Today’s Reflection
The God of creation decides to place all God-self in a finite, carbon-based life-form: a body. God’s best move — and a crazy intentional one at that — was to inhabit a body in order to demonstrate God’s love, character, and work in the world. This act is the crux of our faith. Bodies are important to God. But how can we grasp the meaning of a fully embodied God when we don’t know how to be fully embodied ourselves?
—Hannah E. Shanks, This is My Body (Fresh Air Books, 2018)
Today’s Question
How might knowing that bodies are important to God change the way we care for ourselves and others? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
—John 1:14 (NIV)
Prayer for the Week
Loving Creator, you have made us — fearfully and wonderfully — in your image. Help us embrace our bodies, just as they are, without hesitation or shame. May we see your glory reflected in ourselves and in others. May we know that we are enough. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
In the Santuary of Women, by Jan Richardson, highlights six women from scripture and history and invites us to discover what their lives tell us about God. Come spend some time in the sanctuary of women. Learn more.
Lectionary Readings
- Acts 9:36-43
- Psalm 23
- Revelation 7:9-17
- John 10:22-30
Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.