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.

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.

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.