Today’s Reflection

He’s got nothing left. But the powerful thing is he is still calling upon God. He doesn’t let the lack of response keep him from going to God in prayer.

—Gabby Cudjoe-Wilkes and Andrew Wilkes, Psalms for Black Lives: Reflections for the Work of Liberation (Upper Room Books, 2022)

Save 15% on this week’s featured book when you use promo code NEM0626 at Store.UpperRoom.org.*

Today’s Question

When is the last time you felt low like this? How did you cope? How did you recover? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

But I, O Lord, cry out to you;
in the morning my prayer comes before you.
O Lord, why do you cast me off?
Why do you hide your face from me?

—Psalm 88:13–14 (NRSVUE)

Prayer for the Week

O God, hear our laments, our praises, and our questions. They come from our hearts, and we know that you tenderly care for each of them. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Lectionary Readings

• Genesis 12:1-9
• Psalm 50:7-15
• Romans 4:13-25
• Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26

Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.

Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.

*Offer valid through July 15, 2026.

Today’s Reflection

Ancestors are connectors. They unfold a bridge toward us, connecting our faltering belief to a more ancient faith, granting access to a tradition wider than our own interests, and rooting us in identities stronger than the powers and principalities seeking to crush us.

—Gabby Cudjoe-Wilkes and Andrew Wilkes, Psalms for Black Lives: Reflections for the Work of Liberation (Upper Room Books, 2022)

Save 15% on this week’s featured book when you use promo code NEM0626 at Store.UpperRoom.org.*

Today’s Question

What ancestors or historical figures seem larger than life to you? Who are the folks you think of when you tell yourself, “I could never do that!”? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

We have heard with our ears, O God;
our ancestors have told us
what deeds you performed in their days,
in the days of old:
you with your own hand drove out the nations,
but them you planted;
you afflicted the peoples,
but them you set free.

—Psalm 44:1–2 (NRSVUE)

Prayer for the Week

O God, hear our laments, our praises, and our questions. They come from our hearts, and we know that you tenderly care for each of them. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Lectionary Readings

• Genesis 12:1-9
• Psalm 50:7-15
• Romans 4:13-25
• Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26

Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.

Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.

*Offer valid through July 15, 2026.

Today’s Reflection

Entrusting our thoughts and intentions to the Lord . . . is simultaneously a humbling and empowering practice. Humbling because we desire God’s acceptance of our speech. Empowering because the one from whom we seek approval is our Strength.

—Gabby Cudjoe-Wilkes and Andrew Wilkes, Psalms for Black Lives: Reflections for the Work of Liberation (Upper Room Books, 2022)

Save 15% on this week’s featured book when you use promo code NEM0626 at Store.UpperRoom.org.*

Today’s Question

What does it look like for your very existence to bring glory to God? How are you already doing that now? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

—Psalm 19:14 (NRSVUE)

Prayer for the Week

O God, hear our laments, our praises, and our questions. They come from our hearts, and we know that you tenderly care for each of them. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Lectionary Readings

• Genesis 12:1-9
• Psalm 50:7-15
• Romans 4:13-25
• Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26

Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.

Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.

*Offer valid through July 15, 2026.

Today’s Reflection

In hard times, our experiences stir up doubts about whether God truly cares for us, but here we are reminded about the good news that the divine pledge of hesed, of loving-kindness for humanity and all creation, is ever-present.

—Gabby Cudjoe-Wilkes and Andrew Wilkes, Psalms for Black Lives: Reflections for the Work of Liberation (Upper Room Books, 2022)

Save 15% on this week’s featured book when you use promo code NEM0626 at Store.UpperRoom.org.*

Today’s Question

What would it look like to embody inclusive gladness, big enough to incorporate days that are entirely joyful as well as days shot through with pain, suffering, and institutional sin? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Out of my distress I called on the Lord;
the Lord answered me and set me in a broad place.
With the Lord on my side I do not fear.
What can mortals do to me?

—Psalm 118:6–5 (NRSVUE)

Prayer for the Week

O God, hear our laments, our praises, and our questions. They come from our hearts, and we know that you tenderly care for each of them. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Lectionary Readings

• Genesis 12:1-9
• Psalm 50:7-15
• Romans 4:13-25
• Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26

Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.

Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.

*Offer valid through July 15, 2026.

Today’s Reflection

Hope and confidence nudge us to ask an urgent question: “How much do we really trust God?” . . . If we choose, today, we can put our dreams, relationships, jobs, prayers, and our very lives, underneath God’s more than capable care.

—Gabby Cudjoe-Wilkes and Andrew Wilkes, Psalms for Black Lives: Reflections for the Work of Liberation (Upper Room Books, 2022)

Save 15% on this week’s featured book when you use promo code NEM0626 at Store.UpperRoom.org.*

Today’s Question

How can we build our trust in God to intervene, both directly and through human action, to repair policy legacies of racial inequality and cultural patterns of anti-blackness? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

I wait for the Lord; my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
my soul waits for the Lord
more than those who watch for the morning,
more than those who watch for the morning.

