March 31st, 2009
Tuesday’s Reflection
A COMMUNITY THAT PRAYS together begins to understand, deeply, the meaning of the statement “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). We really do have nothing to fear, nothing to be anxious about if Christ indeed lives in us.
- Daniel Wolpert
Leading a Life with God: The Practice of Spiritual Leadership
From p. 156 of Leading a Life with God by Daniel Wolpert. 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
What are your responses to today’s reflection? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture Reading
They brought the colt to Jesus, threw their cloaks over the animal, and Jesus got on.
- Mark 11:7, GNT
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for holy humor. Visit the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Lent is a time to search out the blocks in our lives — the habits, thoughts or patterns that weigh us down and deaden our hearts. Read For Lent, I Gave Up Being Good.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Martin Luther King Jr. (April 04).
- Lectionary Readings:
-
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Copyright © 2009 The Upper Room | PO Box 340004 | Nashville, TN 37203-0004 | USA
Posted in Daily Reflection | 11 Comments »
March 30th, 2009
Monday’s Reflection
JESUS KNEW that the healing of humanity required winning the battle from within the human condition. Healing could flow only through an entering into and a bearing of suffering and sin. When onlookers sneered, “He saved others; he cannot save himself,” they could not see that only because he had never thought of saving himself could anybody be saved at all. And those who shouted, “If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross” could not see that it was precisely because he was the Son of God that he would not come down from the cross.
- Peter Storey
Listening at Golgotha: Jesus’ Words from the Cross
From pp. 69-70 of Listening at Golgotha: Jesus’ Words from the Cross by Peter Storey. Copyright © 2004 by the author. Published by Upper Room Books. All Rights Reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
What are your responses to today’s reflection? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture Reading
Jesus said, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it.”
- Mark 11:2, NRSV
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for holy humor. Visit the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Lent is a time to search out the blocks in our lives — the habits, thoughts or patterns that weigh us down and deaden our hearts. Read For Lent, I Gave Up Being Good.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Martin Luther King Jr. (April 04).
- 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
Posted in Daily Reflection | 7 Comments »
March 29th, 2009
FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT
Sunday’s Reflection
MERCIFUL AND LOVING GOD,
I come seeking quiet communion with you.
In this place apart from confusion and stress,
grant me stillness of heart
and quietness in thy presence.
Amen.
- Rueben P. Job and Norman Shawchuck
A Guide to Prayer for All God’s People
From p. 159 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 Question
Tell us — Where is your “place apart from confusion and stress”? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture Reading
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.
- Psalm 51:10-11, NIV
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for art, music, sports. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Psalms has been called the prayer book of the Bible in both Jewish and Christian traditions. It is a collection of sung prayers that has been used in worship from the time of ancient Israel up to the present. Try Praying the Psalms.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Margaret Clitherow (March 25).
- 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
Posted in Daily Reflection | 13 Comments »
March 28th, 2009
Saturday’s Reflection
WHEN DEVELOPING a disciplined practice, one of the most valuable gifts we can give ourselves is gentleness. In everyday life, we tend to associate discipline with rigidity, rules, and consequences for misbehavior. Sometimes this kind of discipline is indeed necessary. However, we tend to downplay the equally important role of gentleness in making changes. Change requires a great deal of effort from anyone engaged in it, even if the change is positive. Change plunges a previously ordered system into temporary chaos, and chaos is stressful. Gentleness takes into account our effort and stress; treating ourselves gently is a way of offering encouragement and appreciation for the work being done.
- Sarah Parsons
A Clearing Season: Reflections for Lent
From p. 52 of A Clearing Season: Reflections for Len by Sarah Parsons. Copyright © 2005 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 — How are you at practicing the “discipline of gentleness”? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture Reading
Jesus said, “Anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you’ll have it forever, real and eternal.”
- John 12:25, THE MESSAGE
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for art, music, sports. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Psalms has been called the prayer book of the Bible in both Jewish and Christian traditions. It is a collection of sung prayers that has been used in worship from the time of ancient Israel up to the present. Try Praying the Psalms.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Margaret Clitherow (March 25).
- 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
Posted in Daily Reflection | 7 Comments »
March 27th, 2009
Friday’s Reflection
WITHIN THE ECONOMY of God’s grace,
nothing is ever wasted
and no one thrown away.
May you entrust yourself
and God’s creation
to the power and peace
of Christ’s recycling love.
- Sam Hamilton-Poore
Earth Gospel: A Guide to Prayer for God’s Creation
From p. 47 of Earth Gospel by Sam Hamilton-Poore. Copyright © 2008 by the author. Used with permission of Upper Room Books. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
Tell us your thoughts about today’s reflection. Join us in the comments area.
Today’s Scripture Reading
Having been made perfect, [Christ] became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.
- Hebrews 5:9, NRSV
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for art, music, sports. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Psalms has been called the prayer book of the Bible in both Jewish and Christian traditions. It is a collection of sung prayers that has been used in worship from the time of ancient Israel up to the present. Try Praying the Psalms.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Margaret Clitherow (March 25).
- 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
Posted in Daily Reflection | 11 Comments »
March 26th, 2009
Thursday’s Reflection
JESUS HIMSELF WAS A MIRACLE. More than what he did or said was what he was and is. That living presence still shows us supremely the heart and face of God. That gentle, loving touch still reaches through time and space to touch our deepest need.
