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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

CREATIVITY AND PRAYER allow us to see the truth about ourselves. Whether painting or praying, I learn about myself and areas of my life that need God’s healing. Painting offers guidance and helps to heal the hurts of the past, in much the same way prayer does. Through an unending process of self-discovery, creativity and prayer move us into wholeness. They afford an encounter with self-knowledge and lead to the joyful truth of our existence.

—Karla M. Kincannon, Creativity and Divine Surprise: Finding the Place of Your Resurrection (Upper Room Books, 2005)

Today’s Question

When have creativity and prayer provided you a pathway for healing?  Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

“Heal me, LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved; for you are the one I praise.”
—Jeremiah 17:14 (NIV)

Prayer for the Week

Holy One, Help me discover my God-given creativity and find the sacred in each God-given moment.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room or share it in the comment section.

Something More

Which Advent study is right for you this year? Take our Advent quiz to find out.

Lectionary Readings

(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)

Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.

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5 Comments

  • Julie Posted October 17, 2019 8:22 am

    I do not feel creative, but in previous counseling I have used art therapy to find places that need healing. When we pray in a quiet manner, simply listening for God’s leading and words, He can reveal areas within us that need His healing.
    Prayers for April, BJ, Betsy, Lou and their families.
    Prayers for healing for Andrea, Connie and Marcy. May all be well.
    Prayers for Jill and Larry, may both remain healthy and close to one another.
    Prayers for Mary and her family and students. Thank you Mary for your response. I, too, have tutored students to do better in school and on major exams, including the SATs. What a rewarding endeavor, as you see the results of your help firsthand.
    Prayers for Robert and all those he prays listed as needing prayers. Prayers for Erich and his job search. May he be successful.
    Prayers, blessings warm hugs and thank you posters, readers, and administrators (we need you and recognize your tireless efforts on our behalf)

    • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted October 18, 2019 9:54 pm

      Thanks Julie and amen to all your prayers!

      May God bless you and all abundantly!

  • Anonymous Posted October 17, 2019 12:51 pm

    I find healing and contentment in my garden. I learn focus (mindfulness), and joy in God’s creation and continuing creation.
    The physical activity is a blessing to my body
    Marian

  • daniel J Collins Posted October 17, 2019 9:39 pm

    I found purpose in the fellowship of Alcoholics’ Anonymous. Through the discipline of the twelve steps and God’s grace I became a person who finds peace and purpose in helping others. For most of my adult life I have worked as a caregiver for elderly and/or special needs people. I have been truly blessed in my life. Praise God

  • Jill Posted October 18, 2019 3:18 am

    Yes, Daniel, praise Him indeed!
    Prayer has sustained me and will continue to sustain me.
    Since mom has passed I have found books about lament. I am learning it is never too late to lament and that lament may be one of the purest forms of worship.
    Pure worship – seeking Him for the sake of Who He is. Not what He will give, not what He will do. But just the ability to be in His Presence and to linger there, satisfied. Sometimes when I begin my morning in my blue chair – Roger will climb up on me and nuzzle as close as possible to my face, his little motor just churning away. And I am saying to God – here I am, too – just being with You – just being still and content in Your Presence. Thank You Father, for desiring our presence and for making Yourself known.

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