Happy anniversary, dear

LENT_real_rest_FRONTPAGE

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.

Saying yes to God

2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  Luke 1:26-33

Prayer for the day:

Beckoning God,
You call me to a life of sacrificial discipleship. Guide my footsteps – that I may say “Yes” to you and your plans. Give me strength to trust especially when I am afraid.


Question for reflection:

In what ways am I ignoring God’s call because I am afraid to give of my whole self?

~ Katie Cummings, National Youth Conference 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.

The magi: Truly wise men

Matthew 2:1-2

Question for Reflection:
What are you observing that points to the living God?

Prayer for the day:
God, send us stars to guide our journey, signs that peak our curiosity and capture our imagination so much that we will set out on paths whose destinations are yet unknown, but which will lead us directly to you. In pursuit of your Son, we pray. Amen.

~ 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 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.

 

It’s Good To Be Here

A Community of Love  Mark 9: 2-8

Prayer for the Day:
We think we cannot handle troubles, Lord, because we tend to see them in the wrong light. It’s totally different when we filter things through your perspective. Guide us with your counsel, keep our hearts sensitive to your voice, and grant us refuge, for it is good to be near you (Psalm 73:26-28). Lord, when we seek you, please help us find you.  Amen.

Question for reflection:
In what creative ways can you discover God’s perspective?

~ 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 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.