Tag Archives: grace

Devotional

Everyone counts

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2013 Advent good_news_hi_res   Matthew 1:3-6

Prayer for the day:
O God, in whose image we are created, help us not to judge others, and instead try to see your light in everyone we meet. We acknowledge this isn’t always easy, so give us grace-filled hearts to recognize that all people count in your eyes.
Amen

Question for reflection:
Who are the people who have influenced your life? How have they done so? Have you shared with them how meaningful their influence has been?

~ 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 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.

 

Devotional

Good fruit

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Lent 2013 Cover   Luke 6:43-45

Question for reflection:
What fruit has the tree of your life produced so far? What budding shoots are you tending for tomorrow’s crop?

Prayer for the day:
God of all creation, let others hear only words of good fruit from my mouth, and share in acts of grace from my heart and hands.

~ Donna Kline, Director of Denominational Deacon Ministry

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.

Devotional

Confession

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Lent 2013 Cover  Psalm 51:1-17

Question for reflection:
What prevents you from confessing sin and faults?

Prayer for the day:
Lord, you know that today sin is a dirty word – not just for what it says about us, but because naming faults and failures is not popular. In a culture of self-affirmation and positive thinking, naming our sins in confession seems archaic and oppressive. Yet, in this season of Lent, we are reminded that confession is not about self-denial but self-transformation in the grace of Christ. Receive O Lord, our tears and frustrations, that they may be reworked by your grace. Teach us in this season of preparation that confession is the beginning to becoming the people we long to be.
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.
 
 

Devotional

The inkeeper: No room?

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Luke 2:6-7

Question for Reflection:
When have you opened the door to share the hospitality to stranger or friend?

Prayer for the day:
Christ of the manger, we set our stable scenes with your image, wrapped in simple cloth. We even sing songs of your birth, heralding closed doors that sent you to that stable. With each nativity song we are reminded that even still a door was opened. Grant us courage to open our doors to those seeking warmth and welcome. For in doing so, we might take part in your ever increasing grace.
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 Advent Devotional written by Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (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.

Devotional

Bethlehem: O little town

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Micah 5:1-5a

Question for Reflection:
Where have you glimpsed God’s grace in unexpected places?

Prayer for the day:
O, Holy One, you ordained that the Savior of the world would be born in the quiet town of Bethlehem. Though we read the scriptures, we are frequently surprised that you bring about grace in small places. Open our hearts and eyes as we prepare this season that we might look for your grace in the simplest of places.
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 Advent Devotional written by Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (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.

Devotional

A reflection of Christ

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A Community of Love  Heb 4:14 – 5:4

Prayer for the Day:
What a joy it is, O God, to know that your grace is boundless, even as I confess my many weaknesses. Teach me to remember those weaknesses as I minister to others, so that your grace is reflected through me.

Question for reflection:
We talk a lot about discerning our spiritual gifts; is it not just as important to claim our weaknesses, places we have been broken? How might you show grace to others who are broken in those same fragile places?

~ Donna Kline, Director of Deacon Ministry

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 Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Cheryl’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.