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Today’s Reflection
Because the church is a community rather than a collection of separate individuals, baptism is not a private ceremony or simply a personal transaction between an individual and Christ. The sacrament proclaims the good news of Christ to the whole church.
—Gayle Carlton Felton, Mark Stamm, By Water and the Spirit, Revised Study Guide: A United Methodist Understanding of Baptism
(Upper Room Books, 2026)
Save 15% on this week’s featured book when you use promo code NEM0926 at Store.UpperRoom.org.*
Today’s Question
When someone is baptised in the United Methodist Church, all the other members welcome the new one and renew their covenant to faithfully participate in the ministries of the church. How will you continue to be faithful in your church this week? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
They spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. At the same hour of the night he took them and washed their wounds; then he and his entire family were baptized without delay.
—Acts 16:32–33 (NRSVUE)
Prayer for the Week
O God of grace, as I am washed in the waters of baptism and in the blood of Communion, make me clean and pure before you. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Lectionary Readings
- Exodus 14:19-31
- Psalm 114 or Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21
- Romans 14:1-12
- Matthew 18:21-35
Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
*Offer valid through October 15, 2026.
