others.

    At the moment everyone involved in the condo sale is of the opinion that so far so good. Hopefully by the end of the week there will be some further confirmation that the target closing date will be a reality.

    It was hard to tell church members of the upcoming move, but there was understanding and support.

    Yes, I’m very thankful Jill and her Dad had that time together, and that she is back in school able to joke. Roger, I am sure, is delighted to have her home.

    Prayers for Edy and her son Bill that the surgery will do what is needed and God guides the doctors through the procedure.

    Prayers for Marcy, Julie, Andrea and Lowell and their medical needs. God’s peace and comfort to Mary and Connie. May Lou and her children continue to heal. Thank You Lord for Your love, concern, and care.

  • Julie Posted April 30, 2019 8:09 am

    It is difficult to see through all of the figurative tears I shed now. I must try and I do pray several Bible verses that recognize that God will see me through this to better circumstances.
    The call from my PCP indicated that I need to see a urologist for further evaluation. On top of other health concerns and my home life I wonder if God is really here.
    Prayers for Mary and her father, may his appetitie resume.
    Prayers for Robert and Erich, may all continue to progress with move.
    Prayers for jill and Roger, he has not had his mom for some time.
    Prayers for Edy and Bill and the medical team, may all be God guided.
    Prayers for Connie, may she e reading and know we care.
    Prayers for Marcy, may she also know we care.
    Prayers for Andrea, April, Betsy, Lou, and Rusty. May all be well and know we care.
    Prayers and blessings and warm hugs dear UR family even those who are silent. Thank you for your prayers and kind words.

  • Edy Posted April 30, 2019 9:20 am

    I appreciate all the prayers. Less than a week to go. I have asked everyone I know to pray to Our Precious Savior. Boldly have come before Him many many times for this. I have totally put all my trust in Him. May God bless all of us today and always. Thank you UR followers of Jesus.

  • Andrea Posted April 30, 2019 9:41 am

    I have been at the pool of tears in times of crisis and grief and I have sensed God’s nearness. Tears are a balm, I believe, and I also think one can cry inwardly without shedding tears.

    Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.

    Prayers for UR friends and all who visit here today.

  • Nancy Posted April 30, 2019 4:19 pm

    God invites us to lift our hearts and our sprits to Him when we weep in despair. God accepts our tears with his love for us and He gives us hope in new beginnings to heal our wounds.

  • Pam Posted April 30, 2019 6:02 pm

    Greetings, all! I have returned from my move to Texas to be with my Grandchildren and am applying for a new job back here in St. Cloud tomorrow. As always would appreciate your continued prayers! God Bless!

Add Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *