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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

MONEY has something to do with that intimate place in our heart where we need security, and we do not want to reveal our need or give away our security to someone who, maybe only accidentally, might betray us. Many voices around and within us warn us of the danger of dependence. We fear being dependent on others because of the idea that dependence is a threat to our security….

The pressure in our culture to secure our own future and to control our lives as much as possible does not find support in the Bible. Jesus knows our need for security. He is concerned that because security is such a deep human need, we do not misplace our trust in things or people that cannot offer us real security.

—Henri J. M. Nouwen with Nathan Ball
A Spirituality of Fundraising: Workbook Edition

From page 29 of A Spirituality of Fundraising: Workbook Edition by Henri J. M. Nouwen and Nathan Ball. Copyright © 2019 by by The Henri Nouwen Legacy Trust and The Upper Room. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. Learn more about or purchase this book.

Today’s Question

Do you fear being dependent on others? Does that make it more difficult for you to truly depend on God?  Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
—Matthew 6:19-21, NRSV

Prayer for the Week

Creator God,
Give us vision and mission, so that we may find new life and direction. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.

Something More

Learn more about this week’s featured book, A Spirituality of Fundraising Workbook Edition.

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

4 Comments

  • Jill Posted July 19, 2019 5:44 am

    I have come to understand more and more the interdependence God intends for us to have within the body of Believers. We are meant for community – and all that entails. Proper dependence amongst Believers is glorifying to Him and ushers in an understanding of dependence on Him (or maybe it works the other way around…chicken, egg thing). It can’t be a solo gig.
    Grateful for summer women’s Bible study yesterday – for good listeners, good sharing – deep stuff from the soul. Grateful to be pain free for these last few weeks of tennis. The team season is now over and it will be recreational play the remainder of the summer.
    I will be sharing with the cancer support group this Sunday. My sharing will be based upon Psalm 55:22 – this kinda surfaced very quickly, out of nowhere. I have been asking God to show me how He is going to use my journey moving forward – this could be the beginning of the answer. Would appreciate the prayers of this faithful UR group.

  • robert moeller Posted July 19, 2019 7:40 am

    There is a New England Yankee side of me that wants to be independent and not a burden or bother to others, but thinking further I am dependent as a retiree on pension income. Yes, I am somewhat responsible having worked so this happens, but others send it to me and I am dependent on their work. Through the most recent years I felt very dependent on God as I struggled with tough budgets, finding a new and better place to live, and making the move so my son has better opportunities. I’m very thankful. This has gone well with only a few small bumps in the road. Acknowledging that I am dependent on God has taken some time, but it is a very real truth.

    Prayers for everyone sealing with this heat wave over the next few days. Be safe, well hydrated, and cool.

    That’s a great verse from Psalm 55, Jill, thankful you are involved with the cancer support group. God is with you in this effort.

  • Connie Posted July 19, 2019 8:27 am

    The older I get, the more I depend on God….and He has never failed me.
    Kiwanis Brat Days and I have my ticket. I can’t eat them now, but I always get one for my husband.
    Nothing like a good peach. Hard to get one so I buy one at a time. I remember how the juices used to run down your chin!
    If the weather is over 100 take care of yourselves, friends.

  • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted July 19, 2019 9:07 am

    Yes, I fear being dependent on others but it makes it easier for me to truly depend on God because he is faithful and good.

    Yes, God, give us vision and mission, so that we may find new life and direction.

    Grateful for the joy of arranging flowers and giving to others so that they may cheer up.

    Grateful for lunch with classmate and so happy my nephew is back for the weekend from national service.

    Blessings!

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