Your Fourth Day Resources for a Life of Faithful Discipleship Books, Programs, and Practices from The Upper Room and Emmaus Ministries
Welcome to Your Fourth Day
Welcome to Emmaus Ministries—a place where faith is renewed, Christian friendships are formed, and lives are transformed for the journey ahead. At the heart of Emmaus is a simple but powerful belief: God meets us in community. Through shared experiences of prayer, worship, learning, and honest conversation, participants discover the deep gift of Christian friendship—a kind of connection that encourages, challenges, and sustains us in our daily lives. The Walk to Emmaus and each Emmaus experience are not endings, but beginnings. They are catalytic moments—sparks that ignite a lifelong journey of discipleship, calling us to live with greater purpose, compassion, and courage in our homes, churches, and communities. Wherever you find yourself on your faith journey, there is a place for you here. You are invited to step into a community that walks alongside you, reminding you that Christ is already present, already at work, and always drawing you forward. ¡De Colores!
The Upper Room Emmaus Ministries Team
Emmaus Ministries exist to inspire, challenge, and equip the local church members for
Christian action in their homes, churches, communities and places of work. Building on local church disciple-making efforts, these programs renew Christian disciples and strengthen local churches. Each Emmaus Ministry—The Walk to Emmaus, Chrysalis, Face to Face, Journey to the Table, and Village Encounter—provides participants a spiritual formation experience in the form of a single multiday retreat or scheduled sessions over a set period of time. Your church can become a vital congregation—a faith community in which people of all generations are growing in grace, becoming one in the Spirit, and are involved in God’s transformative work—by partnering with the Emmaus Ministries of The Upper Room.
The Upper Room is a part of Discipleship Ministries of The United Methodist Church. The Upper Room covers all of its ministry expenses from product sales, participants’ fees, interest income, and the generous support of donors. We do not receive any apportionment funds from The United Methodist Church or any other group. Donations are needed to help sustain and expand the reach of our ministries so that others may experience God more fully. Learn how you can make an impact on page 10.
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Renewing Christian Disciples, Strengthening Local Churches Each Emmaus Ministries offering provides participants from specific age groups or life stages a spiritual formation experience in the form of a single multiday retreat or scheduled sessions over a set period of time.
While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and walked with them. Luke 24:15
Walk to Emmaus is a 72-hour experience of Christian
spiritual formation that invites adults into deeper discipleship through worship, prayer, community, and shared reflection. Participants are encouraged and equipped to live out their faith in everyday life.
Chrysalis is a faith formation experience for high school youth that
nurtures spiritual growth, authentic community, and Christian leadership. Through worship, conversation, and shared experiences, youth are encouraged to discover God’s love and live with courage, compassion, and purpose.
Journey to the Table is a spiritual formation
experience for young adults ages 18–35 that creates space for honest conversation, meaningful relationships, and exploration of faith in a changing world. Participants are invited to connect Christian spirituality with everyday life, justice, and community.
Face to Face is a spiritual renewal experience designed with
older adults in mind. Through worship, storytelling, prayer, and community, participants are invited to deepen their faith, rediscover God’s grace, and build meaningful relationships for the journey ahead.
Village Encounter is a virtual spiritual formation experience for adults
seeking connection, reflection, and growth in faith. Through online community, worship, and conversation, participants are encouraged and equipped to live out Christian discipleship in their daily lives.
To learn more about the Emmaus Ministries family of offerings, visit
UpperRoom.org/emmaus.
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About Emmaus Ministries Walk to Emmaus Walk to Emmaus is a spiritual renewal experience for adults seeking deeper discipleship, meaningful community, and a closer relationship with God. Rooted in love and grace, this three-day retreat inspires participants to grow in their relationship with God and live out their faith in home, church, and community.
What Happens During the Walk?
Participants experience fifteen inspiring talks on grace, discipleship, and the church—led by both clergy and laity—as well as times for reflection, table discussions, daily worship, and Holy Communion.
After the Walk
Discipleship continues through weekly small groups that support spiritual growth, accountability, and service. Participants often return home renewed in faith, reconnecting with their churches, communities, and everyday lives with fresh purpose and grace.
Partnering with Emmaus Ministries
Local Emmaus communities—made up of clergy and laity—offer this life-changing experience across the U.S. and around the world. Whether you are new to Emmaus or already involved, we invite you to partner with us in forming vibrant disciples and church leaders. Learn more: UpperRoom.org/WalkToEmmaus
Chrysalis “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come.” —2 Corinthians 5:17 Chrysalis is a spiritual formation experience for youth ages 15–18 that creates space for authentic community, deeper faith, and discovering God’s love during an important season of life. The weekend retreat—called a Flight—invites participants into a supportive space to encounter God’s grace and explore Christian discipleship. Using the butterfly as a symbol of transformation, Chrysalis invites youth to discover new life in Christ and live with compassion, courage, and hope.
