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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

FAILURE TEACHES US about our weaknesses and the limits of our power. Loss bids us value the treasure of the here and now, heightening our awareness of the precious moments in which we live. As Marguerite so wisely reminds us, the quality of our days can be shaped beneficially by how we respond to failure and loss. Some of God’s best work in us is done in the wake of unwelcome events.

—Susan Carol Scott
Staying Praying after All These Years

From page 55 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

Is there a way to change how you interpret loss and thus change your response?  Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

So teach us to count our days
that we may gain a wise heart.
—Psalm 90:12, 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

8 Comments

  • Jill Posted July 26, 2019 6:14 am

    Again, yes – hitting home right now. I was finally able to see that how faced her final months here has been both a very HARD for me, but also has issued forth many blessings. Had she not struggled so, I would not have become involved in both cancer support groups and gained immediate, deep relationships with a special few from those groups. Our Father gives us perfect gifts – I was not able to see this situation as a gift until following my colleague’s memorial service. And then it all started coming together for me.
    We learn from difficulties – and we grow, flourish even.
    At this past Sunday’s support group – a new face shared openly about her 17+ year challenge with breast cancer. I would guess her to be about my age – and she talked about being in the valley vs the mountain top. In the valley – there is bountiful growth, lush conditions. On the mountain top – it is icy, cold – minimal growth. So, yes – we need the valleys – where He is shaping and molding us, to His glory.
    Continued humidity free air – how pleasant. Able to play tennis in the middle of the afternoon yesterday and it was very enjoyable. Windows are open this morning and Roger is going from one to the next, getting fresh air in his whiskers.

  • Lou Posted July 26, 2019 6:29 am

    I am still learning everyday. My loss of my relationship and family unit has taught me a great deal about myself and people. It has definitely helped me grow especially in my work. It has held me back in other ways but I suppose only because I let it. I am a different person and I hope that gradually I will begin to see more of the good. It is hard to see good in the failure of a relationship that also hurt the children and led to much sadness. But for the first time in about four years I had a brief moment of pure happiness the other day when I was walking my dog and taking in the beauty of the summer day. I’m thankful – so thankful to God for that moment. I have not felt that in a long time. I have hope because He walks beside me.
    Prayers for peace and hope for all on this beautiful summer morning.

    • Connie Posted July 27, 2019 8:37 am

      Pure Happiness! Hallelujah! Soak it in, Lou.

  • Julie Posted July 26, 2019 8:16 am

    I have learned to use loss as a reminder. Loss of a loved one reminds me to cherish the time I have with those left behind. Loss of health reminds me to never take for granted even the smallest seeming ability. I have learned to find the positive and be thankful for the small reprieves.
    Prayers for Jill and all support groups and the connections they create.
    Prayers for Lou and her children as they enjoy the beauty of nature.
    Prayers for healing for Andrea, Lowell, Connie, Marcy and Erich.
    Prayers for success in new home towns for Betsy and Robert.
    Prayers for Mary and her family, for abundant joy.
    Prayers, blessings, warm hugs and thank you UR sojourners

    • Barbara Driscoll Posted July 26, 2019 8:36 am

      Thank you for the reflection today and for all your comments. As I’ve gotten older I can see more clearly how a loss affects me differently than in my younger days. I appreciate the positive spin on an adverse situation and will strive to get my mind and heart thinking like that more often, with the help of Jesus each day and prayers of others . God bless.

  • Andrea Posted July 26, 2019 8:53 am

    This has been true for me. When I have failed, I have sensed God drawing me closer. I am grateful for God’s grace.

    I ask for prayers for my daughter’s guidance in parenting.

    Prayers for dear UR friends and visitors. Wishing all a blessed day.

  • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted July 26, 2019 8:58 am

    I have learned to treasure and cherish my friends and also be grateful for each day. My relationship with God is more intimate as I spend more time in prayer and reading the Bible.

    Thank you God for all that you’ve taught me through my loss!

    Blessings!

  • robert moeller Posted July 26, 2019 10:38 am

    Have to think about that. A lot of healing has happened since the major loss of my life. Think I am mostly recovered from it. That was the big quake, there have been many smaller after shocks.

    A nice breakfast at Friendly’s this morning with church friends. Larger than usual and an unexpected friend.. Had a short walk before breakfast and did some shopping on the way home.

    Improvements on the train benchwork and enjoyed the new book on the Grand Trunk Railway in New England.

    Thankful for the comments, insights, and prayers from Jill, Julie, Barbara, Lou, Andrea, and Mary. Sharing our situations is very helpful for everyone.
    That we are all lifted up, loved, and cared for is encouraging, empowering.

    Prayers for Betsy moving and a safe environment for Julie and Megan. Hope Marcy is doing as well as possible. Thank You, Lord.

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