Today’s Reflection

There is deep hunger in us for peace, a deep thirst for what water is and means. All of us need and desire a holy bathing and in that same holy water, to be washed clean of the world and its warring.

—Thomas R. Steagald, A House of Prayer: The Power of Praying in Community (Upper Room Books, 2014)

This week’s featured book is now 75% off on our online store. Shop dozens of popular titles now on sale at Store.UpperRoom.org/sale.*

Today’s Question

What do you need to be washed clean of? What does our society need to be washed clean of? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

“I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandal.”
—John 1:26–27 (NRSVUE)

Prayer for the Week

God who brings all life into being, we thank you for all the good that you bring into this world. Even when we fear scarcity and death, we know that your abundance is coming. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Lectionary Readings

• Exodus 1:8-2:10
• Psalm 124
• Romans 12:1-8
• Matthew 16:13-20

Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.

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

*Offer valid while supplies last.

Today’s Reflection

We live in community, and although we may think that we are the only ones with our kind of trouble, we will be surprised to find [others]. Giving to others may be an answer to their prayer.

—Wessel Bentley, Facing Financial Struggle: 28 Days of Prayer (Upper Room Books, 2010)

This week’s featured book is now 75% off on our online store. Shop dozens of popular titles now on sale at Store.UpperRoom.org/sale.*

Today’s Question

When has God answered your prayers through other’s generosity? How can you be someone’s answer to prayer today? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.
—Luke 14:13 (NRSVUE)

Prayer for the Week

God of abundance, you provide us with so many good things. Let us be good stewards of our resources so that we can not only have a taste of your abundance, but share it with others. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Lectionary Readings

• Genesis 45:1-15
• Psalm 133
• Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
• Matthew 15: (10-20), 21-28

Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.

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

*Offer valid while supplies last.

Today’s Reflection

If we become obsessed with having more money, we may soon lose the true wealth in our lives—relationships with loved ones, spirituality, hobbies and interests. We may even lose our lives.

—Wessel Bentley, Facing Financial Struggle: 28 Days of Prayer (Upper Room Books, 2010)

This week’s featured book is now 75% off on our online store. Shop dozens of popular titles now on sale at Store.UpperRoom.org/sale.*

Today’s Question

Have you ever dreamed of wealth? What are some better dreams you have replaced this desire with? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.
—1 Timothy 6:9 (NRSVUE)

Prayer for the Week

God of abundance, you provide us with so many good things. Let us be good stewards of our resources so that we can not only have a taste of your abundance, but share it with others. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Lectionary Readings

• Genesis 45:1-15
• Psalm 133
• Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
• Matthew 15: (10-20), 21-28

Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.

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

*Offer valid while supplies last.

Today’s Reflection

[The Bible teaches] us two lessons about using our resources. The first is to use our resources carefully so that our needs are met. The second is that when there is abundance, we should share it with others.

—Wessel Bentley, Facing Financial Struggle: 28 Days of Prayer (Upper Room Books, 2010)

This week’s featured book is now 75% off on our online store. Shop dozens of popular titles now on sale at Store.UpperRoom.org/sale.*

Today’s Question

What resources do you have an abundance of? Who do you know who has little? Share your abundance with them this week. Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

At mealtime Boaz said to her, “Come here and eat some of this bread and dip your morsel in the sour wine.” So she sat beside the reapers, and he heaped up for her some parched grain. She ate until she was satisfied, and she had some left over.
—Ruth 2:14 (NRSVUE)

Prayer for the Week

God of abundance, you provide us with so many good things. Let us be good stewards of our resources so that we can not only have a taste of your abundance, but share it with others. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Lectionary Readings

• Genesis 45:1-15
• Psalm 133
• Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
• Matthew 15: (10-20), 21-28

Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.

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

*Offer valid while supplies last.

Today’s Reflection

Follow the example of the healed leper who chose to give thanks for what had happened in his life. Giving thanks . . . opens our eyes to the fact that a lot more goes on in our lives than we may think.

—Wessel Bentley, Facing Financial Struggle: 28 Days of Prayer (Upper Room Books, 2010)

This week’s featured book is now 75% off on our online store. Shop dozens of popular titles now on sale at Store.UpperRoom.org/sale.*

Today’s Question

What gifts have God given you this week? Take a moment to thank God for the good things you have been given. Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus’s feet and thanked him.
—Luke 17:15–16 (NRSVUE)

Prayer for the Week

God of abundance, you provide us with so many good things. Let us be good stewards of our resources so that we can not only have a taste of your abundance, but share it with others. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Lectionary Readings

• Genesis 45:1-15
• Psalm 133
• Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
• Matthew 15: (10-20), 21-28

Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.

