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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

ONE BY-PRODUCT of awareness of our mortality is an appreciation for the importance of each day. For Ted, a retired pastor and academician, the later years of his professional life were busy. He retained his preretirement pace in the months following his retirement. Then, during Ted’s annual physical, his doctor discovered a serious medical problem that required major surgery, an extended period of recovery, and limited activity. Even though Ted eventually returned to good health, this experience profoundly affected his outlook. In his words, “I used to take every new day for granted. Now I realize that each new day is a gift of God’s grace; and it is this day I need to focus on. It is full of possibilities—not just responsibilities—for relationships and for surprises.”

—R. Jack Hansen and Jerry P. Haas
Shaping a Life of Significance for Retirement (Upper Room Books, 2010).

Learn more about or purchase this book.

Today’s Question

Give thanks to God for a new day.  Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.
—Genesis 1:3 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Lord, As I advance through the stages of life, help me grow in the wisdom without losing the joy, play, imagination, and childlike trust you gifted me with in my early years. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room or share it in the comment section.

Something More

For more books and resources for older adults please view our Joy-Filled Days catalog.

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

5 Comments

  • Lou Posted August 13, 2019 6:43 am

    Yes Lord- thank you for this day. Thank you for the many blessings you give me each day. Thank you for all of the people here praying for one another. We need you Lord – we need you. Thank you for all that you give us. Thank you for loving us.

  • robert moeller Posted August 13, 2019 6:55 am

    My heart attack 2 1/2 years ago, my age, some experiences, and reminders from my son all make me well aware that I am “old”. I don’t always feel that way, but there are things I can’t or don’t do as well as I used to. In the news more and more people around my age are passing away. Still, I am very happy for each new day.

    A wonderful walk in the White Mountains yesterday to Thompson’s waterfall near Wildcat ski area and Mount Washington. Lots of waterfalls here. It doesn’t take long to be out of the Mount Washington Valley and into the forest.

    Praying Doris will have hospice care, and praying Anneliese, Meesook, and Julie have help with pain management. Stay safe Julie, be well aware of your surroundings. Praying too for baby Finn and the heart issues he faces, thankful that so far all as gone as expected. Prayers for teachers and students as school begins, a safe and good move for Betsy and her family, and God’s peace to Connie, Jill, Larry, Becky, and Mary. Hoping there is good progress for Marcy. Lord, may Your wisdom come to Congress and the President and all they are entrusted to do,

    Thank You, Lord, for this and every day.

  • Julie Posted August 13, 2019 8:07 am

    This is the day the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it! The serenity prayers states to “enjoying one moment at a time.” It was this verse that first struck a chord with me as I do not enjoy most moments.
    Both kitties recieved wonderful compliments from the vet and the tech, especially Tazzie. The tech kept him awhile and when she returned she admitted she had a hard time parting with him because he is so sweet. That’s my Tazzie, always the lady killer. The vet said she had to keep rechecking their charts because she could not believe they were as old as they are. She said they are in remarkable health. Thank you God and again I thank you.
    Prayers for Robert and Erich, may the beauty surrounding them remain pristine and undefiled.
    Prayers for Andrea and Lowell, may they enjoy their visitors.
    Prayers for Betsy as she moves may all go well.
    Prayers that the summer sun warms Connie’s soul.
    Prayers for safe travels for Jill and Lou and her daughter.
    Prayers for Mary, may she shine God’s light always.
    Prayers for Marcy’s well being.
    Prayers and thank you dear UR faithful

  • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted August 13, 2019 8:19 am

    Thanks Julie! Glad to hear that your both your kitties recieved wonderful compliments from the vet.

    Grateful for Julie, her prayers for all of us and all of you here.

    Grateful for the joy of eating well, sleeping well and living well.

    Yes, Lord, as we advance through the stages of life, help us grow in the wisdom without losing the joy, play, imagination, and childlike trust you gifted us with in our early years.

    Blessings!

  • Mike Posted August 28, 2019 7:56 am

    Be cheerful, friends. God bless all those who face the trials of growing older in the body but closer to you in spirit. Bless us to be beacons to those coming up the path behind, lighting the trail so they can see the way to real happiness and commitment to others. Thank you God for wonderful lives in YOUR light.

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