Upper Room Daily Reflections

I Belong to God

admin — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:01:15 +0000

Friday’s Reflection

I BELONG TO GOD: We do not project or generate grace. Nor do we initiate the redemptive order or process which, when we let it, sweeps into its course our scarred lives, our prayers, and our concerns for others. The redemptive process is already going on . … God who besieges us with love “will neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:4), and we can never begin to understand what prayer really is unless we see it as a response to the prior initiative of God, as a response to the siege of our souls by this great redemptive company at whose center and core the yearning heart of God in the caring Christ is to be found. I belong to God.

- Douglas V. Steere
Dimensions of Prayer

From pages 4-5 and 9 of Dimensions of Prayer: Cultivating a Relationship with God, by Douglas V. Steere. Copyright © 1997 by Dorothy Steere. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. All Rights Reserved. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this book.

Advent begins on November 29, 2009. Consider the new book, The Uncluttered Heart by Beth A. Richardson, as a part of your Advent discipline this year. Purchase your copy today. Join Beth for daily conversation at unclutteredheart.org.

Today’s Question

Share your responses to today’s reflection. Visit the comments area and join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture Reading

Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be!

- Revelation 1:7, NIV

This Week …

Special Need:

This Week: Pray for the Scriptures and inspirational writings. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.

Tips for Your Spirit:

Get Ready for Advent. Advent starts on November 29. This important Christian season helps us get our spirits ready for the coming of the Christ child. Prepare your heart — observe Advent.

Saints, Inc.:

This week we remember Gertrude the Great of Helfta (November 16).

Lectionary Readings:

I Belong to God is a post from: Upper Room Daily Reflections

Praying Without Realizing It

admin — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:01:13 +0000

Thursday’s Reflection

WE ARE … praying all the time without realizing it. There’s a constant stream of hungers and needs, gripes and groans, desires and dreams that well up from the mysterious depths of soul and body, reaching out to connect with the life within us and around us. This semiconscious asking may not be addressed to God, but it is prayer nonetheless, deeper than and prior to any belief system.

- Robert Corin Morris
Wrestling with Grace: A Spirituality for the Rough Edges of Daily Life

From p. 203 of Wrestling with Grace: A Spirituality for the Rough Edges of Daily Life by Robert Corin Morris. Copyright © 2003 by the author. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission of Upper Room Books. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this book.

Today’s Question

What are your “hungers and needs, gripes and groans, desires and dreams”? Share as you feel led.

Today’s Scripture Reading

These are the last words of David: “… The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; his word was on my tongue.”

- 2 Samuel 23:1-2, NIV

This Week …

Special Need:

This Week: Pray for the Scriptures and inspirational writings. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.

Tips for Your Spirit:

Get Ready for Advent. Advent starts on November 29. This important Christian season helps us get our spirits ready for the coming of the Christ child. Prepare your heart — observe Advent.

Saints, Inc.:

This week we remember Gertrude the Great of Helfta (November 16).

Lectionary Readings:

Praying Without Realizing It is a post from: Upper Room Daily Reflections

Thanksgiving for Creation

admin — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:01:31 +0000

Wednesday’s Reflection

DEAR GOD, THANK YOU so much for creating
such an amazing world for us to live in.
When we take time simply to look around us,
we see an astounding number of examples of your love for us.
Please help us not to take these for granted.
Guide us and our leaders to truly appreciate your world
and not to continue on the path of destroying it, as we seem inclined to do.
Lord, your proof of love is everywhere.
Truly, how could we not believe?
For it is in Jesus’ name that we ask these things. Amen.

- Keith McCartney
“Waiting for Openness to the Beauty of God’s Creation”
Waiting: A Time to Hear God’s Voice

From p. 47 of Waiting: A Time to Hear God’s Voice by Fred Cloud. Copyright © 2009 by the author. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission of Upper Room Books. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this book.

Today’s Question

Where do you see proof of God’s love in the world around you? Share your reflections.

Today’s Scripture Reading

“My kingdom,” said Jesus, “doesn’t consist of what you see around you. If it did, my followers would fight so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Jews. But I’m not that kind of king.”

- John 18:36, THE MESSAGE

This Week …

Special Need:

This Week: Pray for the Scriptures and inspirational writings. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.

Tips for Your Spirit:

Get Ready for Advent. Advent starts on November 29. This important Christian season helps us get our spirits ready for the coming of the Christ child. Prepare your heart — observe Advent.