What Happens on a Flight?
Youth engage in worship, small groups, music, Holy Communion, and fifteen talks led by clergy and peers—centered on grace, Christian community, and action.
After the Weekend
Participants are invited to continue growing in faith through small groups, community gatherings, and opportunities to serve and lead alongside their peers.
Partnering with the Church
Chrysalis empowers young people to return to their churches with deeper spiritual maturity and readiness to lead. It complements youth ministry by connecting teens with a broader Christian community.
Learn more: UpperRoom.org/Chrysalis
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Journey to the Table Journey to the Table is a spiritual formation experience for young adults exploring faith, identity, relationships, and how to live with purpose in a changing world. Flexible in format, it can be offered as a weekend retreat, 7-session series, or ongoing gathering.
What to Expect
Participants experience ten themed talks, small-group discussion, worship, prayer, Communion, and times of reflection and discernment.
After the Experience
Participants often return to their churches with stronger faith, deeper peer connections, and greater involvement in small groups and service.
Host a Journey at Your Church
Churches can adapt the experience to meet the needs of their community, with support from experienced Emmaus and Chrysalis leaders. Learn more: UpperRoom.org/JourneyToTheTable
Face to Face Face to Face is a spiritual renewal experience created especially for older adults. Adapted from The Walk to Emmaus, it offers a fresh encounter with Christ, opportunities to reflect on God’s grace, and lasting friendships that support a faithful life. Led by clergy and lay leaders, Face to Face nurtures the spiritual lives of participants, their families, and their congregations. The flexible format—offered in 4, 6, or 8 sessions—creates space for prayer, storytelling, Bible study, and conversations about faith, purpose, grief, hope, and the journey ahead. Participants are encouraged to continue nurturing their faith through community, service, and meaningful connection in their churches and daily lives. Learn more: UpperRoom.org/FaceToFace
Village Encounter Village Encounter is a six-session virtual course from Emmaus Ministries designed to deepen spiritual formation, foster Christian community, and inspire ongoing discipleship. Open to adults, it offers a flexible, online format that invites participants into deeper discipleship, meaningful conversation, and faithful living in everyday life.
What to Expect
• Six online sessions rooted in grace, reflection, and Christian community • Small-group conversations about discipleship and everyday faith • Worship, prayer, and teaching led by experienced leaders • Opportunities to build meaningful connections across distances
After the Experience
Participants are encouraged to continue growing through small groups, future Village Encounter teams, and active engagement in their churches and communities. Learn more: UpperRoom.org/VillageEncounter UpperRoom.org | 4
Daily Devotionals The Upper Room Daily Devotional Guide A Great Way to Start Your Day
For 90 years, The Upper Room has invited people around the world to draw close to God through daily, reader-written meditations. Each story is written by someone just like you – people seeking to live faithfully and share their experience of God’s presence in daily life. The Upper Room is translated into more than 30 languages and read in over 100 countries. Every day, millions of Christians pray the same prayer, reflect on the same scripture, and find strength in the stories of others. Read “8 Ways to Use the Devotional in Your Church” at UpperRoom.org/8ways. REVIVAL
MON SEPT 2
Read Psalm 19:7-11
2024
The Lord’s Instruction is perfect, reviving one’s very being. — Psalm 19:7 (CEB)
While away on a short trip, I left a potted plant outdoors in the direct heat in an unshaded area. That was a mistake. I returned home to find the plant’s once-green leaves now brown and scorched, its soil hard and dry, and its appearance limp and lifeless. Over the following days, I was determined to nurse the plant back to health with water, fresh soil, and plenty of shade. To my delight, the plant eventually sprouted a Thought for the Day small, green leaf. As more The word of the Lord green leaves appeared, the revives my soul. plant experienced a true revival. Psalm 19 speaks of another revival — one that takes place in our innermost being. What water and fresh soil are to dry, lifeless plants, the word of the Lord is to the human soul, especially in times of weariness and despair. The psalmist affirms God’s word as the source of the soul’s revival — the means by which God nourishes it back to a state of health and vitality. Circumstances can beat down on us like the intense heat on a summer day, and yet in our weariness, we are not left alone. The Lord, our master gardener, nurses our weary souls to health, bringing new life through the words revealed in scripture. God’s word offers comfort, peace, hope, assurance, joy, strength — whatever is needed — so that we not only survive life’s challenges but thrive as God’s beloved creation.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the precious gift of your word. As we meditate on it daily, bring life and vitality to us. Amen.
