Holy Saturday

LENT_real_rest_FRONTPAGE

Leviticus 19:9-18

Question for reflection:
What is going on in your life that would benefit from a change in perspective? What “tapes” play over and over in your mind that you might suspend on this Holy Saturday, in order to be open to a new story?


Prayer for the day:

[Take a deep breath. Spend several minutes in silence] Breathe new life into my longing heart, O God.

~ 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.

Beginning well

2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  Haggai 2:7

Prayer for the day:
If you tend to be anxious about time, set a timer for 5 or 10 minutes. As you center yourself for prayer this day, quiet your mind. Close your eyes, and find a comfortable position for your body. As you inhale, repeat the first part of the phrase in your mind. When you exhale, repeat the second part of the phrase. For the minutes you have set aside to pray, continue this pattern as you breathe in and out at a comfortable pace.
Phrase: “Jesus, help me…..to find you again.”

Question for reflection:
What does the phrase “Jesus, help me to find you again” stir in you?

~ Becky Ullom Naugle, Director for Youth and Young Adult Ministry

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 Tim Harvey, pastor of Central 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, Tim’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.

Just Breathe

Lent 2013 Cover  Exodus 6:1-13

Question for reflection:
How is breathing a part of your time of prayer? Do you pay attention to how taking a deep breath changes your perspective?

Prayer for the day:
Gracious God, even to breath is grace. In the hurried pace of our lives your gift of life comes with each breath, and yet we take it for granted. With the few breaths of this moment remind us that you are present, blessing us with the sustaining air around us. Blow into us the creative presence of your Spirit so that with each simple breath we might proclaim you are the giver of all life.
Amen

~ Josh 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 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, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.