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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

AND GOD IS the greatest and best mystery of all, for all of reality springs from God, was created by God, is held safe in God, and
will be completed in God. Julian of Norwich affirms that all things are in God and God is in all things. There is no place not filled with
God, nor any person either, and we have done nothing to make this happen. We live in a universe of God’s grace whether we know
it or not and whether we want it or not.

—Roberta C. Bondi, Wild Things: Poems of Grief and Love, Loss and Gratitude (Upper Room Books, 2014)

Today’s Question

What spiritual practice helps you recognize God in all things?  Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

“And one called to another and said:
‘Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts;
the whole earth is full of his glory.’”
—Isaiah 6:3 (NRSV)

Prayer for the Week

Creator God, As you draw us closer to you, draw us closer to each other. Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Something More

Who came up with the idea of using nativity scenes to celebrate Christmas? Many might be surprised to learn that Francis of Assisi, the well-known thirteenth-century saint, is credited with creating the first nativity scene. The Living Nativity: Preparing for Christmas with Saint Francis introduces readers to Saint Francis and his joyous reenactment of the birth of Jesus, complete with a manger and animals. Discover 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

6 Comments

  • Jill Posted November 16, 2019 5:27 am

    I would not say that I notice God in all things. But, being intentional about taking time to still myself and step into His Presence – this gets me in a better space.
    I ponder the thought of seeing Christ in everyone. This is especially hard for me at school when I see rowdy, abusive language spewing, apathetic students in the hall who have no regard for authority. Thankfully, these are not my students.
    It was so good to be home from school at my regular time yesterday and not have to leave. Yes, it was a good thing I didn’t have tennis. I just relaxed and enjoyed being at home, with no place to go.

  • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted November 16, 2019 6:15 am

    Taking time to reflect and journal helps me to recognize God in all things or should I say at all times, even in challenging circumstances.

    Somehow God will prompt me to see His faithfulness and goodness.

    Thank you God!

    Blessings to all!

  • robert moeller Posted November 16, 2019 6:21 am

    Prayer and walks in nature help, but it is harder to see God in some things and people. I too witnessed abusive language in school and the tough life of my urban students. Still the helpful kind nature of two complete strangers in Boston the other day gives me reason for hope. Both helped me on my way home.

    Prayers for healing, problem solving, reconciliation, peace, love, mercy, and grace to every member of the UR family and to all the world. Thank You, Lord, that through You this is possible. Without You there is no hope.

  • Julie Posted November 16, 2019 8:22 am

    I lack such a practice and perhaps that is why I struggle to notice God in all things. I also have trouble seeing God in all people, especially those that are hurtful and disrespectful. Though I suspect these are the very people God wants us to see Him in.
    Prayers for Jill and for rest and time to recharge after a busy week.
    Prayers for Mary and her time to journal, I must carve out time.
    Prayers for Robert and God’s care for him through kind strangers.
    Prayers and blessings UR

  • R. Martin Armstrong Posted November 16, 2019 8:26 am

    Just get outdoors and open your eyes. That connects me to God in all things.

  • April Posted November 16, 2019 11:50 am

    Have had sad mornings as I am grieving the passing of a dear, longtime friend, but this morning I received an email from a family member that said my friendship over the years had meant a lot. And that, my UR family, is my response to today’s question “what spiritual practice helps you recognize God in all things”….developing and maintaining friendships. Jesus is identified as our friend and oh how great that is to sing in “What a friend we have in Jesus.”
    I am pondering the world events this past week and wonder if friendships might have changed the outcomes. Knowing people on a deeper level to understand their fears, anger, aloneness and then offering a hand or ear develops in a one-on-one relationship. Or, as Robert shared about the couple that helped him in Boston, though not known to him a long time, nevertheless were indeed friends.
    I treasure the friendships we have developed here on the UR site and look forward to more as newcomers join in as posters or nonposters. Blessings to all….Your friend, April.

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