Author Archives: RRowan

Devotional

By way of sorrow

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Lent 2013 Cover   Psalm 126

Question for reflection:
What are the things you dream of? What are the things that make you laugh? What are the things that give you joy? How would your life be changed, if during this season of Lent, your dreams, laughter, and joy reflected the Lord?

Prayer for the day:
Lord, who knows my dreams, thank you for turning my sorrows into joy.
Amen.

~ Gimbiya Kettering, Intercultural Ministries Coordinator

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lenten devotional, The Practice of Paying Attention, written by Dana Cassell, Minister of Youth Formation at the Manassas 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, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

God’s microphones

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Lent 2013 Cover    John 11:45-57

Question for reflection:
The chief priests and Pharisees called an emergency meeting to ask, “What are we accomplishing?” The people in their communities, witnessing the signs and miracles of Jesus had been begun to believe in Him. Though we may not be able to turn water into wine, what are the signs and actions of our faith? What are we accomplishing?

Prayer for the day:
Thank you, dear God, for the many signs and miracles in my life. As I join the Love Feast this year, help me remember all Your scattered children, reveal to me how I can be a witness to You, and continue the work of Jesus. Amen.

~ Gimbiya Kettering, Intercultural Ministries Coordinator

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lenten devotional, The Practice of Paying Attention, written by Dana Cassell, Minister of Youth Formation at the Manassas 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, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

God’s witnesses

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Lent 2013 Cover    Isaiah 43: 8-15

Question for reflection:
When you look back in your life, when do you remember the presence of God being most with you? Have you shared this story with others? How has the story changed in each retelling as you have a better understanding of how it is part of God’s will in your wider life?

Prayer for the day:
O God, I know it is Your will that is unfolding around me. You have chosen me and I have chosen to be a witness for You. Bless me with the faith and understanding to recognize that Your presence is as with us now as it was in ancient times.  Amen.

~ Gimbiya Kettering, Intercultural Ministries Coordinator

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lenten devotional, The Practice of Paying Attention, written by Dana Cassell, Minister of Youth Formation at the Manassas 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, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Anne with an e

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Lent 2013 Cover   Isaiah 43: 1-7

Question for reflection:
Do you feel that you might be washed away in the rivers of obligations and work and family? Has the heat of conflict and stress felt like it might engulf you? God promises that He is with us and we will not be burned or washed away. When in your life do you feel the presence of God calling you by your name?

Prayer for the day:
O God, in the midst of the busyness of life, let me hear Your voice when you call me; let me recognize my name on Your lips. Though the waters may be strong, I remember Your promise to accompany me and return me to glory. Amen.

~ Gimbiya Kettering, Intercultural Ministries Coordinator

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lenten devotional, The Practice of Paying Attention, written by Dana Cassell, Minister of Youth Formation at the Manassas 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, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Scarcity and abundance

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Lent 2013 Cover     2 Kings 4:1-7

Question for reflection:
Where are there signs of abundance in your congregation and life that offer hope and vitality?

Prayer for the day:
Lord God, help us to care for one another and for your world. Remove our fear and tendencies to assume scarcity. You are the one from whom every family in heaven and earth takes its name. We pray, O God, that according to the riches of your grace we may be strengthened in our inner being to be vessels of your abundance and grace.

~ Stan Dueck, Director for Transforming Practices

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lenten devotional, The Practice of Paying Attention, written by Dana Cassell, Minister of Youth Formation at the Manassas 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, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Jubilee

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Lent 2013 Cover     Leviticus 25:1-19

Question for reflection:
In what ways do we take time to contemplate how our busyness, practices, commitments and routines fit into God’s “big picture?”

Prayer for the day:
God, fill our hearts to make space to receive from you. Replenish and restore us so that we are able to serve. Amen.

 

~ Stan Dueck, Director for Transforming Practices

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lenten devotional, The Practice of Paying Attention, written by Dana Cassell, Minister of Youth Formation at the Manassas 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, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Completely at rest

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Lent 2013 Cover    Leviticus 23:26-41

Question for reflection:
How well does the way you spend your time and money align with your heart and relationship with God?

Prayer for the day:
God we thank you for the opportunity of activity and rest. Help us to savor the moments of worship, wonder and prayer. Amen

 

~ Stan Dueck, Director for Transforming Practices

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lenten devotional, The Practice of Paying Attention, written by Dana Cassell, Minister of Youth Formation at the Manassas 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, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Decide to live

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Lent 2013 Cover   Psalm 32

Question for reflection:
Psalm 32 is a composition designed to teach one how to live well. In what ways is confession a part of your desire and hope to live a fulfilling life?

Prayer for the day:
O God, whose love never fails us, we will try not to hide from you the wrong we have done, the secrets we keep or the good we neglect. Our distance from you leaves us friendless and alone. Renew in us a sense of who you intend us to be. Amen.

 

~ Stan Dueck, Director for Transforming Practices

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lenten devotional, The Practice of Paying Attention, written by Dana Cassell, Minister of Youth Formation at the Manassas 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, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Deep faith

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Lent 2013 Cover   Exodus 32:7-14

Question for reflection:
In what ways is the story in Exodus 32 a reflection about you, me and any congregation?

Prayer for the day:
O God, your devoted love is all around us. We confess that worshipping you is not the center of our lives. We occupy ourselves with busyness instead of contemplation. We prefer consumption instead of faithful service. Forgive us for acting out of self-interest and insisting on our own way. May the manner of our life reflect the abundance of your love, O God. Amen.

 

~ Stan Dueck, Director for Transforming Practices

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lenten devotional, The Practice of Paying Attention, written by Dana Cassell, Minister of Youth Formation at the Manassas 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, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

A way out of no way

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Lent 2013 Cover   Joshua 4:14-24

Question for reflection:
When have you seen or became aware of an opportunity but were afraid to enter it? What happened when faith allowed you to take the tentative steps into the chaotic waters of that experience?

Prayer for the day:
God, you reveal new opportunities to us. May our lives, our actions and our words be the invitation and encouragement that others need to step out in faith and receive Christ. Amen.

~ Stan Dueck, Director for Transforming Practices

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lenten devotional, The Practice of Paying Attention, written by Dana Cassell, Minister of Youth Formation at the Manassas 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, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.