Blessed Arrival

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2 Samuel 6:12-19

To Ponder:   I Shall Dance as David Danced
One of my earliest memories of church in Nairobi, where I grew up, was singing everyone in the congregation singing the praise and worship song “Dance as David Danced”. It was the “youth service” which was known for a lively music group – guitars, bass, western drums, African drums. And if that weren’t enough, there were three women who regularly sat in the row in front of us who brought their own percussion instruments – tambourines, shekeres, and sistrums. They did not just shake their instruments, they shook their whole selves –from the tops of their heads to their feet. Being a shy, uncoordinated child I was completely mesmerized by their extravagantly printed and embroidered dresses, their flamboyant hand motions,Shekere and way all their hips moved in unison. I had never seen anything like it in church in America. It was too much and I wanted to look away. It was not enough and I wanted to join in. In the next decade, it would become my normal church experience but at that moment I was an outsider looking in.

The Old Testament rituals of moving the ark and the expectations of Hebrew royalty, can seem strange. I am again a foreigner watching others praise and worship in the Lord. My eyes seeing but my heart not comprehending: I’m part judgmental and part jealous – longing to join in. To let go and just be unselfconsciously joyous from head to toe.

Prayer for the day:
Oh God of Dance and Music,
Invite me to join your song. Teach me Your rhythm.
May my heart, ears, and eyes recognize the joy from every nation, every tribe, and every language as we praise the Lord. I pray that I may join in that Great Multitude.
Amen.

~ Gimbiya Kettering, Intercultural Ministries Coordinator
Save the Date: May 1-3 for “All God’s People Say Amen” Intercultural  Retreat in ANE.

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 Sandy Bosserman, a former district executive and ordained minister in the 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, Sandy’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Exact imprint

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Hebrews 1:1-4

To Ponder:   The Worth of a Thousand Words
Studies suggest that, on average, we speak over 15,000 words a day. Most of those words seem to spill from me without really thinking about them: Starting with mumbled morning greetings and a somewhat clearer query about the status of coffee. My words just stack up: Logistics of a single-car family, endless games of peekaboo with my toddler, while petting the neighbors yappy dog, many-many phone conference calls for work, the mailman, calls from my parents or friends wanting to be in touch, the woman in line behind me at the grocery store who is also playing peekaboo with my daughter, family dinner, then bedtime story. Then I get to talk my husband, another grown up, in full sentences and multisyllabic words.

In the Bible, it keeps coming back to the word. In the beginning there was the word. The tongue is mightier than the sword. And blessed are those who read the words of ending revelations. And Jesus, as a reflection of God, sustains all things with his powerful word. And yet, once we claim an identity as Christians, we our also seen as reflections of God and our words a reflection of our faith.

Prayer for the day:
Dear God, thank you for the gift of words, of language and stories, and Your word.Open my ears to hear your reflection in others. Make me mindful of how powerful my words are in how others see You and me.
Amen.

~ Gimbiya Kettering, Intercultural Ministries Coordinator
Save the Date: May 1-3 for “All God’s People Say Amen” Intercultural  Retreat in ANE.

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 Sandy Bosserman, a former district executive and ordained minister in the 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, Sandy’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Hard lessons

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Do you not yet understand?

Mark 8:14-21


Question for reflection:

No, actually I don’t understand yet. I have a question. I always have one more question. There is one little bit I would like clarified, explained, and reviewed. I remember the loaves and the fishes, but I don’t know how it was done. And I want to see it done again. I want to hear the story again. I want to understand – I really am trying to understand. And I’m not the only one. The disciples, who there and got to talk to Jesus still didn’t understand. They were at the last supper, they had their feet washed, they saw the crucifixion, and ate with the resurrected Jesus and still had questions. They still didn’t quite “get it”.

– When have you sought more understanding –and gotten it?
– Has that understanding changed with new information or more maturity?
– How do we move forward with the confusion and unknowing?
– How would “understanding” change our actions?

Prayer for the day:
God, I pray for the peace that passeth understanding. Amen.
P.S. I would still like to understand!

 ~ 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.

 

Happy anniversary, dear

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Knock, Knock

Matthew 7:7-11


Prayer for the day:

Dear God, Sometimes I imagine “the road less traveled” behind the many doors I have knocked on that did not open. Other times, I have wondered if the right doors opened. If this is really what I wanted, what I was looking for, and where I am supposed to be. Only You know my whole life, beginning middle and end, and You are guiding me. Please, open the doors that you have prepared for me. Lead me to find You in all parts of my life. Teach me to ask for the important things in life. Amen.

Question for reflection:
I like the part of the Bible that says “ask and it shall be given” because I am good at asking. I like the bit about “seek and ye will find” because I am always looking for something. And I really, really like the line that says “knock and the door will be opened” because I sometimes treat life like one of those game shows with three doors and I always think I know what doors has the prize behind it. So, I have not just knocked on the “winning” door, I have kicked, leaned, pulled, and wedged my foot against the frame. And more times than I care to admit, I have found myself in the wrong room. Yes, ask for what you need and seek because it is the only way to find. But sometimes, God knows what we need more than we do. Sometimes, no matter how many times we ask, it isn’t given. We can’t find it. And the door remains closed. And that is the will of God, for our benefit, believe it or not.

