July 31st, 2009
Friday’s Reflection
FROM THE FIRST MOMENTS of creation
God’s intention was
that we would stop on a regular basis
for rest and renewal.
- Nancy Ferguson
Retreats for Renewal: 5 Models for Intergenerational Weekends
From p. 10 of Retreats for Renewal: 5 Models for Intergenerational Weekends by Nancy Ferguson. Copyright © 2008 by Discipleship Resources. All Rights Reserved. Used with permission. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
What are the ways you rest and renew your spirit? Share your reflections.
Today’s Scripture Reading
The psalmist prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.”
- Psalm 51:10, NRSV
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for those who do not have enough. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Looking for clarity? Learn the Quaker way of the Clearness Committee to help with making tough decisions. Try it out.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Ignatius of Loyola (July 31).
- 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 »
July 30th, 2009
Thursday’s Reflection
IT IS NECESSARY for you to say in that daily prayer of cleansing, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” What will you do? You have enemies, for who can live on this earth without them? For your own sake, love them. In no way can your enemies so hurt you by their violence as you hurt yourself if you do not love them. … Why are you forever trailing your heart along the earth? Lift up your heart, reach forward, love your enemies.
- Augustine
Hungering for God
From pp. 75-77 of Hungering for God: Selected Writings of Augustine edited by Keith Beasley-Topliffe. Copyright © 1997 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 — what are your learning, challenges, and victories regarding forgiveness? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture Reading
“I have sinned against the Lord,” David said. Nathan replied, “The Lord forgives you; you will not die.”
- 2 Samuel 12:13, GNT
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for those who do not have enough. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Looking for clarity? Learn the Quaker way of the Clearness Committee to help with making tough decisions. Try it out.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Ignatius of Loyola (July 31).
- 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 »
July 29th, 2009
Wednesday’s Reflection
“I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS.” This is the eternal source of our daily life of prayer. This is no technique. We are in deep waters of the most intimate of all possible relationships that flow to us — forever fresh and new — from minute to minute. And, as with all that lives, our relationship with the ultimate Person is organic, open-ended, unexpected, asymmetrical, and unfolding.
- Flora Slosson Wuellner
Feed My Shepherds:
Spiritual Healing and Renewal for Those in Christian Leadership
From Feed My Shepherds, by Flora Slosson Wuellner. Copyright © 1998 by the author. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
What is the source of your daily life in prayer? Share your reflections.
Today’s Scripture Reading
God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love.
- Ephesians 4:15, THE MESSAGE
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for those who do not have enough. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Looking for clarity? Learn the Quaker way of the Clearness Committee to help with making tough decisions. Try it out.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Ignatius of Loyola (July 31).
- 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 | 6 Comments »
July 28th, 2009
Tuesday’s Reflection
CHALLENGE BY CHALLENGE, we can let the image of God within us be provoked into a growing-up process. We may deliberately choose a challenge to work on or have one thrust at us by life circumstances. What will the next challenge be? Trying to serve God rather than mammon (Luke 16:13)? Learning to say no when we need to and yes when that response is called for (Matt. 5:37)? Speaking face-to-face, alone, with someone who has offended us (Matt. 18:15)? Taking time to go “into thy closet” to pray in secret (Matt. 6:6, KJV)? Developing a gift we’ve been given (Luke 8:18)? Forgiving someone from our heart (Matt. 18:35)? Reaching out beyond our own comfortable group (Matt. 5:47)? Taking up our cross — for example, being willing to speak up against oppression in a situation where we can make a difference even though it may be risky (Luke 14:27)?
- Robert Corin Morris
Wrestling with Grace: A Spirituality for the Rough Edges of Daily Life
From p. 57 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
How are you “growing up” in your spiritual life? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture Reading
God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love.
- Ephesians 4:15, THE MESSAGE
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for those who do not have enough. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Looking for clarity? Learn the Quaker way of the Clearness Committee to help with making tough decisions. Try it out.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Ignatius of Loyola (July 31).
- 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 | 6 Comments »
July 27th, 2009
Monday’s Reflection
SHOULD WE PRAY for the healing of someone whom doctors have diagnosed as suffering from a terminal disease or injury? Of course. You can’t help doing so if you love that person. Your real prayer is not words or thoughts; it is the cry of your heart. … Jesus’ directive to us is that we pray always and never give up.
- E. Glenn Hinson
“Not Giving Up”
Weavings
From p 14 of Weavings Journal, July/August 2007. Copyright © 2007 by The Upper Room. Used by permission. All Rights Reserved. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this journal.
Today’s Question
Who is needing a prayer reflecting the cry of your heart? Share your heart and pray for another.
Today’s Scripture Reading
David had [Bathsheba] brought to the palace; she became his wife and bore him a son. But the Lord was not pleased with what David had done.
- 2 Samuel 11:27, GNT
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for those who do not have enough. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Looking for clarity? Learn the Quaker way of the Clearness Committee to help with making tough decisions. Try it out.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Ignatius of Loyola (July 31).
