Author Archives: RRowan

Devotional

Patience and golden calves

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Lent 2013 Cover   Exodus 33:1- 6

Question for reflection:
So what happens when you get a stiff neck? Do you stop responding to others around you, or are you simply more aware of the effort it takes to fully turn your body towards a sound? What does this mean for your journey with God?

Prayer for the day:
Never stop calling out to me, O God. If my neck grows too stiff for me to simply turn my head, forgive me – and then grant me strength to turn my whole self towards you.

~ Becky Ullom Naugle, Director for Youth and Young Adult Ministry

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

In too-plain sight

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Lent 2013 Cover  Psalm 27

Question for reflection:
Assume for a moment that you saw evidence of God’s presence in your life today / yesterday, but also that you missed recognizing it. Think back over the events of your day. When did you feel close to God? When did you feel far from God? Where might God have been working in you / your life even if that work seems unfinished as you reflect on it?

Prayer for the day:
As you breathe in: “Open the eyes of my heart, Lord.” As you breathe out: “I want to see you!” Repeat.

~ Becky Ullom Naugle, Director for Youth and Young Adult Ministry

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 as mother hen

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Lent 2013 Cover  Matthew 23:37-39

Question for reflection:
There are times when all we need to do is ask God to gather us up, hold us close, and help us get through a rough patch. When was a time that you needed God’s help but were too scared, nervous, etc. to pray for it? Why?

Prayer for the day:
God, father and mother at once, how do we break through our guilt, anger, and frustration and run into your open embrace. Help us to remember that no matter how many times we turn from you, you are still there waiting for us. Amen.

~ Rachel Witkovsky, National Junior High Conference 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

Prisoners of appetite

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Lent 2013 Cover  Philippians 3:17-20

Question for reflection:
Family dinner used to be a cherished time of the day. A mandatory time when the family got together once a day to check in, thank God for what he has given us, and be together. What traditions do you have around the table at home that bring you together with family or friends and how do you bring God into those circles?

Prayer for the day:
Lord, please be the head of the table. A loving presence that we bring into our fold and remember whenever we are grateful for what is before us as well as when we wish for me. Thank you for being with us through our times of love, times of selfishness and our times of need. Amen.

~ Rachel Witkovsky, National Junior High Conference 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

Reconciliation before celebration

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Lent 2013 Cover  Genesis 13:1-7, 14-18

Question for reflection:
If you’re like me, when you hear reconciliation, you also hear confrontation. There is little that I, and a lot of other Brethren, fear more than confrontation. Worse than that is admitting that something was my fault. How do you overcome stubbornness or fears of confrontation–in yourself or in those you wish to reconcile with–in order to reach a mutual goal?

Prayer for the day:
Healing God, may we, this Lenten season, push past our fear of confrontation or our fear of being wrong to be able to reconcile with each other. Let us see an argument as merely an exchange of wits and not hold grudges. Whether it’s over too many sheep on one land or someone’s car parked the wrong way on the street, help us to solve our differences kindly as Lot and Abram before us.  Amen.

~ Rachel Witkovsky, National Junior High Conference 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

Dull and drunken

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Lent 2013 Cover  Luke 21:34-22:6

Question for reflection:
Some people do daily devotions or have weekly prayer meetings to keep their senses sharp. What are some practices that help keep your eyes trained on Jesus and your heart focused on God?

Prayer for the day:
God, help us to stay sharp. Keep us from losing our edge and losing sight of you. We strive to keep you first and foremost in our thoughts and try not to lose you in the worries that dull us in our everyday lives.
Amen.

~ Rachel Witkovsky, National Junior High Conference 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

Greed and abundance

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Lent 2013 Cover  2 Peter 2:4-21

Question for reflection:
Where do you draw strength from to keep going on the right path when many alluring distractions and obstructions are in your way?

Prayer for the day:
Great and wonderful guide of our lives, lead us on the right life path. Stomp out diversions that make us stray from our walk with you and give us the courage to do so ourselves when need be. Thank you, God, for carrying us through the sad times, cheering us on through the good times, and dragging us through the stubborn times.
Amen

~ Rachel Witkovsky, National Junior High Conference 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

Paralysis by Analysis

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Lent 2013 Cover  I John 2:1-6

Question for reflection:
What is it that you are being called to do? What analysis is paralyzing you from doing it?

Prayer for the day:
Move in our midst, O God of freedom, strike from our feet the shackles that bind us. At times life can seem too complicated for the way you call us into. The values of peace, love, and transformation are just not realistic enough for ways of today. Break us free from this paralysis, embolden us to no longer fear the living of your way. Spur us onto the good path of living as Christlike witnesses in this complicated world.
Amen

~ 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 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

An Old, Old Conversation

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Lent 2013 Cover  Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16

Question for reflection:
How often do you find yourself surprised by the insights of the Psalms? Are they a part of your regular prayers?

Prayer for the day:
O Lord, though we are creatures of habit, we are fanatics for the new. We look for new experiences as a sign of life, all along forgetting that our faith and practices reach back through generations. Forgive us when we think that ancient words could not possibly speak to our hearts today. Walk with us through the Psalms that we might hear in their words the truth of our faith in you.
Amen

~ 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 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

Children of Light

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Lent 2013 Cover  John 12:27-36

Question for reflection:
What symbols of light are around you? What qualities of God’s light do they bring to mind?

Prayer for the day:
Lord of light, we long to be in the light as you are in the light. As the sun shifts in the sky above us we give thanks for the light that warms flesh and bone, and the light that touches heart and mind. As we move into the seasons of increasing light, free our minds from the darkness of doubt and despair so that we might be sources of your light to those around us.
Amen

~ 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 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.