  • What has remained elusive in your life, despite asking and looking?
  • Do you understand, now, the other plans God had in store for you?
  • Are there doors that seem stubbornly stuck in your life?
  • What would happen if you knocked –and waited?

 

~ 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.

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.

A woman teaches Jesus

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For Even a Crumb is Enough

Mark 7:24-30

Prayer for the day:
I come before You needing healing –not just for myself but for those I love. I have tried everything and asked so many people for help. Now, I come with a need greater than my faith, greater than my patience, and greater than my hope. I come because others have said I must turn to God, must return to faith, and must believe. I come with thanksgiving in my heart, because you will not turn me away. Amen.

Question for reflection:
Syrophoenician – I can barely even say it. I certainly can’t point to Syrophenicia on a map. Yet, the Syrophoenician woman is my sister. Her daughter, frightening in the fits that held her, is beloved to my heart as my family. When I read this story, I am with her, barely tolerated, before another tribe’s leader. I am frightened Jesus will turn her away for her impertinence. Instead, her daughter is healed and I am as grateful as if it were my daughter.

The Syrophoenician woman is you sister too, for this is how we all come to Jesus, not by birth or by family, but by faith. And by desperation, needing to be healed, wanting to save our families, and finally ready to believe.

  • When have you asked God impossible, impertinent questions out frustration and fear?
  • When have you come to God needing a miracle?
  • Do you return, as if with an untested faith, again and again?

 

~ 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.

Wanting to learn

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Jesus Christ & Joseph Campbell

Luke 4:14-30

Prayer for the day:
God, you are both loving Father and ruling King in my life. When I stand before you, I stand before my friend and my judge. I trust You at home and when I am on the road. I trust Grace will bring me home. Amen.

Question for reflection:
In the study of mythology and literature, there are two archetypal stories: the hero leaves on a journey and the stranger comes to town. In this chapter of Luke, Jesus could be read through both lenses. He is the son of Mary and Joseph, a man everyone knew, who left to fulfill God’s vision for his life. In returning to Galilee, Jesus –now recognized as a teacher, a healer, a prophet –even the Messiah, son of God – is a stranger to the people who once knew him as carpenter.

  • In your walk with God, in what ways is He familiar as a friend?
  • How do you pray to God when He feels as close as family?
  • When has God felt awesome and distant?
  • How do you pray when God’s message is challenging and uncomfortable for you?

 ~ 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.

Almost unspeakable

2013 Advent good_news_hi_res   Matthew 2:16 -18

Prayer for the day:
Soften my heart O, God, that I might have compassion for those who are forgotten, oppressed, and hurt. Harden my resolve, that I might have the courage not to look away but to hear their stories and learn their names. Move my hands, that I might be a servant of peace.


Question for reflection:

As a pacifist, New Testament Christian, I often like to gloss over the genocide, civil war, and violence of the Old Testament. Matthew 2 is a reminder that it continued even after Jesus was born and continued after Jesus died and continues today –2000 years later. Sometimes, my prayers for peace feel so ineffectual and vague against the tide of violence reported in the local news broadcast and global current events. I wish I could do more. How can I hold in my heart the seeming contradictions of God’s loving mercy and the violent realities of our times?

~ 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 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.

Significant sacrifice

2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  Matthew 2:13 -15

Prayer for the day:
God of us all, open my eyes and heart to those near neighbors and the wider global community to those who are building new lives for themselves among strangers –as immigrants, refugees, travelers, and searchers. May I welcome them as you have you have welcomed me.


Question for reflection:

Once upon a time, it was not uncommon for generation after generation of a family to live in the same town, surrounded by the same neighbors, extended family, and attend the same church or temple. However, our modern society is much more transient as we travel for education, jobs, and other opportunities. I cannot help but imagine Mary and Joseph, parents of a newborn, in a new neighborhood, and missing home. They were probably in desperate need for a casserole. It is easy to remember to give to soup kitchens, family shelters, and gifts for children programs during the holidays but the need is year round. Who is new in your neighborhood, sacrificing the familiarity and safety of home for their children? How can we support them through our congregations and charitable donations?

~ 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 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.

By another road

2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  Matthew 2:12

Prayer for the day:
The unfamiliar path is ahead –and I need courage to continue though it may be longer, steeper, and overgrown. You know how I fear being lost even though you have promised to leave all the 99 sheep to find the lost one. Soften my heart O, God, that I may trust the direction you lay before me.


Question for reflection:

It can be hard to change our plans –especially after we have so carefully plotted out our route and packed for the journey. Especially when explaining the reasons for the change has to do with the “still, small voice” of God – the warning that comes as dream, not as a burning bush. Have you ever had to change your plans based on a call or feeling that you knew was divinely inspired, but could not explain in the moment? What did you learn on the other road? Where did it lead you?

~ 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 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.