Because Jesus is miracle, we too become miracles, living in God’s realm that Jesus called the kingdom. We do not have to die to enter God’s kingdom; it is already at work on earth — unfolding, expanding, healing, bringing new life. God’s kingdom is the realm in which daily miracles on all levels are a natural occurrence.
- Flora Slosson Wuellner
Miracle: When Christ Touches Our Deepest Need
From p. 92 of Miracle by Flora Slosson Wuellner. 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
Where do you see God’s kingdom already at work on earth? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture Reading
Jesus said, “I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
- John 12:32, NRSV
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for art, music, sports. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Psalms has been called the prayer book of the Bible in both Jewish and Christian traditions. It is a collection of sung prayers that has been used in worship from the time of ancient Israel up to the present. Try Praying the Psalms.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Margaret Clitherow (March 25).
- 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
Posted in Daily Reflection | 9 Comments »
March 25th, 2009
Wednesday’s Reflection
FINDING OURSELVES LOVED is not a morality tale. Receiving God’s love is not a matter of making ourselves better and proving ourselves dutiful. Those are all responses to love, but they are not love’s cause. Finding ourselves loved involves a journey of coming to ourselves and recognizing that love — and home — have been there all along.
- John Indermark
Hope: Our Longing for Home
From p. 84 of Hope: Our Longing for Home by John Indermark. Copyright © 2007 by the author. Used with permission of Upper Room Books. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
Do you remember a time before you knew you were loved by God? What caused you to recognize God’s love for you? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture Reading
Jesus said, “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be.”
- John 12:26, NIV
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for art, music, sports. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Psalms has been called the prayer book of the Bible in both Jewish and Christian traditions. It is a collection of sung prayers that has been used in worship from the time of ancient Israel up to the present. Try Praying the Psalms.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Margaret Clitherow (March 25).
- 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
Posted in Daily Reflection | 8 Comments »
March 24th, 2009
Tuesday’s Reflection
GOD WANTS TO ENTER into a conversational relationship with each of us. One way in which God shows this deep desire is by asking questions. They are the same questions that God asked the people of God throughout the Bible. When we start hearing them as addressed to us, we receive a glimpse into those things that God wants to talk about with us. Our answers draw us into a relationship of deeper sharing and intimacy with God.
- Trevor Hudson
Questions God Asks Us
From p. 12 of Questions God Asks Us by Trevor Hudson. 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 question is God asking you today? Tell us your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture Reading
Although [Jesus] was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.
- Hebrews 5:8, NRSV
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for art, music, sports. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Psalms has been called the prayer book of the Bible in both Jewish and Christian traditions. It is a collection of sung prayers that has been used in worship from the time of ancient Israel up to the present. Try Praying the Psalms.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Margaret Clitherow (March 25).
- 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
Posted in Daily Reflection | 16 Comments »
March 23rd, 2009
Monday’s Reflection
MARTIN LUTHER ENCOURAGED CHRISTIANS to pray through the Ten Commandments each day as a form of spiritual evaluation. Christians are to look at each commandment both positively and negatively: that is, the negative commandment not to steal leads to reflection on the positive virtue of giving; the positive commandment to honor our parents invites reflection on how we might have dishonored them. Using this framework, pray through each commandment [Deuteronomy 5:6-8, 11-12, 16-21]. Allow God time to speak to your heart about the positive and negative elements of each one. This will be an evaluative prayer, so have a pen handy in case God brings to mind someone with whom you need to set things right.
- Meeting God in Scripture: Entering the Old Testament
From p. 29 of Meeting God in Scripture: Entering the Old Testament , Participant’s workbook. Copyright © 2007 by Upper Room Books. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
Tell us — In what kind of spiritual evaluation (daily or otherwise) do you engage.? Share your answer.
Today’s Scripture Reading
The LORD says, “I will put my law within [the house of Israel], and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”
- Jeremiah 31:33, NRSV
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for art, music, sports. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Psalms has been called the prayer book of the Bible in both Jewish and Christian traditions. It is a collection of sung prayers that has been used in worship from the time of ancient Israel up to the present. Try Praying the Psalms.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Margaret Clitherow (March 25).
- 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
Posted in Daily Reflection | 16 Comments »
March 22nd, 2009
FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT
Sunday’s Reflection
SOMETIMES WHEN GOD asks us, “Where are you?” our response is, “I’m not completely sure. Psychologically as well as spiritually I’m disconnected from God. My life is filled — too full, in fact — with activities, even very positive activities. I’m too tired or too busy to feel prayerful or sensitive to God’s guidance.”
Sometimes we drift from God, to use an image from the book of Hebrews (2:1). You may know the feeling: your faith was once strong, but thanks to a variety of circumstances, you’ve changed and don’t really believe anymore. You’re not even sure God exists. Yet being spiritually empty may be a sign of God’s grace!
- Paul E. Stroble
You Gave Me a Wide Place: Holy Places in Our Lives
From p. 29 of You Gave Me a Wide Place: Holy Places in Our Lives by Paul E. Stroble. Copyright © 2006 by the author. 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
God asks, “Where are you?” What is your response? Share your answer in the comments.
Today’s Scripture Reading
Jesus said, “Those who believe in [the Son] are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”
- John 3:18, NRSV
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for missionaries and their communities. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Lent is traditionally a time for fasting. But fasting can concern things other than food. Try Creative Fasting.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Louisa Jaques (March 18).
- 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
Posted in Daily Reflection | 12 Comments »
