Our own burdens to bear

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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.

Surprised by faith

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Take it to the Lord in Prayer

Luke 7:1-10


Prayer for the day:

The old hymn reminds us what a privilege it is to carry everything, our sins and grief and pains and temptations, to God in prayer. And I know that when I pray, You will help carry my burden and bring me peace. But today I come before you, not for myself but for my friend. A friend who needs Your comfort, Your strength, and Your Peace. Please, walk with my friend, carry my friend and lift his/her heart with Your love. Amen.

Question for reflection:
I was sick last year –sick unto death, to borrow the King James language –and too weak to pray for myself. Instead of a centurion, with all of his power and servants, coming before Jesus for a miracle it was my family that prayed for me. Family around the world spread a prayer chain. Friends came and sat with my family and prayed together. People prayed over the phone and sent emails filled with their prayers. To be honest, I can barely remember the days I was on the edge and my healing was like waking from a strange, long dream to a bright, crisp morning. Around me, everyone was rejoicing.

  • When have others prayed for you?
  • Have you ever talked to them about the impact their prayers have had?
  • Do you thank God for the prayers of others? For answering their prayers?
  • Who do bring forward to God in your prayers?
  • Do you tell them you are praying for them?

 

~ Gimbiya Kettering, Intercultural Ministries Coordinator

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.