Called by name

Lent 2013 Cover   John 20:1-18

Question for reflection:
Why at times is it so hard to recognize Jesus?  What does it sound like to you when Jesus says your name? How do you respond?

Prayer for the day:
Heighten all my senses, God, so that I might know Jesus is near. I am straining to hear my name. Surprise me with your familiarity. Turn my mourning into rejoicing. Send me into the world, proclaiming like Mary, “I have seen the Lord!”  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 Lenten devotional, The Practice of Paying Attention, written by Dana Cassell, Minister of Youth Formation at the Manassas Church of the Brethren. (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, Dana’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Constant love

Lent 2013 Cover  1 Peter 4:1-8

Question for reflection:
How do I show those around me that I love them? Who could I love better? What is preventing me from being more loving?

Prayer for the day:
I want to be loving, God, spilling over with the kind of love that transforms the world, your love. Break down the barriers that get in the way of my loving. Love me through the waiting between Friday’s crucifixion and Sunday’s resurrection, so that I, too, can love. 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 Lenten devotional, The Practice of Paying Attention, written by Dana Cassell, Minister of Youth Formation at the Manassas Church of the Brethren. (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, Dana’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Graceful obedience

Lent 2013 Cover   John 18:1–19:42

Question for reflection:
What am I holding onto too tightly? What do I need to learn, experience, or do in order to live more trustingly with God?

Prayer for the day:
Help me let go, God, of everything that gets between me and you. Open me to experiences of grace. Compel me toward your promises. Usher me from death into life. 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 Lenten devotional, The Practice of Paying Attention, written by Dana Cassell, Minister of Youth Formation at the Manassas Church of the Brethren. (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, Dana’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Washing feet

Lent 2013 Cover   John 13:1-17, 31-35

Question for reflection:
Whose feet do I need to wash today? Whose act of servanthood do I need to be prepared to receive?

Prayer for the day:
God, prepare me to wash the feet of my sisters and brothers in Christ, but also ready me to serve less familiar folks in uncomfortable places. Remind me that sometimes it’s just as important to humble myself for others to wash my feet as well. Orient my life through the power of the towel. Amen.

(follow this link for a musical meditation on washing feet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kSe0xbcAmo&feature=youtu.be)

~ 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 Lenten devotional, The Practice of Paying Attention, written by Dana Cassell, Minister of Youth Formation at the Manassas Church of the Brethren. (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, Dana’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Single-mindedness

Lent 2013 Cover   Isaiah 50:4-9

Question for reflection:
What does silence mean to you? When is the last time you practiced the art of being silent? How will you listen for God today?

Prayer for the day:
<take a deep breath> <exhale> <inhale> <exhale> <inhale> <hold…> <exhale> <breathe regularly> <be silent> <listen>

~ 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 Lenten devotional, The Practice of Paying Attention, written by Dana Cassell, Minister of Youth Formation at the Manassas Church of the Brethren. (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, Dana’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Impossible possibilities

Lent 2013 Cover    1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Question for reflection:
How has God surprised you lately? How has that surprise changed you?

Prayer for the day:
Surprising God, turn my casual regard for daily living toward alert expectation that things can and will be different. Startle me out of my complacency and make me attentive to sharper ways of seeing and deeper ways of understanding. In the name of Christ, the power and wisdom of God, I pray. Amen.

~ Jonathan Shively, executive director of 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 Lenten devotional, The Practice of Paying Attention, written by Dana Cassell, Minister of Youth Formation at the Manassas Church of the Brethren. (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, Dana’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Justice and certainty

Lent 2013 Cover   Isaiah 42:1-9

Question for reflection:
Where are you aware of injustice in your community, state, or nation? How might you respond as God’s servant to bring about justice?

Prayer for the day:
Lord, give me the desire and courage to stand up and speak out in the face of injustice. Amen

~ Kim Ebersole, Director of Family Life and Older Adult Ministries

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lenten devotional, The Practice of Paying Attention, written by Dana Cassell, Minister of Youth Formation at the Manassas Church of the Brethren. (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, Dana’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Messianic expectation

Lent 2013 Cover     Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

Question for reflection:
The gates of righteousness are open to us. As we enter, what are God’s expectations of us to bring forth the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven?

Prayer for the day:
God of invitation, we are your hands, your ears, your voice. Give us the courage to be who you call us to be.

~ Kim Ebersole, Director of Family Life and Older Adult Ministries

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lenten devotional, The Practice of Paying Attention, written by Dana Cassell, Minister of Youth Formation at the Manassas Church of the Brethren. (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, Dana’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Selling out

Lent 2013 Cover   Luke 22:1-13

Question for reflection:
Judas betrayed Jesus for the love of money. How does money affect your ethical choices? How do you pay attention to what you are doing with your money? Who or what might you be selling out to that doesn’t represent your values and beliefs?

Prayer for the day:
God, it is so easy for me to let money come and go through my hands without much discernment. Help me become more aware of who I am supporting and when I may be selling out.

~ Kim Ebersole, Director of Family Life and Older Adult Ministries

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lenten devotional, The Practice of Paying Attention, written by Dana Cassell, Minister of Youth Formation at the Manassas Church of the Brethren. (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, Dana’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

The tragic gap

Lent 2013 Cover   Hebrews 2:10-18

Question for reflection:
Gerontologist Jane Marie Thibault writes in 10 Gospel Promises for Later Life that suffering plays a role in shaping us as human beings. Suffering can be a source of spiritual growth and increase our empathy for the suffering of others (p.84). What suffering have you experienced, or witnessed in a loved one, that helps you empathize with others and show compassion to them during their suffering?

Prayer for the day:
Suffering is a gift that helps us walk with another and share their burden. Thanks be to God. Amen

~ Kim Ebersole, Director of Family Life and Older Adult Ministries

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lenten devotional, The Practice of Paying Attention, written by Dana Cassell, Minister of Youth Formation at the Manassas Church of the Brethren. (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, Dana’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.