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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

A note from the author: “Celtic Christians acknowledged God’s presence in every aspect of living—from waking to sleeping, from birth to death, from mundane chores to momentous celebrations. They perceived God’s creation as a holy gift. Gratitude characterized their way of being as they affirmed the source of life and gave thanks through blessings.” (p 12)

FOR ONE WHO IS HURTING
God, your peace,
Your comfort,
Your healing presence.

Send them into
The places of deep sadness,
The wounds,
The disappointments,
The tears and aching hearts.

Touch the tear-lined cheeks
With your kiss of peace.
Hold your child close,
Child full of sorrow.

Hold your child close,
Child all alone.

Bring comfort and healing,
Balm for broken hearts,
Freedom from fear,
And courage to face forward.

You are the Miracle Worker,
The Great Healer,
The Mender of the Breach.

Come, now,
Come, quickly,
Come.

—Beth A. Richardson
Christ Beside Me, Christ Within Me: Celtic Blessings

A Celtic blessing from page 81 of Christ Beside Me, Christ Within Me: Celtic Blessings by Beth A. Richardson. Copyright © 2016 by The Upper Room. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. Learn more about or purchase this book.

Today’s Question

Think of someone who is hurting and struggling through a difficult time. Pray today’s blessing with that person in mind.  Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

Out of my distress I called on the Lord;
the Lord answered me and set me in a broad place.
—Psalm 118:5, NRSV

Prayer for the Week

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me.
(From a prayer attributed to Saint Patrick) Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.

Something more

Daily Reflections readers; You might also be interested in The Upper Room daily devotional guide, distributed in 100 countries and 33 languages around the world. Subscribe here.

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

7 Comments

  • Julie Posted June 15, 2019 7:44 am

    I need and will save this prayer. I felt the author had reached into my heartand read my fear and need for respite and comfort.
    I also think of Jill and Mary and their recent losses. Marcy and her health issues. Robert, who although looking ahead will none the less miss so many from his current home. Connie and her health issues and seeking answers. Lou and her broken heart. Each person has pain in their lives and at one time or another needs this prayer.
    Prayers, blessings, warm hugs and thank you dear UR family

    • Marcy Posted June 15, 2019 3:25 pm

      Thank you, Julie! I am praying fervently for you, my sister! I join you in praying for all those you named and those who keep their pain and prayer requests private; God knows who you are and what you need from Him!

      My Dad passed away June 16, 2004, so when Father’s Day lands on this date, it’s doubly painful. All these years, and I still miss him so much! He is Home in heaven with God and the rest of his family. Fir that, I am praising God! My birthday is three days later.

      Good results from upper and lower GI. Thank You, Lord! The procedure went long and other things diagnosed, but the biopsy of the esophagus came back; no cancer and what needed to be done was done. The upcoming week holds more challenges: Tuesday, a long drive with Mary for the emissions test on my car; I pray it passes, as there’s no money for repairs. Then to the closest DMV to renew my driver’s license. All this with only two small tanks of oxygen. Jesus, I trust in You. Friday, an extremely painful EMG testing, followed by Pulmonary therapy, an appointment with my primary for further referrals, then I have you walk the parking lot without oxygen before a second testing to retain my oxygen. My Pulmonary doctor is upset about this testing; he says that I shouldn’t have to be re-testing until 2023. In only six minutes without oxygen during the first test, I dropped to 89. It has to be 88 or lower. What can one accomplish in six minutes? Certainly not grocery shopping, climbing stairs and many other things.

      Sorry to reply so long here, but my friend who is typing has to leave and she’s been here helping for a few hours already! She didn’t want me to mention this, but I’m so very thankful to Gid for those who help me communicate. I am praying for you all!

      And these three remain: Faith, Hope, and Love, and the greatest of these is LOVE! I send Love to all my UR Reflections siblings and friends!

  • Connie Posted June 15, 2019 8:27 am

    I had a wonderful Father, even though his life was short (61). He would write to me when he was overseas and it always started out “Connie Honey”. He was so good to me and my children and idolized them. God bless you, Daddy.
    I am thankful for the promise of a tranquil weekend. More tests for my husband next week (high white blood count). We are hoping for a good diagnosis that can be dealt with and resolved.
    We have two ducks that visit and the female sits in the bird bath as if it is her “spa”. Then I have to change the water for the birds. The mosquitos and gnats attack me then! They are bad this year again.
    To all the Fathers we know here have a great day.

  • robert moeller Posted June 15, 2019 10:54 am

    Amazing how this prayer fits all of us, some parts more than others, and yes there are many here on the UR for whom I send this prayer to the One who can and does make all the difference. Specially I lift up those who are ill in any way, those mourning, in reconciliation, looking forward to a better future. and for all who have prayed from me.

    I have said many “goodbyes”. I don’t really like term. I’ve tried to find ways to stay in touch rather than say goodbye. I’m more comfortable with “Until we meet again” or “Peace be with you.” Thankfully I’m not saying anything like that to my UR family. There might be a pause while internet is reestablished.
    Staying in touch whether we are in the area or far away is a two sided effort.

    Thankful for a walk this morning, a nice breakfast, and a stop at the post office. Hopefully soon I will have a souvenir from the 59th celebration of Hessian Days in Bad Hersfeld, Hessen, Germany. Sure wish I could have been there, but my heart certainly was. It is the oldest state festival in Germany. It was started after WWII and the Germany we know today was started. 133.5 years ago my family left this area and immigrated to the US. I’m blessed to have relatives I know and communicate with still there.

    Packing up, more done today, will be closing on Monday.
    Have a great weekend, blessings to fathers. Thank You, Lord.

  • Marcy Posted June 15, 2019 3:29 pm

    Happy Father’s Day to Dads here and above, and those who are “Fathers” in other ways.

  • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted June 15, 2019 6:39 pm

    Thanks for your prayers!

    Happy father’s day!

    Amen to all your prayers.

    Praying for Marcy that all her health check-up will go smoothly and may her health improve. Thank God for all who are helping her.

    Blessings!

    • Connie Posted June 16, 2019 8:32 am

      Love you, Mary…and Molly.

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