Galilee: Awash in inspiration

Matthew 2:19-23

Question for Reflection:
What spot in nature near your home inspires you? Where is it that you see God in your town?

Prayer for the day:
Creator God, give me the discipline today to notice my surroundings. You speak to me through the wonders of nature and I want to be more aware of your presence in my surroundings, whatever they may be. Amen.

~ Becky Ullom Naugle, Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry

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.

The gifts: They keep on giving

Matthew 2:11-12

 

Question for Reflection:
What about this season and the Christmas story overwhelm you with joy? What brings you to your knees with hope and wonder?

Prayer for the day:
Heavenly father, may we always be in awe of you and your wondrous ways. We hope to continue to see your glory in special moments throughout the whole year, not just at Christmas time. Help us to take time to pause and fall to our knees in these moments and praise you for the gifts before us. Amen.

~ Rachel Witkovsky, National Junior High 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 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.

 

The star: How I wonder

Matthew 2:7-10

 

Question for Reflection:
This passage is like a suspenseful movie. “No don’t do it!” you yell at the screen, “It’s a trick!” But we know how it ends. We can sit back, for now, and enjoy the wonder of the moment, the brilliance of the star, with the scholars. What moments do we miss because we’re too concerned about what’s going to happen next?

Prayer for the day:
God, teach us to let go of fear and anxiety. We want to live in the moment and be in your presence but sometimes our worries get in the way. Please help us to learn to stop and look around us, taking in your wonders and glory. Amen.

~ Rachel Witkovsky, National Junior High 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 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.

 

 

Gabriel: Messenger service

Luke 1:26-38

Question for Reflection:
As you move about your neighborhood and community, what signs and wonders of God’s activity are you observing?


Prayer for the day:

O God, prepare us to observe, to be amazed, and rejoice in God’s good news available to the least of us, and the greatest.  Amen.

~ 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 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.