Spiritual Dryness

 

Today’s Reflection

When we are forsaken by God we cannot possibly recover our former state of purity and delight by any groaning and efforts of our own; [we learn] our previous gladness of heart resulted not from our own earnestness but from God’s gift.

—John Cassian, edited by Keith Beasley-Topliffe, The Upper Room Spiritual Classics: Writings of John Cassian (Upper Room Books, 2017)

Save 15% on this week’s featured book when you use promo code NEM0726 at Store.UpperRoom.org.*

Today’s Question

Are you ever frustrated when your prayers and meditations on scripture seem pointless? How have you learned to continue even when it seems as if God has left the room? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from helping me, from the words of my groaning?
O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer;
and by night but find no rest.

—Psalm 22:1–2 (NRSVUE)

Prayer for the Week

O God of all good things, prepare my heart for your presence, align my spirit with your intentions, and make me pure and blameless in your sight. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.

Lectionary Readings

• Genesis 29:15-28
• Psalm 105:1-11, 45b or Psalm 128
• Romans 8:26-39
• Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

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 August 15, 2026.