You led your people

2015 COVER

Psalm 77: 16-20

Question for the day:  What does deliverance look like? What are the requirements that make it necessary? Initially life is good, but then, “… nothing was making sense, nothing is as it should be…” These words from our author leave me very unsettled — their mere suggestion raises my anxiety level. On the other side of anxiety, I see the power of God and that He takes action — demonstrating His care and concern.
Stand in awe, stand in joy, but stand firm …. and see the deliverance the Lord will give you.              (2 Chronicles 20:17)
  In what situation of your life can you recognize God’s deliverance?

Prayer: 
Mighty God, we come before you with gratitude for the amazing things you do on our behalf.  Remind us that your presence goes before us leading us through that which we find most difficult. Amen.

~ Randi Rowan, Program Assistant, 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 Lent Devotional written by Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (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, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Teach Me

2015 COVER

 

Psalm 25:1-10

Prayer: Merciful God, we admit that all to often our ways are not your ways. In the midst of fear, anxiety, and loss we take matters into our own hands. We fail to trust what we know from scripture and the great cloud of witnesses. As we prepare for the redemption of your Son, call us back to your truth and remind us of the faith that has nurtured us beyond our merit. Amen
Question: What makes you anxious?

~ Joshua Brockway, Director for Spiritual Life and Discipleship

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lent Devotional written by Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (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, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Our own burdens to bear

LENT_real_rest_FRONTPAGE


Mark 15:33-39

Question for reflection:
Where are you experiencing loneliness in your life today? What fears are you facing on your own? What burdens do you bear? What seemingly unbearable set of circumstances are looming in front of you?

Prayer for the day:

Suffering Jesus, you carried your cross on Good Friday; you also know the burdens that are heavy in my life right now. I am calling on you, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Give light to my way through this dark time. Put my anxieties to rest. Show me signs of your abiding presence. Provide your assurance that no matter what happens, I am yours.

~ 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 written by Duane Grady, pastor of Cedar Lake 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, Duane’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Building obstacles to God

LENT_real_rest_FRONTPAGE


Luke 12:13-21

Prayer for the day:
Help me to place my trust in you, God of Life. Amen

Question for reflection:
In our quest for security, we falsely believe that the things of this world will ease our anxiety and keep us safe. We accumulate more and more things, only to find that what we thought would protect and sustain us now demand our time and energy to keep them safe—from rust and rot and thieves. What in your life do you need to get rid of so that you may live, instead, for God?

~ 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 written by Duane Grady, pastor of Cedar Lake 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, Duane’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.