Devotional

When Did We See You?

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 20:06:06 GMT

“Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?” … “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these … you did for me.”—Matthew 25:37, 40

An Honest Lenten Study on Money, God, and Faith

Like so many of us, Elizabeth Mae Magill struggles to wrap her head around the tensions involving wealth, responsible planning for the future, and how God wants us to care for those less fortunate than ourselves. How does a Christian with money respond and act in a country where over 36 million people live below the poverty line?

In When Did We See You?, Magill invites us into an honest conversation about faith, money, and community, posing hard questions about poverty, wealth, and what it means to follow Jesus in an economically divided world. With candor, grace, and deep pastoral insight, Magill wrestles with her own material privilege and encourages us to do the same.

Grounded in scripture and the author's own life and experience, this study explores how wealth shapes our relationship with God and neighbor and calls us back to Christ's radical way of love, justice, and solidarity with the poor. Reminding us that all that we have belongs to God, Magill leads us through a revelatory journey as we consider:

Our relationship to money and concerns about having enough
Biblical teachings on money, charity, justice
A faithful response to those in our community who have less
How spiritual poverty brings us closer to God and others
What Jesus' teachings call us to do—and who they call us to become

When Did We See You? can be used for individual study or small groups, and includes:

A chapter for each week of Lent, with reflection questions for each day
Litanies for Ash Wednesday and Good Friday
Stories from real congregations wrestling with poverty and hope
Concrete ideas you and your community can use to alleviate poverty

In a world of both abundance and inequality, When Did We See You? guides us through a crucial and timely conversation about our money, economic justice, and God's call for a world with enough for all. This Lent, may we have eyes to truly see Christ in our neighbors, and respond with love and action.

When Did We See You? is perfect for:

Lenten small-group studies
Church-wide reading programs
Pastors and leaders looking to open dialogue on money, justice, and discipleship

When Did We See You?

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 21:50:13 GMT

“Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?” … “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these … you did for me.”—Matthew 25:37, 40

An Honest Lenten Study on Money, God, and Faith

Our relationship to money and concerns about having enough
Biblical teachings on money, charity, justice
A faithful response to those in our community who have less
How spiritual poverty brings us closer to God and others
What Jesus' teachings call us to do—and who they call us to become

When Did We See You? can be used for individual study or small groups, and includes:

A chapter for each week of Lent, with reflection questions for each day
Litanies for Ash Wednesday and Good Friday
Stories from real congregations wrestling with poverty and hope
Concrete ideas you and your community can use to alleviate poverty

When Did We See You? is perfect for:

Lenten small-group studies
Church-wide reading programs
Pastors and leaders looking to open dialogue on money, justice, and discipleship

And His Name Shall Be Called

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 13:33:25 GMT

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

Whether we hear it read aloud or sung by a massed choir, Isaiah 9:6 resonates with lifelong churchgoers, spiritual seekers, and even those dipping a toe into the things of God for the first time.

This Advent, step into the wonder of the season through the ancient words of the prophet Isaiah and the stirring music of Handel's Messiah. In And His Name Shall Be Called, beloved pastor and scholar James Howell invites you to reflect deeply on the four names that reveal the promise of God's presence in Isaiah 9:6: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

Each week of this devotional centers on one of these titles, with daily reflections that draw from scripture, theology, and music to explore the many ways God is with us — in the past, today, and in the future. Through Howell's thoughtful insights and pastoral wisdom, you'll discover how these names are not just ancient poetry but promises still unfolding in our world today.

With special ties to Handel's Messiah, this devotional includes curated playlists to enrich your experience — helping you connect your spiritual reflections with the power of music in worship and contemplation.

Written by Rev. Dr. James Howell — senior pastor of one of the largest United Methodist congregations in the U.S. and author of the bestselling Unrevealed Until Its Season — this new Advent devotional will touch your heart and lead you to Christmas with joy and hope.

Whether you're reading alone, with family, or as part of a small group, And His Name Shall Be Called will be a meaningful Advent companion, revealing surprises and great treasures to help you make sense of who God really is and what life with God is, and could be, like.

