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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

NOT QUITE 80, John could have been a poster boy for active older adults. Everyone in his independent living facility admired him. He was strong, intelligent, and full of energy. A retired engineer, he had traveled the world and had a great passion for learning. Then came a stroke. The news sent everyone at the senior residence center into a tizzy. How could this have happened to John? He had done all the right things. He ate healthy food, exercised daily, and followed the doctor’s directions to a tee. He went to Sunday school every week and sometimes even taught the class. Yet, this once-vibrant man now was going through extensive rehabilitation in hopes of regaining his strength and his ability to walk. No doubt John was tempted to wither up and die, but he tackled his therapy with a faith-filled determination. Over time, he emerged from the darkness. Looking back, he recalls the unexpected blessings he found in rehab. He made new friends with patients and therapists. He discovered an artistic gift for painting that he didn’t know he had. Most important, he found that passionate persistence pays off.

“Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.”
— Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)

—Missy Buchanan
Don’t Write My Obituary Just Yet: Inspiring Faith Stories for Older Adults (Upper Room Books, 2011)

Learn more about or purchase this book.

Today’s Question

What older adults do you know who need prayer and encouragement? Share your prayer for an older adult here.  Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.’ ”
—Ezekiel 37:4 (NIV)

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

8 Comments

  • Charlotte j Scheffler Posted August 17, 2019 7:13 am

    This prayer is for my Dear Mom. She is 81 and she is having some behavior issues. Plus I believe she is in stages of dementia. She talks about the past a lot and mainly my past. Plesse pray for my mom(Juanita).

    Thank you and God Bless,
    Charlotte

    • robert moeller Posted August 17, 2019 7:53 am

      Prayers for your Mom, persistent patience will help you help her. She needs you now as long ago you needed her. Thank You, Lord.

  • robert moeller Posted August 17, 2019 7:50 am

    Prayers for Doris, in denial with stage four lung cancer, Marcy with health and well being concerns, Anneliese and Meesook with pain in their joints, Julie’s hands, foot, and safety. Prayers for Lou, her children and an empty nest, Betsy’s move to be closer to her daughter and grandson, Andrea’s daughter, grandson, and husband Lowell, Connie and her husband, Edy and her son, Bill, baby Finn with heart problems, and all the needs and concerns of the UR family. Lord I lift them up to You.

    Thankful for daily needs, progress getting settled, rain again last night, the latest issue of the AMBASSADOR proofread, contact with John Davis, and railroad friends. and a good breakfast. The job search is on. Church tomorrow, Fish in the Bible and what we can learn about God from them.

  • Julie Posted August 17, 2019 7:53 am

    I pray for my friend who has fibromyalgia and macular degeneration. Both have robbed her of so much and she is constant pain. She is a person I seek for all things faith related. She is full of faith and a wonderful person despite her suffering.
    Prayers for Charlotte and Juanita, may they navigate their new reality with respect and dignity.
    Prayers for Robert and Erich, may Erich find a job and may Robert find many opportunites for fellowship and serving.
    Prayers for Mary, may she have a relaxing weekend.
    Prayers for April and her family and their close relationships with one another and with the Lord.
    Prayers for those who have not posted in so long, may all be well.
    Prayers, blessings, warm hugs and thak you UR readers and posters as all are family

    • robert moeller Posted August 17, 2019 7:56 am

      Thank you, Julie, blessings to you and Megan. We’re all on the race together and share our faith lives.

  • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted August 17, 2019 9:13 am

    Thanks dear Julie!

    May God bless and heal your friend!

    May Erich find a suitable job soon!

    Today, I delivered my flower arrangement to my students’ grandma place. She is so happy to receive it.

    Blessings!

  • linda Eckle Posted August 17, 2019 10:42 am

    Pray for my mother and step-dad. He is 95, and she will be in October. They live in an assisted living home and have had to forfeit their independence. She has severe macular degeneration; however, both are in reasonably good health. I ask that prayers surround them.

  • Lou Posted August 17, 2019 10:20 pm

    Prayers for my mother, for her sister-newly widowed, and for my aunt and uncle on my father’s side – my fathers’s only brother. Prayers for all of these older adults whom I love. As I am on this trip moving my daughter into college and staying in a hotel by myself for the first time – ever, I have realized how my mother has been so brave and has been alone for almost 19 years since my father passed. You earn more respect for someone when you also have to progress through somewhat similar circumstances in life – being alone is very hard. I let my mother know how much I admired her and how brave she truly has been.
    Prayers for all of the UR family and for the elderly – especially those who are alone.
    Prayers for peace, hope, and love.

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