Saints, Inc.:

This week we remember Gertrude the Great of Helfta (November 16).

Lectionary Readings:

Thanksgiving for Creation is a post from: Upper Room Daily Reflections

From Doubt to Belief

admin — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:01:15 +0000

Tuesday’s Reflection

THANK YOU, GOD, for your delight in me.
Let me move from doubt to belief, trusting in your extravagant grace.
Let me be your love, grace, and delight for others today. Amen.

- Beth A. Richardson
The Uncluttered Heart: Making Room for God During Advent and Christmas

From p. 66 of The Uncluttered Heart: Making Room for God During Advent and Christmas by Beth A. Richardson. Copyright © 2009 by Upper Room Books. Used with permission. All Rights Reserved. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this book.

Today’s Question

What is the prayer of your heart today? Share your prayer.

Today’s Scripture Reading

Whoever governs fairly and well, who rules in the Fear-of-God, is like first light at daybreak without a cloud in the sky, like green grass carpeting earth, glistening under fresh rain.

- 2 Samuel 23:3-4, THE MESSAGE

This Week …

Special Need:

This Week: Pray for the Scriptures and inspirational writings. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.

Tips for Your Spirit:

Get Ready for Advent. Advent starts on November 29. This important Christian season helps us get our spirits ready for the coming of the Christ child. Prepare your heart — observe Advent.

Saints, Inc.:

This week we remember Gertrude the Great of Helfta (November 16).

Lectionary Readings:

From Doubt to Belief is a post from: Upper Room Daily Reflections

May We Choose Love

admin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:01:29 +0000

Monday’s Reflection

My prayer is simple:
May we choose love, Lord.
May we choose love when faced with retaliation,
love when tempted by deception,
love when addressing poverty,
love when speaking to our neighbors,
love when lured by bad choices,
love when electing leaders.
In all the things we do, in all the words we say, and in all the places we go,
may we always choose love.
Amen.

- Ciona D. Rouse
Like Breath and Water: Praying with Africa

From p. 61 of Like Breath and Water: Praying with Africa by Ciona D. Rouse. Copyright © 2009 by the Pray with Africa. Used with permission of Upper Room Books. All Rights Reserved. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this book.

Today’s Question

How are you choosing love today? Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture Reading

To Jesus Christ be the glory and power forever and ever! Amen.

- Revelation 1:6, GNT

This Week …

Special Need:

This Week: Pray for the Scriptures and inspirational writings. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.

Tips for Your Spirit:

Get Ready for Advent. Advent starts on November 29. This important Christian season helps us get our spirits ready for the coming of the Christ child. Prepare your heart — observe Advent.

Saints, Inc.:

This week we remember Gertrude the Great of Helfta ( November 16).

Lectionary Readings:

May We Choose Love is a post from: Upper Room Daily Reflections

The Capacity to See

admin — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 05:01:26 +0000

Sunday’s Reflection

LOVE IS THE CAPACITY TO SEE both the good and evil in people but to love the good; to see both the excellent and mediocre but to encourage the excellent; to see the wellness and the sickness and to strengthen the wellness. Before all else, love is the capacity to see everyone and everything as interconnected, “held together” in one cosmic embrace.

- Robert Corin Morris
Provocative Grace: The Challenge in Jesus’ Words

From p. 31 of Provocative Grace: The Challenge in Jesus’ Words by Robert Corin Morris, Copyright © 2006 by the author. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission of Upper Room Books. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this book.

Today’s Question

Share your thoughts about today’s quote. Visit the comments area.

Today’s Scripture Reading

Let us not give up the habit of meeting together, as some are doing. Instead, let us encourage one another all the more.

- Hebrews 10:25, GNT

This Week …

Special Need:

This Week: Pray for public servants and veterans. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.

Tips for Your Spirit:

Praying with Eyes Open. Many of us were taught to close our eyes when we pray. Praying with icons is an ancient prayer practice that involves keeping our eyes wide open, taking into our heart what the image visually communicates. Try praying with icons.

Saints, Inc.:

This week we remember Lucretia Mott (November 11 ).

Lectionary Readings:

The Capacity to See is a post from: Upper Room Daily Reflections

Today I Will Laugh

admin — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:01:18 +0000

Saturday’s Reflection

O LORD, I feel your presence in the sweet fragrance of laughter.
Gentle laughter that makes old eyes sparkle again.
When I am down, its infectious sound lifts me up.
Thank you for laughter that smooths the sharp rocks of life.

