1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Do not quench the Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 NRSV

Prayer for the Day

God of Good News, dare we rejoice? In a world of hunger, violence, and injustice, can we celebrate? In the darkest days of winter, dare we proclaim the good news of Jesus’ birth? God of Good News, grant us the hope, faith, and courage to rejoice and celebrate as we proclaim the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen

Question

Do our doubts and fears quench the Spirit? How can you live into a life of rejoicing in the Lord always, praying continually, and giving thanks in all you do?

–Kim Ebersole, Director, 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 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.

Isaiah 11:1-10

“…and a little child shall lead them. Isaiah 11:6

Prayer for the Day

Dependable God, every day we are witness to your promise. With each glorious sunrise, with each colorful rainbow, with every baby born, your promise is renewed. And yet, we do not always see you or feel your presence in the hustle and bustle of these busy days or in the darkness of these long nights. Open our eyes, awaken our souls so that we may experience you in Christ, Emmanuel. Amen

Question

When have you seen new life springing forth from that which seemed dormant? How is God working in you to “stretch your mind” as God “strengthens your heart?”

–Kim Ebersole, Director, 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 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.

Isaiah 40:1-5

A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD… Isaiah 40:1a NIV

Prayer for the Day

Seeking God, we acknowledge that we do not always do all we can to be your Presence to the world. Too often, we are the rocks and ruts, the hills and valleys that prevent others from seeing you. Help us break across boundaries of privilege and remove barriers of injustice so that all may come to experience your goodness, your grace, your glory. Help us prepare for your arrival. Amen

Question

What spiritual landscaping do you need to do to prepare the way for the Lord?

–Kim Ebersole, Director, 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 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.

Prayer for the Day

Almighty one, Help us to prepare for the way of the Lord. For we are not worthy to carry your sandals, yet somehow you always remember us, thank you. Help us to bear fruit worthy of repentance, prepare our hearts and look away from ourselves and turn our attention towards you. Amen.

Question

What kind of “trees” are in your life, are no longer bearing fruit and need to be removed, and what kind of “harvest” have you been neglecting to gather?

–Carol Fike, National Young Adult Conference Coordinator and Assistant Christian Citizenship Seminar 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 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.

Prayer for the Day

Creator God, In this holiday season that brings chaos, commercialism, and worry, help us to remember that this is not what we are called to celebrate, and find the true reason for the season. Help our actions to reflect what we are celebrating and share it with the world around us. Grant us patience, and trust as we wait for the arrival of a king, that came into the world as a baby, to save us all. Amen.

Question

What are we celebrating this holiday season, the son of man coming and dwelling in our earth, or Santa Claus and stuff that gets in the way? Why are we celebrating?

–Carol Fike, National Young Adult Conference Coordinator and Assistant Christian Citizenship Seminar 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 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.

Prayer for the Day

Coming Christ, we are preparing. But we must confess that we are not preparing for your advent, but for our own celebrations. Lists have been made, houses have been decorated, and menus prepared- yet we do not remember how to prepare our selves, our homes, or our congregations for your coming. Open our eyes and hearts, and enliven our hands and feet that we might join in the true preparations of the season. Amen.

Question

How many lists do you have of things that need done before Christmas or the end of the year? What on those lists is part of preparing the way for the return of Jesus?

-Joshua Brockway; Director, 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 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.