And His Name Shall Be Called

Fri, 02 May 2025 16:26:30 GMT

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

Whether we hear it read aloud or sung by a massed choir, Isaiah 9:6 resonates with lifelong churchgoers, spiritual seekers, and even those dipping a toe into the things of God for the first time.

The Upper Room Disciplines 2026

Fri, 02 May 2025 16:22:09 GMT

The bestselling 365-day devotional that follows the Revised Common Lectionary.

If you're looking to steep yourself in God's word and presence every day, The Upper Room Disciplines 2026 is your essential guide to daily spiritual renewal. Now in its 67th year, this beloved resource is more than just a devotional; it's a daily companion that helps you stay grounded in scripture, cultivate a life of prayer, and develop a deeper, more intentional relationship with God.

Each day of this year-round devotional includes a scripture reading followed by a thought-provoking meditation and prayer from one of 53 diverse Christian thought-leaders from around the country. A trusted resource by clergy and lay people alike, Disciplines follows the Revised Common Lectionary — a three-year cycle of scripture readings — ensuring that your daily reflections are rooted in the rhythm of scripture shared by churches around the world.

Combining biblical scholarship and thoughtful theology with meaningful prayers, The Upper Room Disciplines helps you stay grounded, inspired, and connected to God every day. Whether you're a pastor preparing for worship, a small group leader fostering community, or someone seeking daily spiritual nourishment, Disciplines is your essential companion for a transformative spiritual life.

Join thousands of others who rely on Disciplines as a trusted companion for a life of prayer, biblical reflection, and discerning God's call in their lives.

What makes Disciplines unique?

365-day devotional based on the Revised Common Lectionary
Daily scripture readings with insightful reflections from 53 diverse Christian leaders
Weekly themes that guide you deeper into God's Word
A Guide to Daily Prayer to enrich your spiritual practice
A Small Group Leader's Guide for shared study and discussion

Contributors for the 2026 edition include Karoline Lewis, Tex Sample, Pumla Nzimande, David Wilson, Magrey deVega, Caroline Vogel, and Bruce Reyes-Chow.

The Enlarged Edition with room for note-taking can be found by clicking here.

The Upper Room Disciplines 2026

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 15:34:37 GMT

The bestselling 365-day devotional that follows the Revised Common Lectionary.

Each day of this year-round devotional includes a scripture reading followed by a thought-provoking meditation and prayer from one of 53 diverse Christian thought-leaders from around the country. A trusted resource by clergy and lay people alike, Disciplines follows the Revised Common Lectionary — a three-year cycle of scripture readings — ensuring that your daily reflections are rooted in the rhythm of scripture shared by churches around the world.

Join thousands of others who rely on Disciplines as a trusted companion for a life of prayer, biblical reflection, and discerning God's call in their lives.

What makes Disciplines unique?

365-day devotional based on the Revised Common Lectionary
Daily scripture readings with insightful reflections from 53 diverse Christian leaders
Weekly themes that guide you deeper into God's Word
A Guide to Daily Prayer to enrich your spiritual practice
A Small Group Leader's Guide for shared study and discussion

Contributors for the 2026 edition include Karoline Lewis, Tex Sample, Pumla Nzimande, David Wilson, Magrey deVega, Caroline Vogel, and Bruce Reyes-Chow.

The Upper Room Disciplines 2026 Enlarged Edition

Fri, 02 May 2025 16:23:28 GMT

The bestselling 365-day devotional that follows the Revised Common Lectionary — now, with more room for notes!

Join thousands of others who rely on Disciplines as a trusted companion for a life of prayer, biblical reflection, and discerning God's call in their lives.

What makes Disciplines unique?

365-day devotional based on the Revised Common Lectionary
Daily scripture readings with insightful reflections from 53 diverse Christian leaders
Wider margins for note-taking
Weekly themes that guide you deeper into God's Word
A Guide to Daily Prayer to enrich your spiritual practice
A Small Group Leader's Guide for shared study and discussion

Contributors featured in the 2026 edition include Karoline Lewis, Tex Sample, Pumla Nzimande, David Wilson, Magrey deVega, Caroline Vogel, and Bruce Reyes-Chow.

