Today’s Reflection
I wondered what would take the palace of all that anger. I invited the Spirit to come in and fill the space with love, joy, and peace. My prayer became, “Holy Spirit, grow love, joy, and peace in me.”
—J. David Muyskens, Forty Days to a Closer Walk with God: The Practice of Centering Prayer
(Upper Room Books, 2006)
Today’s Question
Do you hold anger, fear, or resentment in your heart? Pray for the Holy Spirit to grow love, joy, and peace in their place so there is no room for them to return. Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it wanders through waterless regions looking for a resting place, but it finds none. Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’
—Matthew 12:43–44 (NRSVUE)
Prayer for the Week
Spirit of God, I long for you alone. Fill me with your gifts of love, joy, and peace so that I will be empty of the things of this world and full of your presence. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Lectionary Readings
- 1 Samuel 16:1-13
- Psalm 23
- Ephesians 5:8-14
- John 9:1-41
Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.