Today I will laugh with unrestrained joy!
Joyful, joyful, we adore thee!

- Missy Buchanan
Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body

From p. 53 of Living with Purpose in a Worn-Out Body by Missy Buchanan. Copyright © 2008 by the author. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission of Upper Room Books. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this book.

Today’s Question

Tell us about a time when you have felt like today’s author. Share your struggles and your hope.

Today’s Scripture Reading

Hannah prayed and said, “My heart exults in the Lord; my strength is exalted in my God.”

- 1 Samuel 2:1, NRSV

This Week …

Special Need:

This Week: Pray for public servants and veterans. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.

Tips for Your Spirit:

Saints, Inc.:

This week we remember Lucretia Mott (November 11 ).

Lectionary Readings:

Today I Will Laugh is a post from: Upper Room Daily Reflections

The Storms of Life

admin — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:01:39 +0000

Friday’s Reflection

GRACIOUS LORD,
you are my shelter against the burning heat of the day and the storms of life:
help me when I stumble, catch me when I fall,
and guide my steps firmly in faith toward the promise of eternal life,
through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

- Paul Wesley Chilcote
A Life-Shaping Prayer: 52 Meditations in the Wesleyan Spirit

From p. 86 of A Life-Shaping Prayer: 52 Meditations in the Wesleyan Spirit by Paul Wesley Chilcote. Copyright © 2008 by the author. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission of Upper Room Books. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this book.

Today’s Question

Describe your current “walk with God.” What’s going well? What could use some improvement? Share your thoughts.

Today’s Scripture Reading

Jesus said, “When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come.”

- Mark 13:7, NRSV

This Week …

Special Need:

This Week: Pray for public servants and veterans. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.

Tips for Your Spirit:

Saints, Inc.:

This week we remember Lucretia Mott (November 11 ).

Lectionary Readings:

The Storms of Life is a post from: Upper Room Daily Reflections

Nurture Hope

admin — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:01:04 +0000

Thursday’s Reflection

HOPE DOES NOT build on certainty. To hope means we cannot be completely sure. There are no guarantees. Coming to God with a mixture of hope and excitement is normal and human. We may even experience less welcome feelings alongside hope, such as anxiety, fear, and distrust. But those feelings are acceptable. God welcomes us with whatever degree and quality of hope possible for us. Even if the hope is simply an inexpressible desire for something more, it has power, and its power grows as we nurture the hope in God’s presence.

- Mary Lou Redding
While We Wait: Living the Questions of Advent

From pp. 23-24 of While We Wait: Living the Questions of Advent by Mary Lou Redding. Copyright © 2002 by the author. Used with permission of The Upper Room. All Rights Reserved. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this book.

Advent begins on November 29, 2009. Check out our Advent/Christmas resources.

Today’s Question

How do you nurture hope in yourself and others? Share your reflections.

Today’s Scripture Reading

Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many.”

- Mark 13:5-6, NIV

This Week …

Special Need:

This Week: Pray for public servants and veterans. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.

Tips for Your Spirit:

Saints, Inc.:

This week we remember Lucretia Mott (November 11).

Lectionary Readings:

Nurture Hope is a post from: Upper Room Daily Reflections

Life-Giving Breath

admin — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:01:34 +0000

Wednesday’s Reflection

GOD INSPIRES US with every breath. New ideas, behaviors, and practices flow into our lives with each breath. Breathing within each breath, divine inspiration continually gives us all the resources we need to respond to every life situation. Pause awhile and notice God’s life-giving breath in your life.

- Bruce G. Epperly
Holy Adventurer: 41 Days of Audacious Living

From p. 48 of Holy Adventurer: 41 Days of Audacious Living by Bruce G. Epperly. Copyright © 2008 by the author. All rights reserved. Used with permission of Upper Room Books. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this book.

Today’s Question

What is the prayer of your heart today? Share your prayer.

Today’s Scripture Reading

Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another to show love and to do good.

- Hebrews 10:24, GNT

This Week …

Special Need:

This Week: Pray for public servants and veterans. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.

Tips for Your Spirit:

Saints, Inc.:

This week we remember Lucretia Mott (November 11).

Lectionary Readings:

Life-Giving Breath is a post from: Upper Room Daily Reflections