Today’s Reflection
While recognizing all the benefits of creating a plan, remember this caveat: in spite of your forethinking and clear outlining, God may take you in a very different way! The paradoxical phrase “wasting time with God” hints at [this].
—Ben Campbell Johnson and Paul H. Lang, Time Away: A Guide for Personal Retreat (Upper Room Books, 2010)
Save 15% on this week’s featured book when you use promo code NEM0626 at Store.UpperRoom.org.*
Today’s Question
Many times in the Bible, people learned to trust in God’s good guidance, instead of their own judgment. What direction is God leading you in today? Do you have any idea what the outcome might be? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
The LORD went in front of them in a pillar of cloud by day, to lead them along the way, and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light, so that they might travel by day and by night.
—Exodus 13:21 (NRSVUE)
Prayer for the Week
O God, I long to spend time with you. If not every hour, I lay aside this moment to draw near to you. Let me retreat into your arms if only for these few minutes. Amen.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Lectionary Readings
- Genesis 22:1-14
- Psalm 13
- Romans 6:12-23
- Matthew 10:40-42
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 July 15, 2026.