MAINTAINING PEACE
TUES SEPT 3
Read Romans 12:9-21
2024
If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. — Romans 12:18 (NRSVUE)
Every Saturday I go out for dinner with my family. One family member always wants Chinese food, but I enjoy trying different cuisines. It is challenging to pick a restaurant we all enjoy. Instead of arguing, I always suggest we eat at restaurants that serve a variety of foods. This way we can enjoy our time together rather than wasting time arguing. In his letter to the Romans, Paul stated how important it is for us to maintain good relationships with others, however hard it might be. With God’s peace in our hearts, we can find ways to prevent quarrels that only cause enmity. When we open our hearts to the Lord, the Spirit can help us create peace in every disagreement so that small matters don’t develop into big matters. We will still experience Thought for the Day conflict, but God’s wisdom When I dwell in God’s peace, can help us know how to my relationships improve. react. With the help of the
Spirit, we can find solutions to our troubles so that we can remain at peace in our relationships and enjoy the beauty of God’s love all the time.
Prayer: Dear Lord, inspire us with your wisdom and peace so that even in difficult moments, we can find serenity and joy in you. Amen. Kumalawaty Sundari (Jakarta, Indonesia)
Donyale Fraylon (Texas, USA)
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Prayer Focus: FOR SPIRITUAL REFRESHMENT
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Prayer Focus: FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
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Subscribe today:
• 1-year (6 issues) print subscription: $17.99 • 1-year digital subscription: $14.99 • Bulk discounts are available when you purchase 3 or more copies.
Visit UpperRoom.org/subscribe to get started.
The Upper Room Disciplines 2027
Our bestselling 365-day devotional based on the Revised Common Lectionary Steep yourself in God’s word every day with The Upper Room Disciplines. This beloved resource offers scripture-based daily meditations and prayers from 53 diverse faith leaders to help you develop a deeper relationship with God. Read by clergy and lay people alike, Disciplines is your essential guide to daily spiritual renewal, rooted in the rhythm of scripture shared by churches around the world. Also available in enlarged print and as a digital subscription. 5 | UpperRoom.org
Fourth Day Books Loving the World with God Fourth Day Living
Rebecca Bruff | $10.99 Have you ever had a mountaintop spiritual experience and then had trouble returning to the reality of your daily life? This book is for those who have gone on a Walk to Emmaus weekend or another intense spiritual experience such as a retreat, mission trip, or sabbatical. Retreat leader Rebecca Bruff offers guidance and inspiration for living the rest of your life, after you return home. Emmaus sponsors: A great gift to give pilgrims you sponsor. Also a great follow-up to a mission trip or sabbatical.
Fourth Day Forward
60 Daily Meditations | $8.99
Created by pilgrims for pilgrims, each of the 60 undated meditations in this booklet elaborates on one of the 15 themes heard during your Emmaus weekend. As you read, your spirit will be nourished on your Fourth Day. You will be encouraged in your daily discipleship. You will find yourself drawing closer to Christ, participating faithfully in your congregation, and living as a Christian on mission to your community and the rest of the world. Makes a wonderful Emmaus agape gift.
Day Four
The Pilgrim’s Continued Journey Robert Wood | $4.99
When The Walk to Emmaus event is over, your journey as a Fourth Day pilgrim begins. As you move into Day Four’s solo daily practices of piety, study, and Christian action, this informative booklet will be your guide.
Save 25% on the books in this catalog with the promo code FD2526 at Store.UpperRoom.org. UpperRoom.org | 6
Fourth Day Books Transformed by Grace
52 More Prayers in the Wesleyan Spirit Paul W. Chilcote | $19.99
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. In Transformed by Grace: 52 More Prayers in the Wesleyan Spirit, Chilcote continues this journey, offering a fresh collection of weekly prayers and hymns inspired by Wesley’s later sermons.
Praying in the Wesleyan Spirit 52 Prayers for Today
Paul W. Chilcote | $19.99
New Tricks
How Pet Ministry Can Transform Faith Communities and Change Lives Betsy Singleton Snyder and Gayle McKuin Fiser | $19.99
Bring faith and furry friends together in a ministry that changes lives. Discover how a pet ministry can help you share God’s love inside and outside of your church. Written by a pastor and lay person with nearly 20 years of combined pet ministry experience, New Tricks is the essential guide to creating communities of care for pet parents and the animals they love.
