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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

[THE] FEELING OF belovedness doesn’t come easily to us. We are surrounded by media, cultural norms, and even religious folks who tell us that we are not enough or are too much of something. We are told that we must earn love by being good or pretty or smart or that we are sinful and unworthy of so much. It is good news to know that no matter who we are or what we have done—no matter what anyone thinks or says—we are beloved by God. Because God is Love. … God created us in God’s image, which means we reflect divine love. God created us for love. And God created us to be love. We are beloved.

—Kristen E. Vincent, We Are Beloved: A Lenten Journey with Protestant Prayer Beads (Upper Room Books, 2019)

Today’s Question

Where did you experience God’s love this week?  Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

“Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.”
—1 John 4:7 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

I love you, Lord.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room or share it in the comment section.

Something More

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Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

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7 Comments

  • Andrea Posted October 11, 2019 7:07 am

    I have been re-connecting with high school friends from 52 years ago. Two days ago, a dear friend who I haven’t seen in 50 years and another dear friend who traveled with us just recently, met at my house for coffee and then went out to lunch. It is these two friends, and the grandson of one, for whom I have requested prayers. Both of these friends live across the country, in different directions. We shared photos, sang, and talked for hours. When we said goodbye, we hugged in a small circle and vowed to reunite this winter in Florida, where one of the two friends lives. I have felt God’s love coming through these old friends and the old friends we traveled with, through Lowell, through my daughter, grandson, and son-in-law, through friends at home, and through the blessings of a beautiful Upper Midwest autumn.

    Yesterday, I began to read Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians. We spent several days in Thessaly, Greece on our trip. We did not go to Corinth, but I will also read Paul’s letters to the Corinthians.

    Prayers for Lou as she feels sorrow on a meaningful day reminding her of the past. Prayers for all dear UR friends and visitors. Wishing all a blessed day.

  • Julie Posted October 11, 2019 8:14 am

    I have felt loved here. The unexpected declarations of love for me, just yesterday from BJ, make me stop in my tracks. These words reach into my heart and soul and sooth both. I am humbled and so thankful for your willingness to share your feelings so openly.
    Prayers for Andrea and her old friends and new connections.
    Prayers for Lou and her family as they remember but while moving forward.
    Prayers for Mary and her students, may they do well on their exams.
    Prayers for Jill and Larry, may Larry enjoy many more birthdays.
    Prayers for Connie and the healing power of the beauty of God’s creation.
    Prayers for BJ and her early morning faithfulness.
    Prayers for Marcy, may she be well.
    Prayers for Robert, may he see the counselor soon and may he and Erich resolve all their issues.
    Prayers, blessings, warm hugs and thank you so much dear UR faithful

  • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted October 11, 2019 7:35 pm

    I have also felt love here, my sister, Molly, family and church friends.

    Thank you Julie for your prayers which reflect your love for us. May God bless you abundantly and may you experience more of His love every day!

    Thank you God for loving us and enabling us to experience your love through friends and family. I love you, Lord!

    Praise God for Andrea’s experience of God’s love through her friends and family!

    Blessings!

  • Michael Posted October 12, 2019 12:40 am

    God sent me feeling. I felt the love and said it +out loud all day. Even though no one was in my sight the feeling and joy and happiness I haven’t felt in so long that I longed for was there the whole time.Helping God’s children my brothers and sisters helped me as well . God’s love is all around us…can you see it…close your eyes and feel the love.

  • Bonnie Francis Posted October 12, 2019 12:49 pm

    I saw and felt God in so many places: I heard God in the call message from both of my twin 19 year old grandsons’ call with condolences the day my oldest friend died. I see it everytime my walker and I try to go in and out difficult doors; I tasted it when church friends put out a delicious spread for a mutual friend’s young wife’s Celebration of Life reception; I smelled God’s perennially eternal freshness in my granddaughters still wet hair at last weekend’s visit; and every time my church shares its garden produce with the Salvation Army touches my heart with their own heartfelt thanks and hugs. God’s love abounds everywhere.

  • Robert Moeller Posted October 13, 2019 2:09 am

    I see God’s love in those who picked, pealed, cooked, baked, set up, and sold their product to raise money to help others. God’s love is there when we are fully present for others. I am thankful for you dear UR friends for loving as you do.

    Waiting for the counselor other activities are helping Erich and I. A walk and drive yesterday, another outing today, and other activities in the coming week all help. Thank You, Lord.

  • Linda Young Posted October 15, 2019 10:05 am

    I experienced ultimate human love at the Oconee River Basin Walk to Emmaus #22. Twenty pilgrims completed this amazing journey and many more on the support team and spiritual team experienced the joy of love and service, loving with the love of the Lord

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