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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

PRAYER MATTERS to me. I want to set a pattern of prayer for my family that feels natural, real, and easy. Though it may be awkward for me to pray with my kids, I have no trouble finding words to pray for them in my private prayer time. I am often on my knees for them, pleading with God to protect them, help them, shine on them, and make me a better mother for them.

We pray for our kids because the Bible tells us to, but we mostly pray for our kids because we know that out of everything we can do for them, prayer may be the single most important act. We pray for our kids to build them up, to give them strength, to seek wisdom, and to protect them. Praying for our children is just as important as praying with them. It is part of building a spiritual foundation for them to stand on when they are older.

—Jenny Youngman
Scrambled Starts: Family Prayers for Morning, Bedtime, and Everything in Between

From page 81 of Scrambled Starts: Family Prayers for Morning, Bedtime, and Everything in Between by Jenny Youngman. Copyright © 2015 by The Upper Room. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. Learn more about or purchase this book.

Today’s Question

When have you experienced God as a mother hen spreading her wings to protect you?  Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

[God] will cover you with pinions,
and under [God’s] wings you will find refuge;
[God’s] faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
—Psalm 91:4, NRSV

As a mother comforts her child,
so I will comfort you.
—Isaiah 66:13a, NRSV

Prayer for the Week

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise him, all creatures here below;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. (Traditional Doxology)

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

Something more

Looking for a special way to celebrate Mom this Mother’s Day? Give a gift in her honor to your favorite Upper Room ministry.

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

5 Comments

  • Jill Posted May 12, 2019 5:26 am

    I have never thought of God in this way…a mother hen. Yes – under the protection of His wings…but what comes to mind is a massive set of wings, all powerful, super secure, a barrier.
    Grateful for His peace, and love – which covers a multitude of sins.
    Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers here at the UR – may today be a blessing to you.

  • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted May 12, 2019 6:33 am

    God protected me many times. I remember twice from accidents. One time, my dad let me cross a road on my own cause he had to fetch my mum to work. I dashed across the road as it started to rain. The honk from the car was very loud but God enabled me to cross the road safely. Another time, my brother was fetching me to an exam and at the cross road, our car have the right to go but the car coming down the slope did not stop. Thank God my brother was alert and managed to swerve the car to the right. Good thing we didn’t land up in the drain.

    Today, I played the piano for the choir at church and we celebrated mother’s day.

    Blessings to all.

    May God bless all mothers with strength and wisdom to teach their children God’s ways.

  • robert moeller Posted May 12, 2019 6:37 am

    Lately it seems like all the time that God is protecting me. Thank You, Lord.

    Happy Mother’s Day! One of the most important ways we learn about love is from our mothers. Thank You, Lord for mothers.

    I’m still rejoicing that the closing on the condo is the next step. Thank You, Lord.

  • Lou Posted May 12, 2019 8:46 am

    I am thankful for my mother who is a wonderful example of love and joy and a true servant of the Lord. I am thankful that God blessed me with 3 beautiful children who bring love and joy to my life. Blessings to all on this day- I am thankful to have 2/3 of my children with me today but will be sorely missing the 3rd. Love and peace to all at the UR.

  • Marcy Posted May 12, 2019 11:29 am

    Have a Happy Mother’s Day, dear UR Reflections siblings and friends! Sending prayers and Love to you all!

    And these three remain: Faith, Hope and Love, and the greatest of these is LOVE!

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