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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

MY BODY AND BRAIN weren’t able to work together [following a debilitating stroke]. . . . I collapsed onto the floor and cried tears of frustration. Will I ever be able to do more than one thing at a time? I wondered. Why am I being limited in this way? I had no choice but to listen to my body and focus on one task at a time as I cried out to God.

Yet even this struggle offered treasures in the long run. While I have improved greatly in my ability to multitask, I now recognize and understand that my limitation has served me well in certain ways. My inability to function at a level to which I was previously accustomed—a level our world tells us is relatively healthy—forced me into a listening space with God, one I never could have envisioned for myself. I began to understand deep listening in a brand-new way, and the new pace of my body was largely to thank for the opportunity. God was knitting my experiences together with my breath and body and drawing me nearer to God’s Spirit within.

—Whitney R. Simpson
Holy Listening with Breath, Body, and the Spirit

From pages 18-19 of Holy Listening with Breath, Body, and the Spirit by Whitney R. Simpson. 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

What have you learned from your own weaknesses? Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
—Psalm 73:26, NRSV

Prayer for the Week

Inhale: Jesus
Exhale: Give me peace.
(A “breath prayer” from author Whitney Simpson). Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.

Something More

Invite young adults in your community to explore faith through community, conversation, and action at a Journey to the Table event. 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

7 Comments

  • Lou Posted June 22, 2019 2:02 am

    I have learned (but need frequent reminders still) that God is in control and I am not. His will be done. Not mine.
    Prayers for all who come here today looking for peace. Prayers for my youngest recovering from minor planned surgery. She is having a hard time sleeping due to the pain. Bless her Lord.

  • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted June 22, 2019 6:30 am

    I’ve learned to lean on God completely.

    Lou, praying for your youngest to recover speedily and completely in the name of Jesus Christ!

    Blessings!

    • Lou Posted June 22, 2019 6:42 am

      Blessings and peace to you Mary!
      Thank you for your prayers.

  • Jill Posted June 22, 2019 7:15 am

    In my weakness – He steps in and becomes my strength. When I realize I can’t do it on my own – that is exactly where He wants me to be…utterly dependent on Him. So hard for us here, immersed in this world.
    And He is faithful, He lifts, He carries, He causes us to thrive – to recognize what we have in Him. Such fullness, such bounty.
    Yesterday was most pleasant – a beautiful, sunshiny day. Not too hot, comfortable to be outside, dine outside. I keep waiting to have “a moment” – when I drop to my knees in grief, over a memory, something shared with mom. But – the flowers of spring brought no sadness, walking through the art festival – no despairing memories. All is good, He is sustaining me – and beckoning me into fuller life, appreciative of what mom brought to my life, the blessings He has bestowed, and caring for my dad. I choose life, I choose Him. Thank You, Father.

  • Julie Posted June 22, 2019 8:17 am

    That my life can be changed in an instant and by circumstances beyond my scope of understanding or control. That I am not in control of anything, not my life, circumstances or even health. God and only God holds my life in His hands and all that I am or will encounter is His plan.
    Prayers for Lou and her youngest chuld, may she heal quickly and may her pain lessen so she can rest. No matter their age they are our children and their pain is our pain.
    Prayers for Mary, may she be blessed with much joy.
    Prayers for Jill and thanks to God for her serenity.
    Prayers for Marcy, may she be well and have less pain.
    Prayers for Robert as he continues to move and settle in.
    Prayers for Connie and her husband, may they receive good news from his doctor following the tests.
    Prayers for Andrea’s daughter as she takes steps to get licensed in a new state.
    Prayers, blessings, warm hugs and thank you dear UR family

  • Connie Posted June 22, 2019 8:44 am

    What have I learned? “I am weak and He is strong” and “Yes, Jesus loves me”
    Prayers for Lou’s daughter. Very hard to see your child in pain.
    It has been said “You are only as happy as your happiest child” (Not sure I quoted that correctly)
    Julie, Jill, Robert, Marcy, Mary, Andrea, April, Lou, Betsy and all….Blessings.

  • April Posted June 22, 2019 9:10 pm

    Just read a daily Inspiration: Those who leave everything in God’s hand eventually see God’s hand in everything. I agree and have seen this happen, sometimes the answer to prayers is yes and sometimes no…God makes the final decision…..and so with my weaknesses. When I acknowledge them, God takes over. Looking forward to tomorrow’s services and the series of God and Nature.
    Blessings to my UR family.

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