Today’s Reflection
I became aware that there is no way for me to be a Christian without my body. It was my body that moved through that sanctuary, my body that sang the longing, penitential hymns, and my body that watched as candles flickered on the altar table.
—Anne Cumings, My Body Is Good: Giving Up Diet Culture and Embracing Body Positivity for Lent (Upper Room Books, 2022)
Today’s Question
Why do you think so many of the church’s rituals involve bodily gestures such as bowing, kneeling, reaching out for Communion, etc.? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
After taking the bread and giving thanks, [Jesus] broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
—Luke 22:19 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
God of new beginnings, help me to
acknowledge, perhaps for the first time,
the beliefs about my body that I have
held for so long. Guide me in sorting
which beliefs are helpful and which are
harmful. Lead me back to you and
to this body that you called good. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Lectionary Readings
- Ezekiel 37:1-14
- Psalm 130
- Romans 8:6-11
- John 11:1-45
Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.