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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

AS WE WIND our way to the infant of Bethlehem, whose heart beats with the intensity of God’s compassion for us, may our hearts grow strong in love for all that God has made. As this happens, we will know in our own experience the fulfillment of a prayer written by a hermit of ancient Syria: “Grant me, Lord, at this time a mind filled with the love of you, and one that bears a knowledge of you, an intellect filled with insight into you, and a pure heart in which the light of the vision of you shines out.”

—John S. Mogabgab, The Wondrous Mystery: An Advent Reader (Upper Room Books, 2019)

Today’s Question

What does it mean to open our eyes and look for the presence of God?  Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture

“Open my eyes, so that I may behold wondrous things.”
—Psalm 119:18 (NRSV)

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Lectionary Readings

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5 Comments

  • Jill Posted November 18, 2019 3:40 am

    For me – it is about being intentional. I can see things, while missing a lot. But, intentional seeing, purposeful seeing – I believe this is what He call me to do. Seeing the needs of others, and responding. Seeing Him move in my life, and being grateful. Father – You are at work, give me observant eyes.
    Dad arrived home safely Saturday evening and came over for dinner yesterday. He seems to be doing well, physically and otherwise. He enjoyed his time with my sister, in warm weather. But, a part of him is happy to be home, in his own space, to do his own thing. That part of his new normal is very good for him – creating his own routines and doing his thing.

  • robert moeller Posted November 18, 2019 6:32 am

    Pressed the wrong button at the wrong time. Have to start again. I think I see God not with my eyes but with my heart. I think of the praise song, “Open the eyes of my heart.” I think there are both physical and spiritual senses. God is spiritual and seen through the spiritual sense of the eyes of my heart.

    Thankful for the food donated for Thanksgiving baskets, a successful annual
    conference, and Communion yesterday. Did FT with my daughter and her family.

    With some push pins I hope to make progress with the cork roadbed for my model trains. Have an advent study beginning tomorrow, am looking forward to that. Staying warm in this chilly weather.

    Thankful Larry is home safe, hope Jill’s friend finds God’s peace, and Jill caught up with schoolwork. Prayers for Julie’s new treatment, safety, and daughter. May Marcy have all she needs to be well. Thank You, Lord.

  • Julie Posted November 18, 2019 8:28 am

    I agree with Robert. I had to look again at the title of the Reflection as I thought I had misread. But I had not. I believe it should have been titled “Open Your Heart.” I believe we experience the wonder of the Christ child with our hearts and use our eyes to see where we can impart that magic in the world around us.
    Yesterday was a very bad day with h. He usually waits to attack me when Megan is with her father and yesterday was particularly difficult. So far attacks are verbal, but they continued all day. I am mentally and physically exhausted.
    Prayers for Jill and Larry. Prayers of thanks that Larry, Becky and her husband arrived safely. I pray Jill is refreshed and caught up on schoolwork.
    Prayers for Robert, may he gain much understanding from the Advent study.
    Prayers for Mary and her students and her health.
    Prayers for April and her family.
    Prayers and thank you UR

  • Mary Ng Shwu Ling Posted November 18, 2019 9:10 am

    We need to have God’s love and compassion to reach out to those in need. May God use us to be His hands to help and love others.

    May Julie’s situation improve and may she be protected from all harm and danger!

    Blessings and prayers for everyone’s wellbeing.

  • Elle Posted November 18, 2019 12:19 pm

    Seeking God in the presence of others, nature, all He has created. Healing power that comes when He desires not in my will or timing.

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