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Reaching In, Reaching Up, Reaching Out: The Spiritual Work of Overcoming Racism
“And I must say tonight that a riot is the language of the unheard. And what Read More
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Cintia Listenbee | Read Psalm 51:1-12
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Sign Up TodayI grew up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. My family’s relatives lived in a state less humid than Rio, and part of the wonder of our childhood was the number of showers our relatives took when they visited—five per day to be exact. We did not have air-conditioning, and we...
God, you desire truth in the inward being, so I come to you in transparency and humility asking for forgiveness. Restore to me the joy of your salvation. Amen.
David thinks he has gotten away with adultery and murder, but God sends Nathan to tell David a story. The story angers David, but Nathan reveals that the story is really about David’s own sin. Indeed, it can be tempting to condemn others’ sin, while we justify our own sin. Psalm 51 is David’s appeal to God for forgiveness and restoration. If we want to please God in our own lives, what does this look like? Ephesians tells us that the signs of a redeemed life include humility, love, patience, and building up one another (the opposite of what David displayed). In John, Jesus has crowds following him because they want a free meal. The lasting nourishment they truly need, Jesus teaches, comes through believing that God has sent him.
• Read 2 Samuel 11:26–12:13a. The Lord has put away your sins. How has God’s forgiveness changed your life?
• Read Psalm 51:1-12. When have you felt “unclean” before God? How did God restore you?
• Read Ephesians 4:1-16. Who has been essential in your walk with Christ?
• Read John 6:24-35. God’s presence in our lives is as important as food. How do you feed your soul?
Respond by posting a prayer.
Joining friends at The Upper Room in morning prayer on Facebook Live has been an anchor in the storm during recent weeks. In the chaos of trying to figure out how to do ministry in strange and uncertain times, it was a compelling call to stop, breathe, listen, and be in community with those who gather "where the world meets to pray." Join us each day for morning prayer.
