Simple Insights

August 27, 2018 by Dr. Lallene Rector (TUR)

Read what Dr. Lallene Rector, the President of Garrett Evangelical Seminary in Evanston, Illinois had to say about The Upper Room in the July issue of Aware magazine. 


"Last spring, I had an opportunity to visit a field educator class session here and share some of my thoughts about leadership. There, I “outed” my delight in reading the daily Bible texts, the personal reflections of United Methodists from around the world, and then taking up the prayer focus for the day – all so nicely provided in one small page of The Upper Room devotional booklet. I am aware that some turn away from this little unassuming piece, perhaps because it does not appear to be a sophisticated theological resource. I, too, was dismissive at an earlier time in my life.

However, I have returned to it in recent years and find that the “simple” insights from a range of persons, clergy and lay, call me to broaden and deepen my concern for creation and for all manner of persons in all kinds of situations. In order to meaningfully intercede for them, I have to intentionally consider the nature of their lives, their joys, and their sorrows: bus drivers, window washers, those recovering from a stroke, hikers, farmers, frightened children, immigrants, etc. Among other things this practice has led me to look more deliberately for what God is doing in the world."

Dr. Lallene Rector is the President of Garrett Evangelical Seminary in Evanston, Illinois.


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