- 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 | 19 Comments »
July 26th, 2009
Sunday’s Reflection
I HAVE HEARD the Divine whisper, “Trevor, you are God’s beloved.” Many times since that night I’ve needed to open a little gap in my heart and say again, “Spirit of God, whisper to me and tell me who I am.”
- Trevor Hudson
The Way of Transforming Discipleship
From p. 25 of The Way of Transforming Discipleship by Trevor Hudson and Stephen D. Bryant. Copyright © 2005 Upper Room Books. Used by 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
May you come to know [Christ's] love–although it can never be fully known–and so be completely filled with the very nature of God.
- Ephesians 3:19, GNT
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for all who travel and all who provide hospitality. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Wanting to go deeper into the spiritual life? Read How to Have a Daily Devotional Time.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Mary Magdalene (July 22).
- 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 »
July 25th, 2009
Saturday’s Reflection
ALL PRAYER BEGINS with God.
The Creator does not wait passively
for us to come with our prayers;
rather, our prayers are
a response to divine love.
- Jane E. Vennard with Stephen D. Bryant
The Way of Prayer
From p. 21 of The Way of Prayer, Participant’s Book by Jane E. Vennard with Stephen D. Bryant. Copyright © 2006 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
Today’s author talks about prayer being a response to divine love. Has this been true for you? How has your experience been different? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture Reading
When the people saw the sign that [Jesus] had done, they began to say, “This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world.”
- John 6:14, NRSV
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for all who travel and all who provide hospitality. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Wanting to go deeper into the spiritual life? Read How to Have a Daily Devotional Time.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Mary Magdalene (July 22).
- 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 | 4 Comments »
July 24th, 2009
Friday’s Reflection
ONLY THOSE WHO GO into the travail of today, bearing a seed within them, a seed of awareness of the heavenly dimensions of humanity, can return in joy. Where this seed of divine awareness is quickened and grows, there Calvary is enacted again in joy. And Calvary is still the hope of the world. Each one of us has the seed of Christ within. In each of us the amazing and the dangerous seed of Christ is present. It is only a seed. It is very small, like the grain of mustard seed. The Christ that is formed in us is small indeed, but He is great with eternity.
But if we dare to take this awakened seed of Christ into the midst of the world’s suffering, it will grow. … In you is this seed. Do you not feel its quickening Life? Then, small though this seed be in you, sow your life into the furrows of the world’s suffering, and you will return in joy, and the world will arise in hope.
- Thomas Kelly
The Sanctuary of the Soul
From pp. 57-58 of The Sanctuary of the Soul: Selected Writings of Thomas Kelly, edited by Keith Beasley-Topliffe. Copyright © 1997 by Upper Room Books. Used by permission. All Rights Reserved. http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
Share your reflections on today’s quote. Visit the comments.
Today’s Scripture Reading
From the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets.
- John 6:13, NRSV
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for all who travel and all who provide hospitality. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Wanting to go deeper into the spiritual life? Read How to Have a Daily Devotional Time.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Mary Magdalene (July 22).
- 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 | 3 Comments »
July 23rd, 2009
Thursday’s Reflection
HEEDING THE EXAMPLE of Jesus to do what is in our power to do means that we need to worry less about what happens to us and more about what happens because of us. Being a source of healing means exercising our capacity to love. Love is within our power. In the act of loving unselfishly we touch that part of God’s spirit within us. Touching this love is healing for both us and for those to whom we reach out.
- Christopher Maricle
The Jesus Priorities: 8 Essential Habits
From p. 31 of The Jesus Priorities by Christopher Maricle. Copyright © 2007 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
Recently, how have you “exercised your capacity to love”? Share your reflections.
Today’s Scripture Reading
Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted.
- John 6:11, NRSV
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for all who travel and all who provide hospitality. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Wanting to go deeper into the spiritual life? Read How to Have a Daily Devotional Time.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Mary Magdalene (July 22).
- 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 | 10 Comments »
July 22nd, 2009
Wednesday’s Reflection
ONE OF THE GREATEST OBSTACLES facing us on the road to spiritual formation is our lack of appreciation for our infinite worth in the eyes of God. No matter what faults and failings may hamper us on our way home to our Father’s house, God loves and forgives and welcomes us.
- Meeting God in Scripture: Entering the New Testament
From p. 74 of Meeting God in Scripture: Entering the New Testament , Participant’s workbook. Copyright © 2008 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
What does it mean to you to know that your home is in God? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture Reading
I pray that Christ will make his home in your hearts through faith. I pray that you may have your roots and foundation in love.
- Ephesians 3:17, GNT
This Week …
- Special Need:
- This Week: Pray for all who travel and all who provide hospitality. Add your prayer to the Prayer Wall.
- Tips for Your Spirit:
- Wanting to go deeper into the spiritual life? Read How to Have a Daily Devotional Time.
- Saints, Inc.:
- This week we remember Mary Magdalene (July 22).
- 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 »
