Today’s Reflection
If I had known that day was going to be your last, I would have fought through the sobs to tell you one last time how much I loved being your wife and best friend in this earthly life.
—Missy Buchanan, Feeling Your Way Through Grief: A Companion for Life After Loss (Upper Room Books, 2024)
Save 15% on this week’s featured book when you use promo code NEM0726 at Store.UpperRoom.org.*
Today’s Question
How would you complete the sentence: If I had known . . . ? [question from Feeling Your Way Through Grief by Missy Buchanan] Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
[God] will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.
—Revelations 21:4 (NIV)
Prayer for the Week
O God, let me feel your presence in the darkness of my grief. Be with me in the silence; be with me when I weep; be with me as I find a way forward. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
“It was a blessing to personally witness the love between Missy and her beloved husband Barry,” reflects Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts. “The bond they experienced is apparent in Missy’s latest book and is a safe place for readers to explore their deepest emotions.”
Missy Buchanan’s bestselling book, Feeling Your Way Through Grief, is now also available in Spanish.
Lectionary Readings
- Genesis 32:22-31
- Psalm 17:1-7, 15
- Romans 9:1-5
- Matthew 14:13-21
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.

