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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

GOD IS NOT in the distant heavens or in the hidden depths of the future, but here and now. God has pitched a tent among us. Even more than that, God has made a home in us so that we can make God’s home our home. We find our way home to the heart by following Jesus.

—Henri J. M. Nouwen with John S. Mogabgab
A Spirituality of Homecoming: The Henri Nouwen Spirituality Series (Upper Room Books 2012)

Learn more about or purchase this book.

Today’s Question

Anticipate and look for God’s presence throughout the day.  Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

Sing aloud, O daughter Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem!
—Zephaniah 3:14 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on me. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room or share it in the comment section.

Something More

Practice seeing blessings all around you! Upper Room author Beth A. Richardson invites us to practice the Celtic way of seeing God in everyday life. Join our online community for the eCourse edition of Christ Beside Me, Christ Within Me: Celtic Blessings.

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

11 Comments

  • Jill Posted August 23, 2019 5:53 am

    I will look to Him, throughout my day today, especially my time with dad golfing. Both of our days golfing thus far this week have been heavy laden with conversation around mom. Not sure why this is re-surfacing now – but he is hurting. Monday, on the back nine, each time I got out of the cart to hit the ball – I prayed that God would give me the words or the silence necessary, to comfort dad. Wednesday, before we even arrived at the course, we were immersed in emotional conversation. I need to tune in to God’s Presence and Peace – as I need strength to comfort dad. My sneaking suspicion is that dad is very aware of their anniversary date next month. He has not said as much, but that is what I am thinking.
    Today will be our last morning of weekday golf – as I begin school on Monday. We surely will golf some on the weekends during the Fall. He might be sensing this as well, that we won’t be spending as much time together.
    Have been reading Psalm 62 each day, trying to slowly read it, pray through it and meditate on it. Was encouraged by a book I read at the beach to do this for a month. Challenge accepted. Anyone want to join me, and share what God is revealing?

  • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted August 23, 2019 6:53 am

    Jill, may you be blessed as you minister to your dad. May God lead and guide you!

    Grateful for time spent with my sister over lunch. Somehow, we are so blessed to have each other.

    Thank God for blessing me with a sister to walk closely along life journey.

    Blessings!

  • Mike Posted August 23, 2019 8:02 am

    Years ago I read “be thankful for the unknown blessings already on the way.” I believe it is credited as a native-american proverb. I include it in my morning prayer every day, it is part of anticipating God’s presence in my life each day. So I pray a prayer of thanks for all of the unknown blessings already on the way for each of you this day!

  • Julie Posted August 23, 2019 8:08 am

    It is important to look at everything we encounter and remember God is behind it all. May I see God in each sunrise and each person and in the food I eat.
    Prayers for Jill as she ministers to her father and as she begins a new school year. Both will require patience and insight, give both in abundance Lord. I will look at Psalm 62 with you Jill.
    Prayers for Mary and her sister, Molly, both a blessing to one another.
    I am still trying to decide whether to take the ecourse mentioned above. I also realize that I am a caregiver at heart and am trying to determine how best to put this to use given my Reynaud’s. I know my abilities are greatly limited during the winter. I do not want to make a commitment that I cannot completely perform.
    Prayers, blessings, warm hugs and thank you dear UR family

    • Connie Posted August 23, 2019 10:04 am

      YOU are a caregiver to US, Julie. I couldn’t keep things straight without you. My mind has been “mush” the last 2-3 months.
      If you don’t try, you won’t know. (Easy for me to say! My situation stifles any commitment for me for awhile)

    • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted August 24, 2019 1:51 am

      Julie, praise God for your prayers. You are a blessing to all of us.

      May God bless you abundantly!

  • Gail Posted August 23, 2019 8:11 am

    I will read Psalm 62 as you suggested and see what happens. Meanwhile I just read yesterday’s post about gratitude. It is good. My cousin in law passed on the 11th. He and his wife celebrated their 50th anniversary last July. She got pregnant at age 16 and they had 3 sons. Parkinson’s. We had vacationed with them seveeral times in recent years. I cannot imagine what Connie is doing now since I am in GA and she is in Ohio. I can’t fix anything, only pray and offer my presence via email etc. Time helps. It may sound trite, but sing! Aloud!

  • Andrea Posted August 23, 2019 10:07 am

    Hello UR friends, Jill, Psalm 62 is beautiful. I love to pray with the Psalms.

    “God has pitched a tent among us.” I love those words.

    Today I am very low on energy. Our last batch of guests, three from New Jersey, are arriving this evening. Would you please pray for me?

    I keep you all in prayer. Wishing all who visit UR a blessed weekend.

    • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted August 24, 2019 1:48 am

      Andrea, may God be your source of strength and ever present help!

      Praise God for your hospitality!

  • Connie Posted August 23, 2019 10:09 am

    Sorry for my absence lately. I keep up with everyone, though.
    My Forget-Me-Nots finally started blooming, little by little, and it gave me such joy!
    “The joy of the Lord is my strength”

  • Lou Posted August 23, 2019 1:36 pm

    Thankful to hear from you Connie – we forgot you not- good to know you are well. Prayers and thanks for all at the UR. I read psalm 62 – and I will continue to do so for a month with Jill and Julie. Prayers for Gail and her family as they grieve. Prayers for your strength Andrea – we are praying for you.
    It feels like a fall day in Chicago – I haven’t settled into a routine but am keeping myself busy and occupied – but the house is much too quiet. I’m meeting a friend at the beach and a group of understanding and supportive friends for dinner – that will be nice.
    Grateful for this constant place to come and renew and for you prayer warriors.

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