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

*Offer valid while supplies last.

Today’s Reflection

Part of planning one’s finances better involves the inner journey whereby we have to ask ourselves some very pointed questions: “What do I chase after?” “What dominates my thinking?” “What causes my greatest fear and anxiety?”

—Wessel Bentley, Facing Financial Struggle: 28 Days of Prayer (Upper Room Books, 2010)

This week’s featured book is now 75% off on our online store. Shop dozens of popular titles now on sale at Store.UpperRoom.org/sale.*

Today’s Question

How can you practice contentment today? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Of course, there is great gain in godliness combined with contentment.
—1 Timothy 6:6 (NRSVUE)

Prayer for the Week

God of abundance, you provide us with so many good things. Let us be good stewards of our resources so that we can not only have a taste of your abundance, but share it with others. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Lectionary Readings

• Genesis 45:1-15
• Psalm 133
• Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
• Matthew 15: (10-20), 21-28

Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.

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

*Offer valid while supplies last.

Today’s Reflection

God is still God. When our worry turns to panic, our natural response is to try to take control. However, it is comforting to know that one greater than ourselves loves us and takes care of our needs.

—Wessel Bentley, Facing Financial Struggle: 28 Days of Prayer (Upper Room Books, 2010)

This week’s featured book is now 75% off on our online store. Shop dozens of popular titles now on sale at Store.UpperRoom.org/sale.*

Today’s Question

How has worry harmed or helped you in the past? Bring your current worries to God. Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to your span of life?
—Matthew 6:25:27 (NRSVUE)

Prayer for the Week

God of abundance, you provide us with so many good things. Let us be good stewards of our resources so that we can not only have a taste of your abundance, but share it with others. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Lectionary Readings

• Genesis 45:1-15
• Psalm 133
• Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
• Matthew 15: (10-20), 21-28

Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.

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

*Offer valid while supplies last.

Today’s Reflection

Guilt, like shame, seems to drain us, imprison us, and keep us away from any meaningful conversation with God. Why not try to bring your feelings of guilt to God?

—Wessel Bentley, Facing Financial Struggle: 28 Days of Prayer (Upper Room Books, 2010)

This week’s featured book is now 75% off on our online store. Shop dozens of popular titles now on sale at Store.UpperRoom.org/sale.*

Today’s Question

What do you feel guilty about? Take a moment to share those feelings with God. Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

The Lord will keep you from all evil;
he will keep your life.
The Lord will keep
your going out and your coming in
from this time on and forevermore.

—Psalm 121:7–8 (NRSVUE)

Prayer for the Week

God of abundance, you provide us with so many good things. Let us be good stewards of our resources so that we can not only have a taste of your abundance, but share it with others. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Lectionary Readings

• Genesis 45:1-15
• Psalm 133
• Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
• Matthew 15: (10-20), 21-28

Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.

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

*Offer valid while supplies last.

Today’s Reflection

The first step to recognizing and releasing our attachments is to notice them. We need to become skilled at noticing when attachments are holding us back. And that means paying attention. In particular, we can notice our feelings and thoughts.

—L. Roger Owens, Everyday Contemplative: The Way of Prayerful Living (Upper Room Books, 2022)

Save 15% on this week’s featured book when you use promo code NEM0826  at Store.UpperRoom.org.*

Today’s Question

What thoughts and feelings are you most attached to in this life? What is one step you can take to loosen your attachment to that and grow closer to God instead? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for he himself has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”
—Hebrews 13:5 (NRSVUE)

Prayer for the Week

God, I want to grow closer to you. Move my attention toward you and away from all distractions. I simply want to be in your presence. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Lectionary Readings

• Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28
• Psalm 105: 1-6, 16-22, 45b
• Romans 10:5-15
• Matthew 14:22-33

Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.

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

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Today’s Reflection

Again and again, Jesus—through his words and deeds—erased the dividing lines of judgement set up by religion and culture and welcomed the judged into fellowship with himself and, through himself, with God.

—L. Roger Owens, Everyday Contemplative: The Way of Prayerful Living (Upper Room Books, 2022)

Save 15% on this week’s featured book when you use promo code NEM0826  at Store.UpperRoom.org.*

Today’s Question

How can you show curiosity the next time you feel the temptation to judge others? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
—Luke 23:34 (NRSVUE)

Prayer for the Week

God, I want to grow closer to you. Move my attention toward you and away from all distractions. I simply want to be in your presence. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Lectionary Readings

• Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28
• Psalm 105: 1-6, 16-22, 45b
• Romans 10:5-15
• Matthew 14:22-33

Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.

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

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