Tag Archives: surprise

Devotional

Fear not

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2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  Luke 1:12

Prayer for the day:
God, surprise us this week with your hopeful presence, in an area of our lives where we doubt and are fearful. Help us to notice and not be afraid. Amen.

Question for reflection:
In what areas of life do you have doubts, concerns, and fears? How can you share those with God and invite God in to walk with you through them?

~ Tim Heishman, 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.

 

Devotional

Impossible possibilities

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Lent 2013 Cover    1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Question for reflection:
How has God surprised you lately? How has that surprise changed you?

Prayer for the day:
Surprising God, turn my casual regard for daily living toward alert expectation that things can and will be different. Startle me out of my complacency and make me attentive to sharper ways of seeing and deeper ways of understanding. In the name of Christ, the power and wisdom of God, I pray. Amen.

~ Jonathan Shively, executive director of 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.

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

Neighbors and relatives: Community

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Luke 1:57-66

Question for Reflection:
The Message uses the phrase “surprise followed surprise” (v. 63) to describe the astonishment of Elizabeth and Zechariah’s neighbors when words of praise began flowing from the lips of Zechariah. Throughout Advent, as we anticipate the celebration of the birth of another baby – the Messiah – be alert and mindful of ways God is providing moments of surprise in your life. Like the neighbors in this passage from Luke, share God’s blessings and God’s Good News with your family, friends, and neighbors.


Prayer for the day:
Kind-hearted God, you have shown us the importance of relationships and community by reaching out to us through the birth of Jesus Christ. During this season of anticipation, help us to reach out to those among us who are most in need of a kind word, a warm coat, a hot meal. Stir us to be your healing touch to a hurting world. Help us to share your Good News of Jesus Immanuel – God with us. In Jesus’ name, Amen

~ 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 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.