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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

MY DEFINITION OF A SOUL RESET is a hard stop of chronic busyness; a deep look inward and an intentional look to God; and a new, more holistic journey forward that more closely resembles an abundant life into which Jesus calls his disciples. A soul reset is the pouring out of one’s self to God. It means laying yourself at the altar and earnestly seeking God’s face. It means a season of fervent praying and fasting. It includes finding new and meaningful ways to connect with Jesus, the lover of our souls.

—Junius B. Dotson

Soul Reset: Breakdown, Breakthrough, and the Journey to Wholeness Upper Room Books.

Today’s Question

How does the idea of taking a pause, looking deep inside yourself, and reaching out for God resonate within your soul? Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.”

—Psalm 23:1-3a (NIV)

Prayer for the Week

“O God, you are my God, I seek you, my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” —Psalm 63:1 (NRSV) Submit your prayer to The Upper Room or share it in the comment section.

Something More

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

9 Comments

  • robert moeller Posted September 2, 2019 6:33 am

    I’m hopeful that this fall a retreat will be possible. and that a “hard stop” will occur.

    Enlightening lessons on lamb yesterday in church and delicious shepherd’s pie for lunch. Had a nice afternoon drive, an unplanned, but good assorted maki supper, and plum crisp with vanilla ice cream.

    Prayers for Marcy, Doris, Meesook , Julie, and Anneliese and their health. A man at church fell and has 6 cracked ribs. Wellbeing prayers for everyone, especially those in the path of Dorian.

    Hope you all have a pleasant Labor Day. For many school starts tomorrow, may all have a good and safe year. Blessings and God’s peace. Than You,
    ord.

  • Bj Posted September 2, 2019 6:59 am

    Good morning, Robert! When you get a chance, will you reread yesterday ‘s post? Laraine was a help. I was very puzzled of what it meant about Psalms. I was thinking that it means that the Psalms are PRAYERS, but then again, it seemed that we are to pray honestly. Thank you, Robert. Have a blessed day, the UR family.

  • Jill Posted September 2, 2019 7:32 am

    I feel as though I have been in the midst of this. Reaching out desperately to Him, for Him. I must say I have not ever fasted. But – yearning for Him to lead me, to continue His transformation – this is my prayer.
    Saw a friend from my small group yesterday at church. Her dad passed last Monday, due to pancreatic cancer. Had been in contact with her via texts throughout the week. She had attended a few cancer support group meetings with me. There will be a service at our church this Saturday.
    Today is a family picnic at my nephew’s. This will be the first family gathering for dad and I since mom passed…since we went to the beach for Easter. Of course, it will be different. Their anniversary is two weeks from tomorrow. I broached that topic last night with dad – asking him if he wanted me to take a day off of work and spend it with him. I told him to think about it and to let me know.
    My god son’s birthday party is also this afternoon. Will leave the picnic early to get to the party.
    From The Message, Psalm 62…”He’s breathing room for my soul.” Pure, clean, undefiled air…my soul is craving this now.

  • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted September 2, 2019 8:02 am

    Yes, it is time and good to take a pause to seek the Lord.

    Blessings!

  • Lou Posted September 2, 2019 8:03 am

    I love the prayer for the week listed here- from psalm 63 following up on the studying Jill has encouraged from psalm 62. God we seek you and thirst for you- prayers for all of those experiencing loss, for those who are ill and in pain, for the school children and teachers returning to school, for those in the path of the frightening storm, for those just trying to keep going in their daily lives – we seek you Lord and we thirst for you. Lead us and guide us.
    My son and his girlfriend went with me to visit my mother – it was a lot of driving for only a days visit- but it was wonderful to visit with her especially on the 2oth anniversary of my father’s passing- I still miss him everyday. My mother was so happy that we were there- it is a lot for her to have us and I am sure she is tired today – but it was good to share love and hugs and remember a wonderful man. I never doubted his love for me – he was a good provider and a good man.
    Prayers for all of the UR family.

  • Julie Posted September 2, 2019 8:27 am

    Yes, I would like to do what the reflection describes. But my intentions rarely become reality. I need to do more follow through with my God related desires for closeness.
    Megan and I attended a ribfest yesterday. This sounds odd coming from a vegetarian, but really it is very enjoyable. I had been looking forward to a corn muffin I had last year and even bought some to bring home. There are many non rib options from side dishes at the ribbers to booths with roasted corn and grilled fruit. I had both. I was able to do kind deeds for others and it felt so good.
    Prayers for Robert and Erich, may the enjoy this Labor Day together.
    Prayers for Jill and Larry and their continued navigating their new normal.
    Prayers for Mary and may she continue to share her joy filled outlook with others.
    Prayers for Lou and her children and her mother, may all be well.
    Prayers for BJ, may she find the Psalms a source of prayer, worship, praise, song and sorrow.
    Prayers for healing for Andrea, Connie and Marcy.
    Prayers, blessings, warm hugs and thank you dear UR faithful

    • Bj Posted September 2, 2019 9:00 am

      Thanks, Julie! I read Psalms often. I am curious to know if that reflection was saying that Psalms are the source of prayer. You are the one that will send comforting words. Thanks, again.

  • Jenny Posted September 2, 2019 9:47 am

    The idea of pausing and resetting is especially appealing at this point in my life as I contemplate retirement. If there ever was a time to dedicate my heart and energy into being the person God made me – it is now.

  • Ken Linscott Posted September 2, 2019 2:55 pm

    The book “The Power of Silence” (“the riches that lie within”)
    Author, Graham Turner. ISBN 978 1 62040 102 6 published by Bloomsbury in 2012 has been a marvellous encouragement to me on my journey.

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