Transformed by Grace

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 13:17:12 GMT

A Year of Prayer, Rooted in Wesleyan Faith.

In the devotional classic Praying in the Wesleyan Spirit, renowned Wesleyan scholar Paul Chilcote invited readers to experience the spiritual depth of John Wesley's sermons through devotional prayer. Now, in Transformed by Grace: 52 More Prayers in the Wesleyan Spirit, Chilcote continues this journey, offering a fresh collection of weekly prayers inspired by Wesley's later sermons. As in the first volume, Chilcote pairs each prayer with a beloved hymn by Charles Wesley, offering readers an opportunity to sing as they pray.

While Praying in the Wesleyan Spirit focused on Wesley's "standard sermons" and their theme of salvation, this new volume explores a broader range of spiritual themes. Traditional theological topics like the Trinity, creation, the image of God, faith, and perfect love are included here, but more fall into the broader category of spiritual formation and examine practical questions of every Christian related to topics like temptation, patience, conscience, simplicity, and zeal.

In Transformed by Grace, Chilcote takes on some of Wesley's most challenging sermons for modern readers and artfully conveys their original purpose: to touch the heart and inspire change. Whether you are a lifelong Methodist, a pastor seeking inspiration, or a person of faith longing to grow in grace, Transformed by Grace will be a treasured resource as God speaks to you through the insights of the Wesleys and their vision of the Christian way.

Walk with Christ through these prayers, both read and sung, and invite the Holy Spirit to be your companion along the way.

Also available: Praying in the Wesleyan Spirit: 52 Prayers for Today

Transformed by Grace

Fri, 02 May 2025 16:20:37 GMT

A Year of Prayer, Rooted in Wesleyan Faith.

Walk with Christ through these prayers, both read and sung, and invite the Holy Spirit to be your companion along the way.

Also available: Praying in the Wesleyan Spirit: 52 Prayers for Today

Season's Greetings

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 19:38:23 GMT

“Be prepared in this book to meet the people of the biblical Christmas story in ways you have never encountered them before.”—Thomas G. Long, Candler School of Theology

Imagine opening your mailbox to find a bundle of Christmas letters addressed to you from long-ago Bible characters who were there for the birth of Jesus. Mary. Joseph. The innkeeper. A shepherd. The midwife. King Herod. The Magi. How do each of these writers remember the unfolding story? What did they know? When did they know it? How did it change them?

In Season's Greetings, twelve vividly imagined letters from "those who were there" speak to the many meanings of Christmas. Awe. Wonder. Disruption. Scandal. Hope. Collected together, the letters invite you—the reader—to add your voice to the conversation, to put Christmas into your own words.

Scripture texts, companion prayers, reflection questions and journaling prompts accompanying each letter lend themselves to individual or group study.

Whether you love Christmas or dread it, whether you are a believer or a skeptic, the letters in Season's Greetings will speak to you. This Advent devotional delivers straight talk with honesty, intellectual rigor and a touch of humor, allowing you to hear with new ears the old, old story that changed—and is changing—the world.

Season's Greetings also includes an Afterword for Clergy and Church Leaders offering creative ideas for using the book in various ministry contexts, as well as a Small Group Leader's Guide.

READ A SAMPLE.

Season's Greetings

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 13:10:06 GMT

“Be prepared in this book to meet the people of the biblical Christmas story in ways you have never encountered them before.”—Thomas G. Long, Candler School of Theology

Scripture texts, companion prayers, reflection questions and journaling prompts accompanying each letter lend themselves to individual or group study.

Season's Greetings also includes an Afterword for Clergy and Church Leaders offering creative ideas for using the book in various ministry contexts, as well as a Small Group Leader's Guide.

READ A SAMPLE.

Speak, My Soul

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 14:30:02 GMT

Learn to listen for the voice of God.

