Hope for the Hurting

Romans 5:1-5

Prayer
The hope that is your gift to us through the Holy Spirit does not disappoint us, O Lord; all praise to you for this glorious gift!

Question
Remember a time when all hope seemed lost; what did God do in your life to remind you that our hope in him is everlasting?

-Donna Kline, Director, Deacon 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 David W. Miller. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, David’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

 

The Language of Praise

Revelation 19:1-6

Prayer
The Lord our God the Almighty reigns! Forgive us our silence when we have opportunity to glorify your name; help us give voice to the honor that is yours, now and forever.

Question
Wherever you are as you read this, look around. Don’t move from your chair, but take in the surroundings you likely take for granted each day. What makes you say Hallelujah for what God has done?

-Donna Kline, Director, Deacon 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 David W. Miller. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, David’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

 

A Pondering Heart

Luke 2:15-20

Prayer: Creator God, we are stuck in routines that do not allow us the freedom to take a step back, and re-evaluate. Guide us to a more reflective place this holiday season, so that like Mary, we too may reflect on Christ’s birth. May we see new ways of how you work in us and through us and hold these new treasures within our hearts. During this time of gift giving, let us not forget all the wonders you have given us this year. Let the good stay with us in our hearts and let the bad make us stronger so that we can better serve you. In your name we pray, Amen.

Question: As a gift to yourself this holiday season, ask yourself how you have grown this year, both spiritually and personally (i.e. new job, changes within the family, etc.). How may you reflect to bring yourself closer to God?

-Catherine Gong, Coordinator of 2012 Workcamp 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 David W. Miller. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, David’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

 

Shepherd’s Suprise

Luke 2:8-14

Prayer: Almighty God, we thank you for the angels that you have sent down to us. Whether we realize or not; we are surrounded by them day to day. They are our coworkers who help us with projects, they are the grocery store clerks who help us carry our groceries, they are our church families who bring food to us when we are ill, and they are our loved ones who know how to make us smile in times of despair. From them we feel your love and are given hope that there can be peace on this Earth. Let us show kindness to those you send to help us and let us not forget the love you have for each and every one of us. Amen.

Question: Like the Shepherds we are scared by happenings we do not understand; how can we stay strong and have faith in God’s ways?

-Catherine Gong, Coordinator of 2012 Workcamp 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 David W. Miller. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, David’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

 

Dream Angel

Matthew 1:18-25

Prayer: Dear God, sometimes it’s hard for us to believe that you have a true plan for us. Just like Joseph, we sometimes question the situations you have given us and lose sight of your love in fear of what others will think of us. Let us not be fearful, but trust in you to lead us. May we not feel lost and confused but instead feel your guiding light even when others attempt to sway us. We pray that we can be examples of Christ’s love on this Earth even if we do not fully understand your plans for each of us. Amen.

Question: We live in a culture where we are constantly told how we should act or how we should think; has there ever been a situation in which you found yourself going against the grain like Joseph to stand for something you believe in?

-Catherine Gong, Coordinator of 2012 Workcamp 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 David W. Miller. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, David’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

 

Breaking the Silence

Luke 1:57-80

Prayer: Dear Lord, in the world today we often lose sight of your teachings and instead are distracted by trivial matters that we feel we have the right to complain about. Help us instead to see the beauty in this world that you have created for us. Help us to show your love even when faced with situations we rather not be in. And help us to speak your words to others and praise your name through fellowship and faith. In your name we pray, Amen.

Question: How can we be more like Zechariah in praising God in spite of the daily obstacles we are faced with?

 

-Catherine Gong, Coordinator of 2012 Workcamp 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 David W. Miller. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, David’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

 

Breaking the Rules

Luke 1:46-56


Prayer
Loving God, we await the One born in Bethlehem. In this season of anticipation, you offer us opportunities to rejoice, to discover renewal and to share your love. O God, we give ourselves as your servants, stirred to embrace Christ’s mission in the world. Amen.

Question
The statement from Mary about her unborn Son is often referred to as the Magnificat. I wonder if we can read Mary’s song without being concerned about our status, wealth and power and especially our spiritual identity as individuals, congregations and a nation?

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

 

Mother of God

Text: Luke 1: 39-45

Prayer
Holy God, whose coming to us in Jesus Christ we joyfully celebrate. Your salvation is from generation to generation. Break through the obstacles that keep us from seeing your glory and majesty. O God, lift our trampled and timid spirits to rejoice in your saving grace and carry our discipleship into the world. Amen.

Question
What energizes you that could give life to something new and surprising that might possibly carry Jesus’s mission into the world?

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

 

Playing Favorites

Text: Luke 1:26-38

Prayer
God of all mystery and awe, whom we have glimpsed in Jesus the Christ, extend your revelation to us today and in the day ahead. And, when your wonder and surprises burst upon us, may we welcome them as Mary did hers, with a faithful and spirited obedience. Amen.

Question
How do you respond when plans or information are disrupted? What is your capacity to adjust your emotions, thoughts, and behavior to changing situations and conditions—to take in new data and adapt? How have you drawn upon God in such situations?


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

Shoes for Peace


Text: Ephesians 6:10-18

Prayer
Alert us now, eternal Spirit to your presence among us. May hearts and lives of all people be drawn to you through our witness. Holy One of God, strengthen our heart and soul as we seek to walk with courage and peace all our days. Amen.

Question:
Think of an experience when you have been an instrument of peace or witnessed an event of peace making.  What elements contributed to the outcome? How did you sense God working in the situation? In what ways has that event or situation impacted your faith?

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