Praying Their Way
24 Prayer Practices for Kids and the Adults Who Love Them L. Roger Owens with Mary Clare Owens | $19.99
How do we help our kids develop an authentic relationship with God? Written for adults and the “tweens” they care for, this unique resource includes a new vocabulary for talking about prayer, specific prompts for conversation, and two dozen prayer practices to explore with kids in grades 5-8.
Save 25% on the books in this catalog with the promo code FD2526 at Store.UpperRoom.org. 7 | UpperRoom.org
God Was with Me All Along
A Guide for Capturing Your Memories and Telling Your Story Mary Lou Redding | $21.99
Revisit your memories and discover how God has been faithfully present through every chapter of your life. Former Upper Room editor Mary Lou Reddings shares personal stories and reflective prompts to help you record your life stories and preserve them for future generations.
Five Loaves, Two Fish, Twelve Volunteers Growing a Relational Food Ministry Elizabeth Mae Magill | 14.99
Drawing from the stories of eight churches, Elizabeth Mae Magill explores how ordinary congregations are creating food ministries rooted in relationship rather than efficiency. Full of practical advice, this book helps congregations evaluate their outreach and advises them on how to do it differently.
We are the Church... Let’s Act Like It A Study on the Book of Acts Linda Tower Pevey | $14.99
What does it mean to be the world-changing church that Jesus Christ intended today? In this 7-week bible study on the book of Acts, congregations will learn practical and biblical ways to make disciples and make a positive impact on their community and the world.
Patterned by Grace How Liturgy Shapes Us
Daniel T. Benedict, Jr. | $14.99 Seasoned liturgist, pastor, and author Daniel T. Benedict, Jr. rescues liturgy from its stuffy associations, revealing it as a momentous occasion every Sunday, no matter the worship style. Exercises contained in the group discussion guide will awaken your imagination to the power of the liturgical life.
A Mile in My Shoes Cultivating Compassion
Trevor Hudson | $14.99 In this 8-day program — a pilgrimage, as he describes it — Trevor Hudson guides us in an exploration of how to love your neighbor as yourself and choose compassion as part of your daily life.
Beach Calling
A Devotional Journal for the Middle Years and Beyond Missy Buchanan | $21.99
“Intertwining scripture, reflections, and questions with an emphasis on appreciating rather than dreading our middle years and beyond, this journal will inspire and bless you.”
—Adam Hamilton, Senior Pastor, United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
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Fourth Day Books New for Advent 2026
By the Light of Dreams
Advent Practices for Listening to God in the Night Laura Huff Hileman | $15.99
What do the dreams from the Bible — and our own dreams in the night — teach us about God, Jesus, and our faith journeys? In this daily devotional, explore how dreams and visions show us God’s transformative presence in our lives and help us trust the bond between ourselves and the Holy.
Advent
Lent
And His Name Shall Be Called
Risen Indeed
James C. Howell | $15.99
Ruth L. Boling | $17.99
An Advent Devotional
Easter Letters from Those Who Were There
Season’s Greetings
When Did We See You?
Ruth L. Boling | $14.99
Elizabeth Mae Magill | $17.99
Christmas Letters from Those Who Were There “Meet the people of the Christmas story in ways you have never encountered them before... and allow the hope of Christmas to shine even brighter.” —Thomas G. Long, Professor Emeritus of Preaching, Candler School of Theology
A Lenten Exploration of Poverty and Wealth
Draw Close
A Creative Companion for Lent Stephanie B. Dunn | $14.99
Save 25% on the books in this catalog with the promo code FD2526 at Store.UpperRoom.org. 9 | UpperRoom.org
The Academy for Spiritual Formation A Sacred Journey of Renewal and Transformation Are you longing for a deeper connection with God? Seeking a rhythm of life that balances prayer, study, rest, and community? The Academy for Spiritual Formation offers retreat experiences designed to nurture your soul and equip you for spiritual leadership. The Two-Year Academy is a long-term, immersive spiritual formation journey spanning two years with multiple retreats and deep community building, while the Five-Day Academy offers a shorter, intensive retreat experience focused on spiritual renewal and learning over the course of five days. We also now offer online and hybrid options designed to meet you where you are, making the Academy more accessible than ever. Journey with The Academy through prayer, silence, study, and community. Experience renewal in body and spirit, and return ready to lead with wisdom and grace.
JOURNEY
The Academy invites you to journey into the heart, mind, and will of Christ. Through intentional community, deep spiritual practice, and rich theological study, you’ll explore the depths of your faith while discovering new ways to live out God’s call in the world.