—Psalm 30:5–6 (NRSVUE)

Prayer for the Week

O God, hear our laments, our praises, and our questions. They come from our hearts, and we know that you tenderly care for each of them. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Lectionary Readings

• Genesis 12:1-9
• Psalm 50:7-15
• Romans 4:13-25
• Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26

Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.

Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.

*Offer valid through July 15, 2026.

Today’s Reflection

In truth, each of us has the capacity to be wicked. Each of us has the capacity to turn on those we love, to seek what we desire regardless of how it affects others.

—Gabby Cudjoe-Wilkes and Andrew Wilkes, Psalms for Black Lives: Reflections for the Work of Liberation (Upper Room Books, 2022)

Save 15% on this week’s featured book when you use promo code NEM0626 at Store.UpperRoom.org.*

Today’s Question

How does the Psalm suggest we combat our own tendency toward wickedness? How will you follow the Psalm’s advice today? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Happy are those
who do not follow the advice of the wicked
or take the path that sinners tread
or sit in the seat of scoffers,
but their delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law they meditate day and night.

—Psalm 1:1–2 (NRSVUE)

Prayer for the Week

O God, hear our laments, our praises, and our questions. They come from our hearts, and we know that you tenderly care for each of them. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Lectionary Readings

• Genesis 12:1-9
• Psalm 50:7-15
• Romans 4:13-25
• Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26

Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.

Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.

*Offer valid through July 15, 2026.

Today’s Reflection

Yes, through the reception of the Holy Spirit, even the most insignificant of people could enter for the first time into joy of fellowship with God.

—Edited by Keith Beasley-Topliffe, The Upper Room Spiritual Classics: Writings of Toyohiko Kagawa (Upper Room Books, 2017)

Save 15% on this week’s featured book when you use promo code NEM0526 at Store.UpperRoom.org.*

Today’s Question

Has your life ever felt insignificant? How has the Holy Spirit brought you joy despite these feelings? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

‘You have made known to me the ways of life;
you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’

—Acts 2:28 NRSVUE

Prayer for the Week

God, let your Holy Spirit live in me so I can view the world from your perspective. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Lectionary Readings

Trinity Sunday

• Genesis 1:1-2:4a
• Psalm 8
• 2 Corinthians 13:11-13
• Matthew 28:16-20

Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.

Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.

*Offer valid through June 15, 2026.

Today’s Reflection

When there is love of the whole consciousness, it wants to save even those who are opposed to one. And an ethical love does not produce an atoning love. Therefore a love of the entire consciousness is of the consciousness of Christ.

—Edited by Keith Beasley-Topliffe, The Upper Room Spiritual Classics: Writings of Toyohiko Kagawa (Upper Room Books, 2017)

Save 15% on this week’s featured book when you use promo code NEM0526 at Store.UpperRoom.org.*

Today’s Question

Do you make decisions based on human ethics or God’s love? Where do each of these paths lead? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
—Matthew 5:43–44 NRSVUE

Prayer for the Week

God, let your Holy Spirit live in me so I can view the world from your perspective. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Lectionary Readings

Trinity Sunday

• Genesis 1:1-2:4a
• Psalm 8
• 2 Corinthians 13:11-13
• Matthew 28:16-20

Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.

Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.

*Offer valid through June 15, 2026.

Today’s Reflection

Before receiving the Spirit, one is accustomed to think relatively, comparing one person with another; afterward one thinks from God’s standpoint. . . . [Christians] think of the work of God, and with the feelings of God think of God’s universe.

—Edited by Keith Beasley-Topliffe, The Upper Room Spiritual Classics: Writings of Toyohiko Kagawa (Upper Room Books, 2017)

Save 15% on this week’s featured book when you use promo code NEM0526 at Store.UpperRoom.org.*

Today’s Question

Who have you judged using human standards? How does God view that person? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.
—Matthew 5:45 NRSVUE

Prayer for the Week

God, let your Holy Spirit live in me so I can view the world from your perspective. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Lectionary Readings

Trinity Sunday

• Genesis 1:1-2:4a
• Psalm 8
• 2 Corinthians 13:11-13
• Matthew 28:16-20

Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.

Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.

*Offer valid through June 15, 2026.

Today’s Reflection

The Holy Spirit is not the mere power of God. By receiving him, one enters into the life of God. Through him, one stands in the position of God and revises one’s thoughts about everything.

—Edited by Keith Beasley-Topliffe, The Upper Room Spiritual Classics: Writings of Toyohiko Kagawa (Upper Room Books, 2017)

Save 15% on this week’s featured book when you use promo code NEM0526 at Store.UpperRoom.org.*

Today’s Question

Has God ever revised your thoughts about something? What have you changed your mind about because of God? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

For our sake God made the one who knew no sin to be sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
—2 Corinthians 5:21 NRSVUE

Prayer for the Week

God, let your Holy Spirit live in me so I can view the world from your perspective. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Lectionary Readings

Trinity Sunday

• Genesis 1:1-2:4a
• Psalm 8
• 2 Corinthians 13:11-13
• Matthew 28:16-20

Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.

Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.

*Offer valid through June 15, 2026.