Today’s Reflection
[Our ministries] happen in real places where real human lives are connected to the life of Christ. God’s call upon each of our lives is largely defined by where we are and where we’re from. I’ve discovered one of the sources of strength for the long obedience of ministry is found in naming the places I’ve been, recalling the faces of people I’ve known, and reclaiming the ways ordinary places became holy places in my life.
—James A. Harnish, Extraordinary Ministry in Ordinary Time: An Invitation to Renewal for Pastors (Upper Room Books, 2019)
Today’s Question
What faces and places have been significant in your spiritual journey? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
When Jacob woke from his sleep, he thought to himself, The LORD is definitely in this place, but I didn’t know it. He was terrified and thought, This sacred place is awesome. It’s none other than God’s house and the entrance to heaven.
—Genesis 28:16-17 (CEB)
Prayer for the Week
New every morning is your love, great God of light, and all day long you are working for good in the world. Stir up in us desire to serve you, to live peacefully with our neighbors and all your creation, and to devote each day to your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. [prayer from the Upper Room Worshipbook]
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Burnout does not have to be the end of the story. Pastoral Pause, a new book by Greg Pimlott, provides a practical guide to help faith leaders take a break before it’s too late. Learn more here.
Lectionary Readings
- Acts 16:9-15
- Psalm 67
- Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5
- John 14:23-29
Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.