RENEW
Amid the busyness of life, we all need time to slow down, listen, and be restored. The Academy offers a sacred rhythm — balancing silence and conversation, rest and relationship, worship and prayer, listening and learning. Photos by Joscie Cutchens
LEAD
Spiritual leadership begins with a deep well of faith. The Academy creates a sacred space where you can grow in communion with God and cultivate the wisdom, strength, and grace needed to lead in your church, community, and beyond.
Join us at the next Five-Day or Two-Year Academy for Spiritual Formation.
Tune into The Academy Podcast Each month, Academy alum Shalom Agtarap hosts deep conversations with Academy faculty, leaders, and alumni exploring the practices and wisdom that ground us in God’s presence and shape us for the sake of the world. Listen on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Academy.UpperRoom.org/podcast
Learn more at
Academy.UpperRoom.org. UpperRoom.org | 10
The Upper Room Chapel & Prayer Ministry The Upper Room Chapel At the heart of The Upper Room’s international headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee, is The Upper Room Chapel. A sacred space for prayer and worship since its opening in April 1953, the chapel features two primary art installations depicting Jesus’ Last Supper and the arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost — key moments shaping its mission of prayerful reflection and sharing God’s love. Visitors may schedule an appointment on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. through 1 p.m. (Central Time) to see the Chapel. We are not able to accommodate unscheduled tours. To schedule a tour, please email chapel@upperroom.org or call (615) 340-7215 at least 48 hours in advance.
Join Our Prayer Community
The Upper Room Prayer Wall is an online space where people can
submit prayer requests and pray for others. It fosters a global community of intercessory prayer, offering support, encouragement, and connection through shared faith. Visitors can post requests, respond with prayers, and find spiritual comfort in knowing others are praying for them. Pray with us at UpperRoom.org/prayer.
Share a prayer. Offer a prayer. Join a global community of prayer. Scan the QR code or visit
UpperRoom.org/prayer
to post a request, pray for others, and be part of daily prayer around the world.
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Supporting the Ministry Live Your Fourth Day Through Generosity Your Emmaus retreat was just the beginning. The “Fourth Day” is a call to live out your faith daily—and to help others do the same. Emmaus Ministries offers two funds to support current and future pilgrims on their journey with Christ:
The Fourth Day Fund
This fund supports the daily work that keeps Emmaus Ministries strong and growing. Your gift helps provide leadership training, local and global program support, and essential ministry staff and infrastructure. By giving to the Fourth Day Fund, you help ensure that the life-changing Emmaus experience continues for others— today and for years to come.
The GIFT Fund
The GIFT Fund is a love offering that supports emerging Emmaus Ministries communities around the world and our global regional representatives who guide this valuable work. It takes 3–5 years and about $80,000 to fully establish a new community. Your gift provides each emerging community: • Initial Walk experiences in another country and leadership training • Support for two Walks per year over a three-year period • Ongoing leadership development, training, and support from its regional representative
Give online.
Give a one-time gift or a recurring gift to The Fourth Day Fund or the GIFT Fund at UpperRoom.org/EmmausGives/catalog.
Send a check.
Mail your donation to: Emmaus Ministries P O Box 305150 Nashville, TN 37230-5150 To send a check to The Fourth Day Fund or to The GIFT Fund, make the check payable to “The Upper Room,” and name the fund in the memo line.
Make a Planned Gift.
Emmaus Ministries can accept many forms of planned gifts. Some of these offer benefits now to the donor, whereas others offer benefits later. To find out more, please visit UpperRoom.org/plannedgiving or email us at plannedgiving@UpperRoom.org.
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Have Questions?
Email your question to the staff at the International Emmaus Ministries Office at emmausmin@upperroom.org.
Sign up for the Emmaus eNews
Get the latest news and tips for your fourth day journey, especially for leaders and participants in Emmaus Ministries, including the Walk to Emmaus, Face to Face, and Chrysalis.
Join our Emmaus Ministries Facebook Group
The journey doesn’t end at the weekend. Let your Fourth Day begin.
UpperRoom.org/Emmaus
About The Upper Room is a global ministry dedicated to supporting the spiritual life of Christians seeking to know and experience God more fully. From its beginnings in 1935 as a daily devotional guide, The Upper Room has grown to include publications, programs, prayer support, and other resources to help believers of all ages and denominations move to a deeper level of faith and service. 1908 Grand Avenue, Nashville, TN 37212
UpperRoom.org
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