Herod: King of cruelty

Matthew 2:16-18


Question for Reflection:

Fear can make us do awful things. Awful doesn’t start to name what Herod did, but it’s still plain that it was done out of fear. Fear in the animal kingdom is translated into an attack. Sometimes, as in the case of honey bees, this fear leads to their own undoing. When was a time you let fear get the better of you? How did you overcome your fear?

Prayer for the day:
Fearless God, watch over us in our endeavors. Help us to overcome our obstacles and know you are with us. When we are afraid, remind us that you will never leave us and you will help us through. Thank you for your unwavering companionship and love that gives us courage. Amen.

~ Rachel Witkovsky, National Junior High Conference Coordinator

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotional written by Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Egypt: On the run

Matthew 2:13-15

Question for Reflection:
Sometimes God’s call doesn’t come at an easy time. Sometimes it’s in the dead of night. But we must answer and go. When have you heard God’s call and followed without hesitation? What was the outcome?

Prayer for the day:
God, a bit of a notice is helpful, but we know that when you call at what seems like an inconvenient time for us, it is the exact time that we need to hear that call. Thank you for sticking with us even when we refuse to jump right away and helping us through the hard times when we do answer immediately. In your name we pray. Amen.

~ Rachel Witkovsky, National Junior High Conference Coordinator

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotional written by Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

The gifts: They keep on giving

Matthew 2:11-12

 

Question for Reflection:
What about this season and the Christmas story overwhelm you with joy? What brings you to your knees with hope and wonder?

Prayer for the day:
Heavenly father, may we always be in awe of you and your wondrous ways. We hope to continue to see your glory in special moments throughout the whole year, not just at Christmas time. Help us to take time to pause and fall to our knees in these moments and praise you for the gifts before us. Amen.

~ Rachel Witkovsky, National Junior High Conference Coordinator

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotional written by Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

 

The star: How I wonder

Matthew 2:7-10

 

Question for Reflection:
This passage is like a suspenseful movie. “No don’t do it!” you yell at the screen, “It’s a trick!” But we know how it ends. We can sit back, for now, and enjoy the wonder of the moment, the brilliance of the star, with the scholars. What moments do we miss because we’re too concerned about what’s going to happen next?

Prayer for the day:
God, teach us to let go of fear and anxiety. We want to live in the moment and be in your presence but sometimes our worries get in the way. Please help us to learn to stop and look around us, taking in your wonders and glory. Amen.

~ Rachel Witkovsky, National Junior High Conference Coordinator

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotional written by Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

 

 

Chief priests and scribes: What’s the word?

Matthew 2:3-6

Question for Reflection:
Who do you turn to for answers to big questions? Experts in the area or someone who just always seems to know the right thing to say?

Prayer for the day:
All-knowing God, help us to find answers to our questions. We know there is not always an easy answer, but help us find those close who may have the knowledge we seek. May we also be able to search out in ourselves the right questions to ask. Bless us with patience to wait for the answers. Amen

~ Rachel Witkovsky, National Junior High Conference Coordinator

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotional written by Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

 

The magi: Truly wise men

Matthew 2:1-2

Question for Reflection:
What are you observing that points to the living God?

Prayer for the day:
God, send us stars to guide our journey, signs that peak our curiosity and capture our imagination so much that we will set out on paths whose destinations are yet unknown, but which will lead us directly to you. In pursuit of your Son, we pray. Amen.

~ Jonathan Shively, executive director, Congregational Life Ministries

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotional written by Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

 

‘Immanuel’: God with us

Isaiah 7:13-14

Question for Reflection:
What does the gift of “God with us,” Emmanuel, Jesus, mean to you?

Prayer for the day:
God, we have anticipated this day for weeks now, building expectation through Advent worship, devotional study, decorating, gift buying, serving our neighbor, food preparation, sending cards and so much more. On this day of Jesus’ birth, may our anticipation and preparation transform into sacred hope, promise, light, peace, and joy.  With gratitude for promises made and kept, we pray. Amen.

~ Jonathan Shively, executive director, Congregational Life Ministries

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotional written by Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

 

The baby Jesus: At the center

Matthew 1:25

 

Question for Reflection:
How are you entering sacred space today?

Prayer for the day:
God of mangers and stables, of shining stars and heavenly choruses, alert us to the arrival of your son.  Enter into our space and time in a form that we recognize as human and yet know as divine. Transform this world through the holiness of this night. Break into our lives through the cries of a baby, through Jesus the Christ. Amen.

~ Jonathan Shively, executive director, Congregational Life Ministries

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotional written by Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Anna: Ready to recognize

Luke 2:36-38

 

Question for Reflection:
Where are you looking for God’s handiwork today? What are you seeing?

Prayer for the day:
God, our worship may not be as persistent as Anna’s, but today is one of the days that we set aside for prayer and praise. Through our worship give us a clearness to see and know your presence. Compel us toward the expectant joy of the Messiah’s coming, and ready us to share this joy with the world. Come, child of Nazareth. Amen.

 

~ Jonathan Shively, executive director, Congregational Life Ministries

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotional written by Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Mary: Motherhood

Luke 2:33-35

Question for Reflection:
How is it that children teach their elders about life? What have you learned through the eyes of a child?

Prayer for the day:
God, the promise of a new baby is one of your signs of hope in this world. But that hope is challenged daily, sometimes through deep sorrow like what we feel for the children and families of Newtown, Connecticut. Thank you for sharing in our grief. Grant us peace and courage through the rising and the falling of our daily living. We, like Mary, covet your blessing.  With expectation we pray, amen.

~ Jonathan Shively, executive director, Congregational Life Ministries

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Advent Devotional written by Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (Available from Brethren Press in print and E-Book formats) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.