January 31st, 2009
Saturday’s Reflection
AFTER MORE THAN forty years of praying, I still do not understand prayer. I get up many mornings and go to my place of devotion with no sense that my praying makes any difference. This does not mean that I go there reluctantly or discouraged; it simply means I go there realizing that prayer will always be bigger than me and beyond me. I pray realizing that I am not the one in charge. I also find that the older I get, the more content I am to leave some situations in the realm of mystery and wonder.
- Steve Harper
Talking in the Dark: Praying When Life Doesn’t Make Sense
From p. 34 of Talking in the Dark: Praying When Life Doesn’t Make Sense by Steve Harper. Copyright © 2007 by Steve Harper. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission of Upper Room Books. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Scripture Reading
The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching — and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him.”
- Mark 1:27, NIV
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for all who need clothing, food or shelter. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Many Ways to Pray. Think of the Ignatian Method — named after Ignatius of Loyola — as a sort of virtual experience of the scripture where you read the scripture and then create in your mind a short film about what you read. Try the Ignatian Method.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Thomas Aquinas (January 28).
- Lectionary Readings:
-
Sponsored by The Upper Room daily devotional guide. Subscribe Today.
Copyright © 2009 The Upper Room | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA
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January 30th, 2009
Friday’s Reflection
GOD’S ABUNDANT GRACE is a gift for which I give thanks. My life is blessed, not because I am good but because God has led me in the life of faith.
- Don Beisswenger
Locked Up: Letters and Papers of a Prisoner of Conscience
From p. 42 of Locked Up: Letters and Papers of a Prisoner of Conscience by Don Beisswenger. Copyright © 2008 by the author. Published by Upper Room Books. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Scripture Reading
The way to become wise is to honor the LORD; he gives sound judgment to all who obey his commands.
- Psalm 111:10, GNT
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for all who need clothing, food or shelter. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Many Ways to Pray. Think of the Ignatian Method — named after Ignatius of Loyola — as a sort of virtual experience of the scripture where you read the scripture and then create in your mind a short film about what you read. Try the Ignatian Method.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Thomas Aquinas (January 28).
- Lectionary Readings:
-
Sponsored by The Upper Room daily devotional guide. Subscribe Today.
Copyright © 2009 The Upper Room | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA
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January 29th, 2009
Thursday’s Reflection
A LIVELY SET of spiritual practices is … crucial to becoming better friends with God. Spiritual teachers in the East and West point out the benefits of a steady diet of practice as the way to open up the soul to the Other. It’s hard to develop a friendship if you rarely spend time with your friend! Christian spiritual disciplines like lectio divina, examen, Bible study, spiritual reading, worship, and contemplative prayer afford us space to listen to our first and best Friend.
Conversational prayer throughout the day, as well as breath prayers and the repetition of the Jesus Prayer, increases our connection to a gracious God who is invisibly near. We remember Brother Lawrence, who turned to God throughout the day even in the most mundane of tasks. At first he had to bring conscious effort to an ongoing awareness of God’s presence, but over time it became a habit — the natural outgrowth of regular practice.
- Stephanie Ford
Kindred Souls: Connecting through Spiritual Friendship
From pp. 89-90 of Kindred Souls: Connecting through Spiritual Friendship by Stephanie Ford. Copyright © 2006 by Stephanie Ford. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission of Upper Room Books. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Scripture Reading
The people were amazed at [Jesus'] teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.
- Mark 1:22, NIV
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for all who need clothing, food or shelter. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Many Ways to Pray. Think of the Ignatian Method — named after Ignatius of Loyola — as a sort of virtual experience of the scripture where you read the scripture and then create in your mind a short film about what you read. Try the Ignatian Method.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Thomas Aquinas (January 28).
- Lectionary Readings:
-
Sponsored by The Upper Room daily devotional guide. Subscribe Today.
Copyright © 2009 The Upper Room | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA
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January 28th, 2009
Wednesday’s Reflection
GOD, YOU HAVE DONE so much for us — because of your love — but we who are so loved have done so little. We confess our desperate need for your love and protection. Forgive us. Free us to love you back.
- Darlene A. Moore
The Africana Worship Book: Year C
From page 152 of The Africana Worship Book: Year C, edited by Valerie Bridgeman Davis and Safiyah Fosua. Copyright © 2008 by Discipleship Resources. Used by permission. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Scripture Reading
Anyone who does not heed the words that the prophet shall speak in my name, I myself will hold accountable.
- Deuteronomy 18:19, NRSV
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for all who need clothing, food or shelter. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Many Ways to Pray. Think of the Ignatian Method — named after Ignatius of Loyola — as a sort of virtual experience of the scripture where you read the scripture and then create in your mind a short film about what you read. Try the Ignatian Method.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Thomas Aquinas (January 28).
- Lectionary Readings:
-
Sponsored by The Upper Room daily devotional guide. Subscribe Today.
Copyright © 2009 The Upper Room | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA
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January 27th, 2009
Tuesday’s Reflection
GOD KNOWS US and calls us by name. We are not strangers or aliens to God. We are each and all God’s beloved. We have as our lover the Creator and Master of all that exists. The One who calls us beloved is also the one who know us so intimately and well that even the number of hairs on our head is known.
- Rueben P. Job
A Guide to Prayer for All Who Seek God
From pp. 95-96 of A Guide to Prayer for All Who Seek God by Norman Shawchuck and Rueben P. Job. Copyright © 2003 by Norman Shawchuck and Rueben P. Job. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission of Upper Room Books. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Scripture Reading
Those who think they know something really don’t know as they ought to know. But the person who loves God is known by him.
