Tag Archives: wait

Devotional

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.

Devotional

Learning to wait

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Luke 4:1-13


Prayer for the day:
God, we have found in you a dwelling place. Your faithfulness gives us hope and confidence.

Question for reflection:
What experiences have taught you about waiting, including challenging times and less dramatic experiences? How might you help others learn patience and trust in God’s faithfulness?

 

~ Stan Dueck – Director, Transforming Practices

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.

Devotional

Genealogy and history: By the numbers

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Matthew 1:7-17  

Question for Reflection:
There is rhythm in the reading of the genealogy of Jesus, as well as symmetry in the numbers: fourteen plus fourteen plus fourteen generations in all. The God-created generational rhythm might go unnoticed except for Matthew’s pointing it out for us in verse 17. Preacher Alyce McKenzie calls us to cultivate “a knack for noticing” how God is at work in, around, and through us. What are you being called to notice this Advent season? What do you need to be paying attention to?


Prayer for the day:
God of the generations, in this time of waiting, grant us a “knack for noticing” your presence in our midst. In the name of Christ we pray, 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.