Today’s Reflection
Both persons must be ready to acknowledge what happened, experience the pain of rupture, and want to reconnect. When each keeps an open heart, watches for signs of trust, and takes small steps toward the other, reconciliation becomes possible.
—Kathleen Fischer, Forgiving Your Family: A Journey to Healing (Upper Room Books, 2005)
Today’s Question
Is there someone you have tried to reconcile with, but it just isn’t possible? Take a moment to pray for God’s blessings to be upon them, even in your absence. Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
They will not hurt or destroy
on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.
—Isaiah 11:9 (NRSVUE)
Prayer for the Week
O God, you are gracious and forgiving. Give us the guts to be as forgiving as you are, the vulnerability to reconcile with everyone we can, and the courage to leave when situations are too dangerous. We know you want the best for each of us. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Lectionary Readings
- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25
- Psalm 78:1-7
- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
- Matthew 25:1-13
Read the lectionary texts courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library here.
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