- 1 Corinthians 8:2-3, GNT
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for all who need clothing, food or shelter. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Many Ways to Pray. Think of the Ignatian Method — named after Ignatius of Loyola — as a sort of virtual experience of the scripture where you read the scripture and then create in your mind a short film about what you read. Try the Ignatian Method.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Thomas Aquinas (January 28).
- Lectionary Readings:
-
Sponsored by The Upper Room daily devotional guide. Subscribe Today.
Copyright © 2009 The Upper Room | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA
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January 26th, 2009
Monday’s Reflection
GOD GIVES US FREE WILL, which means we have permission to do unwise things. God does not force wisdom on us if we choose not to ask but to move ahead impulsively on our own initiative.
- Flora Slosson Wuellner
Miracle: When Christ Touches Our Deepest Need
From p. 54 of Miracle by Flora Slosson Wuellner. Copyright © 2008 by the author. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Scripture Reading
It is true, of course, that “all of us have knowledge,” as they say. Such knowledge, however, puffs a person up with pride; but love builds up.
- 1 Corinthians 8:1, GNT
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for all who need clothing, food or shelter. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Many Ways to Pray. Think of the Ignatian Method — named after Ignatius of Loyola — as a sort of virtual experience of the scripture where you read the scripture and then create in your mind a short film about what you read. Try the Ignatian Method.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Thomas Aquinas (January 28).
- Lectionary Readings:
-
Sponsored by The Upper Room daily devotional guide. Subscribe Today.
Copyright © 2009 The Upper Room | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA
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January 25th, 2009
Sunday’s Reflection
WE DO NOT GATHER today to look good.
We do not gather today to see our friends.
We do not gather today to get all the answers
But we gather at your feet, lean on your lap and listen,
Waiting to hear how you dare us to move.
- Ciona Rouse
The Africana Worship Book: Year B
From page 146 of The Africana Worship Book: Year B, edited by Valerie Bridgeman Davis and Safiyah Fosua. Copyright © 2007 by Discipleship Resources. Used by permission. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Scripture Reading
As soon as Jesus saw [James and John], he called them; they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and went with Jesus.
- Mark 1:20, GNT
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for the leaders of nations. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Personalizing Scripture: Sometimes we can personalize a passage of scripture by placing our own name in it. Some passages lend themselves to becoming personal prayers as we make ourselves the recipients of God’s Word. Try the practice, Personalizing scripture.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Agnes (January 21).
- Lectionary Readings:
-
Sponsored by The Upper Room daily devotional guide. Subscribe Today.
Copyright © 2008 The Upper Room | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA
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January 24th, 2009
Saturday’s Reflection
OFFERING CARE to another is a work of peace, a work for peace. A certain kind of peace comes to the other simply in being remembered, in feeling connected to the larger Christian community. Indeed, you offer healing and grace-bearing peace.
- Stephanie Ford
Rhythm & Fire: Experiencing the Holy in Community and Solitude
From p. 123 of Rhythm & Fireedited by Jerry P. Haas and Cynthia Langston Kirk. Copyright © 2008 by Upper Room Books. All Rights Reserved. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Scripture Reading
One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving.
- Psalm 62:11-12, NIV
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for the leaders of nations. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Personalizing Scripture: Sometimes we can personalize a passage of scripture by placing our own name in it. Some passages lend themselves to becoming personal prayers as we make ourselves the recipients of God’s Word. Try the practice, Personalizing scripture.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Agnes (January 21).
- Lectionary Readings:
-
Sponsored by The Upper Room daily devotional guide. Subscribe Today.
Copyright © 2008 The Upper Room | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA
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January 23rd, 2009
Friday’s Reflection
O LORD JESUS, in this hour let me hear again your call, “Follow me.” My steps are prone to wander. Come therefore, I pray, and make your way clear before me. Amen.
- Rueben P. Job and Norman Shawchuck
A Guide to Prayer for All God’s People
From p. 65 of A Guide to Prayer for All God’s People by Rueben P. Job and Norman Shawchuck. Copyright © 1990 by The Upper Room. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Scripture Reading
Jesus said to [Simon and Andrew], “Come with me, and I will teach you to catch people.” At once they left their nets and went with him.
- Mark 1:17-18, GNT
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for the leaders of nations. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Personalizing Scripture: Sometimes we can personalize a passage of scripture by placing our own name in it. Some passages lend themselves to becoming personal prayers as we make ourselves the recipients of God’s Word. Try the practice, Personalizing scripture.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Agnes (January 21).
- Lectionary Readings:
-
Sponsored by The Upper Room daily devotional guide. Subscribe Today.
Copyright © 2008 The Upper Room | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA
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January 22nd, 2009
Thursday’s Reflection
GOD, YOU ARE AT THE CENTER of this. Or you are all about me. Or even though I cannot name how you are here at all, still you are. I cannot rush matters now. Where would I rush to? I cannot deny that I am completely at sea. The sea and the drifting are all I look upon, day to day. Yet somehow, by the thinnest of membranes, you keep me from sinking into the abyss. With your barely perceptible touch, you convey me, though I have no idea where. Through all of this uncertain movement, let my heart be toward you. Let me trust … and wait.
- Stephen V. Doughty
Weavings Journal
From pp. 19-20 of Weavings Journal, March/April 2001. Copyright © 2001 by The Upper Room. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this journal.
Today’s Scripture Reading
Trust in God at all times, my people. Tell him all your troubles, for he is our refuge.
- Psalm 62:8, GNT
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for the leaders of nations. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Personalizing Scripture: Sometimes we can personalize a passage of scripture by placing our own name in it. Some passages lend themselves to becoming personal prayers as we make ourselves the recipients of God’s Word. Try the practice, Personalizing scripture.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Agnes (January 21).
- Lectionary Readings:
-
Sponsored by The Upper Room daily devotional guide. Subscribe Today.
Copyright © 2008 The Upper Room | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA
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