Monthly Archives: December 2013

Devotional

More challenging than we imagine

Posted on by
Reply

2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  Luke 2:7

Prayer for the day:
O God, who came in the vulnerability of a child, we so often sing of silent and restful nights as we celebrate Jesus’ birth. We confess that all too often we fail to imagine what the peacefulness of that night has to say to the madness of our day. Open our eyes to the grace of the nativity in our everyday lives. Amen


Question for reflection:
Where have you seen the peace and calm of the infant Jesus in the past few weeks?

~ 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 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

The places Jesus appears

Posted on by
Reply

2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  Luke 1:46 – 56

Question for reflection:
“…. for the Mighty One has done great things for me …. “     Luke 1:49a

Close your eyes. Envision the plight of those who’ve undergone devastation this year. What would a day in their life be like? What can we do to help?

Ponder this: how do we connect with the invisible people whose paths are mingled with ours? Can you take a next step of catching their eye with a smile, a greeting, and warm acknowledgement? What stories would they share … if they were given the opportunity?

Prayer for the day:
Lord,
give us the courage and patience to move beyond our comfort zone;
give us eyes that recognize those that are
lonely.
downtrodden.
worn.
… and live with a heightened sense of uncertainty.

Prompt us to bring the message of your presence and love from the storehouse of blessing you have bestowed on us …. and maybe …. we can witness the resulting light.
Amen.

~ Randi Rowan, Program Assistant, 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 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

Nothing is impossible with God

Posted on by
Reply

2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  Luke 1:34 – 38

Prayer for the day:
God of wonder, help us to wake up to the unexpected blessings you provide and accompanying joy – and express your faithfulness to others in ways that would ring clear to their hearts.

Question for reflection:
How do you respond to the miracles that start to nudge us from just below our radar to a place of transformation? What stories can we share with ourselves and others to build trust in the One who loves us insatiably?

~ Randi Rowan, Program Assistant, 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 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

Saying yes to God

Posted on by
Reply

2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  Luke 1:26-33

Prayer for the day:

Beckoning God,
You call me to a life of sacrificial discipleship. Guide my footsteps – that I may say “Yes” to you and your plans. Give me strength to trust especially when I am afraid.


Question for reflection:
In what ways am I ignoring God’s call because I am afraid to give of my whole self?

~ Katie Cummings, 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

Do saints whine?

Posted on by
Reply

2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  Matthew 1:24-25

Prayer for the day:
God, I have questions every day. It’s not for me to know all the answers. Help me to trust in each moment. May I seek to have the faith and wisdom of the saints who have come before me.

Question for reflection:
In what ways can I seek to be more faithful in my own life each day?

~ Katie Cummings, 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

Protecting the vulnerable

Posted on by
Reply

2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  Matthew 1:18-25

Prayer for the day:

Protecting God,
I ask for seeing eyes to take in the vulnerable people in my midst. May I have a heart of compassion, like Joseph, that is open to the moving of the spirit in my life and those around me.

Question for reflection:

Who are the Marys, the vulnerable people, in my own life?

~ Katie Cummings, 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

Insignificant?

Posted on by
Reply

2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  Micah 5:2-5a

Prayer for the day:
God of the great and the small, so often we feel powerless, unable to really make a difference in the world. What can one person do? Help us to remember the world-changing difference just one person made, despite his humble beginnings in the tiny town of Bethlehem.

Question for reflection:
What one small step might you take that would make a difference in someone else’s life?

~ Donna Kline, Director of Denominational Deacon 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 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

O little town of Bethlehem

Posted on by
Reply

2013 Advent good_news_hi_res   Micah 5:2

Prayer for the day:
Holy God, it is easy for us to be taken in by those whose voices we hear the loudest and the most often. Let us step back and watch and listen to those whose voices are softer. Better yet, let us seek out the quiet persons, encouraging them to use the voice you gave them, reminding them that their voice is needed in the Kingdom.

Question for reflection:
Who in your faith community may have gifts you are overlooking because they are quiet and unassuming, “insignificant” people?

~ Donna Kline, Director of Denominational Deacon 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 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

Enabled to serve

Posted on by
Reply

2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  Luke 1:67- 80

Prayer for the day:
God, calm our fears. You gave us breath: remind us to stop and breathe. Give us your peace, and help us find ways to share it. Amen.

Question for reflection:
It has been said that the words “fear not” appear somewhere around 365 times in the Bible. Yet we are such a fearful people! What are you afraid of?

~ Donna Kline, Director of Denominational Deacon 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 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

Maturity

Posted on by
Reply

2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  Luke 1:67- 80

Prayer for the day:
God who hears the words of our hearts, help us make space for others to speak. And, in that space, give us the patience to truly listen to our sisters and brothers, even if it means leaving our own words unsaid. As we learn to listen, may those learnings also help us hear your voice more clearly, O God.

Question for reflection:
How might becoming better listeners “guide our feet into the way of peace” (v. 79) more readily than making sure our own words are heard?

~ Donna Kline, Director of Denominational Deacon 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 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.