The Upper Room Devotional 19 July 2026, Sunday Message
God’s Enduring Love
Melanie Myers (Indiana, USA)
TODAY’S READING
Psalm 118:1-5
Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me in a broad place. – Psalm 118:5 (NRSVUE)
During each visit to the women’s prison where I volunteered, I’d sit at a table in the cell block and wait for others to join me. I’d listen to whatever the women wanted to say and gather their prayer requests, which were shared with other members of my church. Some of the women talked about hopelessness, others mentioned regrets, and a few described their dreams for life after prison. A common thread was their lack of self-worth, so I’d share about God’s steadfast love that endures forever — a phrase that is repeated several times in Psalm 118.
One time a woman reached across the table, held both my hands, and asked me to pray for her. I had never had this experience before, and I anxiously thought, How do I know what to say? Then I recalled the psalmist’s assurance: God’s steadfast love endures forever! The deep peace and confidence this gave me allowed my words to flow as I prayed about God’s love and the freedom it brings. When I finished praying the woman squeezed my hands and started praying for me. When she said, “Amen,” we looked at each other with tear-filled eyes and then smiled. God’s steadfast love freed me from uncertainty about what to say.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
How can I help others to feel God’s steadfast love?
PRAYER FOCUS
Women in prison
TODAY’S PRAYER
Thank you, God, for giving us the right words in times of uncertainty. Help us to focus on your plans for us and to remember your enduring love. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 19 July 2026 is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 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—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More