Our soul speaks … but can we hear it? In our noisy and overcrowded lives, it's often difficult to find the space to listen deeply to our own inner voice, let alone the voice of God. In Speak, My Soul, spiritual guide Marsha Crockett leads you through seven pathways for slowing down and discerning God's promptings in your daily life. Using the psalms as a spiritual roadmap, the journey will include seven weeks of daily meditations, prayers, practices, and prompts to help you enter and explore the quiet landscape of the soul, speaking to you even now.

Speak, My Soul is ideal for both personal and group use and includes the following:

A daily and weekly rhythm for personal devotion, reflection, prayer, and suggestions for journaling
A Small Group Leader’s Guide, including tips on developing listening groups, teaching active listening skills, and group dynamics
Speak, My Soul Psalms: Bonus content with reflection questions for six additional psalms
Lenten Retreat Guide
Inner Path Identifiers: a chart of traits, challenges, and disciplines associated with each of the seven inner paths for further reflections

Read a Sample.

Speak, My Soul

Tue, 14 May 2024 19:52:20 GMT

Learn to listen for the voice of God.

Speak, My Soul is ideal for both personal and group use and includes the following:

A daily and weekly rhythm for personal devotion, reflection, prayer, and suggestions for journaling
A Small Group Leader’s Guide, including tips on developing listening groups, teaching active listening skills, and group dynamics
Speak, My Soul Psalms: Bonus content with reflection questions for six additional psalms
Lenten Retreat Guide
Inner Path Identifiers: a chart of traits, challenges, and disciplines associated with each of the seven inner paths for further reflections

Read a Sample.

Light from Afar

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 14:55:27 GMT

Advent is celebrated differently throughout the world. Some cultures barely observe the waiting and focus on the Christmas celebration. Others feel deeply the contrast between present circumstances and God’s promise of a better future, making for a season of fasting and prayer. All of them focus on Christ as the Light of the world.

Light from Afar is a daily Advent devotional that illuminates the season through the unforgettable stories and reflections of four writers from around the world. Authors Nadiyka Gerbish (Ukraine), Joel Bengbeng (Philippines), Cláudio Carvalhaes (Brazil), and Sidwell Mokgothu (South Africa) share cultural and religious traditions of the Advent season in their daily reflections. Each day's meditation includes a scripture reading, a prayer, an opportunity for reflection, and a link to a song from the author’s home country.

The light of the star of Bethlehem has spread around the world. The people who have heard the good news have stories to tell and traditions to share. By joining with Christians from different cultures and countries in prayer, we can experience the hope, love, joy, and peace of Advent, leading ultimately to Immanuel—God with us—on Christmas day.

Light From Afar

Fri, 29 Sep 2023 14:18:27 GMT

The Upper Room Mar / Apr 2026

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 15:43:21 GMT

A single copy of the selected issue of The Upper Room daily devotional guide in regular print mailed to you.

The Upper Room is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 35 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing. Every day, readers of The Upper Room around the world read the same story in many different languages and pray the same prayer together.

The Upper Room May / June 2026

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 16:10:02 GMT

A single copy of the selected issue of The Upper Room daily devotional guide in regular print mailed to you.

Psalms for Black Lives

Mon, 30 Jan 2023 20:31:09 GMT

In the summer of 2020, while composing a series of devotionals on the Psalms for their church, the Double Love Experience, authors Gabby Cudjoe Wilkes and Andrew Wilkes recognized that these ancient words spoke truth and inspiration not only to their immediate community, but also to the growing number of people doing the holy, demanding work of pursuing justice, undoing structural racism, and building a society that truly values Black lives.

The Psalms speak power today as they always have. They have spoken across generations. They have bridged cultural divides and social contexts with their emotional rawness, urge towards justice, and blunt candor about the coarse edges of walking with God.

Psalms for Black Lives includes thirty devotions, each containing a psalm, a reflection, and an invitation for the reader to develop a justice imagination through further engagement with the text. Psalms for Black Lives also includes daily discussion questions to support small-group study and a guide for congregational and community groups who want to embody the words of the Psalms together.

Psalms for Black Lives

Mon, 06 Jun 2022 13:44:27 GMT

Psalms for Black Lives

Wed, 18 May 2022 20:38:31 GMT