Thanks in Every Circumstance

 

Today’s Reflection

We rarely highlight this remarkable fact: that in the face of the hungry crowd, Jesus took what was handed to him and gave thanks for it.

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

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Today’s Question

Do you have the courage to give thanks even when what you have doesn’t seem like it will be enough? Join the conversation.

Today’s Scripture

Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and blessed and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.
—Matthew 14:19 (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.

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