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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

IN [THE] LATER SEASON OF LIFE, our hopes and expectations are sometimes disappointed. At such times, our faith in life’s goodness may be shaken. At other times, expecting nothing or anticipating the worst, we are pleasantly surprised by the small miracles that happen to meet our needs. While the world God created isn’t entirely our personal oyster, small miracles remind us that God often provides us with enough to survive and, sometimes, with enough to thrive.

—Susan Carol Scott
Still Praying After All These Years: Meditations for Later Life

From page 19 of Still Praying After All These Years: Meditations for Later Life by Susan Carol Scott. Copyright © 2019 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 “small miracle” is seeking you out? When it finds you, give thanks.  Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.—Hebrews 11:1, NRSV

Prayer for the Week

Sustainer of all that is, give me faith that hopes in what I can and cannot see. Thank you for giving me life and for the small miracles that find me each day. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.

Something More

Learn more about Face to Face, an adaptation of The Walk to Emmaus crafted to meet the needs and life-stages of older adults.

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

10 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted July 22, 2019 6:20 am

    Am not sure I am seeking any miracles large or small. I do hope to recognize any that come my way whether they are for me or for others.

    Thankful for Sunday’s worship service and fellowship, cooler weather arrived in the evening. No AC at night and the windows open. Thank You, Lord.

    Prayers for those still in the heat wave, experiencing flooding, or any other natural problem.
    Prayers for Julie and Megan and the issues they face. Lord help them be safe and secure in a positive setting. May Marcy receive the medical, financial, and insurance help she needs. Healing and recovery for Larry, Jill, and Becky.
    A good and safe move for Betsy and family. Prayers that Edy’s Bill recovers well from surgery and the problem is resolved. Peace and comfort to Connie,
    Full recovery to Andrea and Lowell. Hope to hear from many people who have posted here before. You are missed. Thank You, Lord.

  • Betsy Posted July 22, 2019 6:46 am

    As I age, I feel I am more aware of the small blessings as God’s miracles. I feel his presence in all I do. Maybe our perspectives are altered as we grow older and we become more grateful of the small blessings we experience.

    So glad to hear your move has gone smoothly, Robert. Hope you are settling and getting acclimated to the area. We are still waiting to close on our home; we took lights and other items for the electrician to install this past weekend. We got some quality “Grandparent time” with Harrison before traveling home. Will be glad when we don’t have to make that long drive.

    Prayers for Jill and her dad, as they enjoy golfing together this summer. Try to stay cool! Prayers for Mary, Connie, Julie and March during these hot days of summer. Thanks to all of you for continued prayers as we get ready for our move.

  • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted July 22, 2019 6:52 am

    Thanks Betsy!

    May your move be smooth and blessed!

    Grateful for flower arrangement course every Friday and it is a joy to giveaway and cheer someone up.

    Blessings!

  • Connie Posted July 22, 2019 8:19 am

    “I don’t believe in miracles, I rely on them”
    I experience them every day-big ones, small ones….Thank you Jesus. Your love for me, a sinner, is the greatest one.

    • Lou Posted July 22, 2019 11:03 am

      I agree with you – miracles all around but the greatest is the love freely given to us without question or merit – God’s love will always be here if we but open our hearts to Him. That is all I need.
      Thankful for the miracle of this group of believers and the support offered here- prayers for all – may you all feel His peace and His Love.

  • Edy Posted July 22, 2019 9:21 am

    My son is doing well, back to work and thriving. Now Kristen, his wife, is experiencing some health issues. Please pray for her. Bill’s skull based tumor was removed successfully thanks to many, many prayers. It truly was a miracle that happened. I also have small miracles occur often and I am very fortunate to have the Holy Spirit continue to guide me every day. Close calls on the road etc etc He solves all my problems if I just ask. Thank you my UR family for your prayers. For His Sake, Edy

  • Jill Posted July 22, 2019 10:48 am

    Yes, we are surrounded by blessings and miracles – when our eyes and hearts are open to experiencing them.
    I continue to be so encouraged by the sharing that takes place during cancer support group meetings. Lots of emotions are triggered for many, but I believe that is a powerfully good thing – we can weep together and console each other. A hand extended, a warm smile, understanding gazes, others intently listening and long hugs. Thank You, Father – for these safe spaces.
    Father – I raise to you Betsy and her husband as they continue the process of moving while cherishing time spent with Harrison, knowing so much more is on the way. And for Edy’s daughter in law – may she find proper assistance with her health concerns. Thank You for evidence of Your presence in our lives.

  • April Posted July 22, 2019 11:02 am

    Good morning UR Family. I read and pray for you during these hot summer days. Am spending quality time with friends and family. Have attended different church services recently and heard God speaking in new ways. I count it a miracle that I have these opportunities. I am listening and seeking answers to what God has in store for me to do and where to be.
    For those who are moving or have moved, I pray that God will move in right with you. For those who have unanswered questions, like me, I lift you up in prayer that His way may become known to you/me. For those with physical/emotional “hurts”, may you know that God hurts with you.
    Promise #203:
    I will strengthen you with feet like a deer so you can reach great heights.

    Habakkuk 3:19 (WEB)
    Yahweh, the Lord, is my strength.
    He makes my feet like deer’s feet,
    and enables me to go in high places.

    Blessings and miracles to all.

    • Lou Posted July 22, 2019 11:05 am

      Beautiful – thank you April.

  • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted July 22, 2019 6:10 pm

    Thank you God for the miracles that meet our needs each day!

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