Today’s Reflection
My experience has confirmed that the most effective way to nourish our souls is not to depend on extraordinary moments of spiritual inspiration or dramatic changes in the patterns of our life. Instead, the foundation of spiritual nourishment is practicing the ordinary, time-tested disciplines of reflection on scripture, spiritual reading, prayer combined with what John Wesley called “spiritual conversation” with trusted friends in Christian community, and self-giving service to others. Our ministries depend upon what we do with our ordinary time in ordinary places.
—James A. Harnish, Extraordinary Ministry in Ordinary Time: An Invitation to Renewal for Pastors (Upper Room Books, 2019)
Today’s Question
What are the ordinary ways that you receive spiritual nourishment? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
Fill us full every morning with your faithful love so we can rejoice and celebrate our whole life long.
—Psalm 90:14 (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.