Author Archives: RRowan

Devotional

The Urgent Message of a Jeremiah

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A Community of Love  Jeremiah 30:12-22

Prayer for the Day:
Loving and Gracious Father – I so appreciate you!  Help me to recognize the unworthy state of my heart this day, despite my waywardness.  Thank you for saving me out of a distant place . . . .You are relentless to restore that heart into relationship with you.  What are you saying to me?  Give me ears to hear what you are revealing. Continue to grow my capacity for appreciation  . . .  and joy.

Question for reflection:
In what ways has God affirmed your relationship recently?

~ 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 Lent devotional written by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Cheryl’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.


Devotional

By Faith

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A Community of Love     Hebrews 11: 1-19

Prayer for the Day:
Jesus, as your hands and feet in the world today, prick our consciousness more often. Nudge us with a firmer shove. Grant us wisdom to understand our callings, both large and small. Grant us courage to act by faith!

Question for reflection:
What is God calling you to do “by faith?”

~ Becky Ullom, Director of Youth/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 Lent devotional written by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Cheryl’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Remember To Wonder

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A Community of Love     Psalm 105: 1-11; 37-45

Prayer for the Day:
Creator of wonder and of marvel, we go forth seeking the great and small miracles in life through which you remind of us of your promise to us. Under clouds to protect us from burning sun and with fire to guide use by night, we celebrate your presence with us. Refresh our senses and help us recognize you in all the varied ways you assure us.

Question for reflection:
When was the last time you were acutely aware of God’s presence? What was going on? What did you see/hear/sense?

~ Becky Ullom, Director of Youth/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 Lent devotional written by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Cheryl’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Who – And How – Do We Follow?

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A Community of Love     Mark 8:31 – 9:1

Prayer for the Day:
 Although it’s been years since we’ve played “Follow the Leader,” God, we are probably as bad as it now as we were then. We don’t understand the movement of the Holy Spirit. We too often miss the nuances of Jesus’ examples and what they mean to our lives. Our attention spans are growing shorter all the time. Forgive us these sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Help us move through this day focused on following you as intently as possible. Amen.

Question for reflection:
What part of yourself/your life do you need to focus less on in order for you to focus more on God?

~ Becky Ullom, Director of Youth/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 Lent devotional written by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Cheryl’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.


 

Devotional

Found By God

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A Community of Love    Genesis 16:6-15

Prayer for the Day:
Most gracious and Holy Spirit, who have I treated badly? Who has gone away from me or my community because of our harsh behavior? God I admit my guilt and ask your forgiveness. Even if you send an angel into the wilderness before me, guide me to the people with whom I need to reconcile in your name. Amen.

Question for reflection:
Think of a broken relationship. What is your fault? What is not your fault? What is God calling you to do in the midst of this brokenness?

~ Becky Ullom, Director of Youth/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 Lent devotional written by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Cheryl’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Trust That Leads to Blessing

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A Community of Love       Romans 4:1-8

Prayer for the Day:
God I come to you today in need of your patience and grace. I want to trust you with every bit of my being, but I find it hard. Because there is so much in life I’m expected to manage and be responsible for, I often lose perspective and forget where my management and responsibility ends. I want to place more of my trust in you. I will try to place more of my trust in you. Sing in my soul today the hymn-writer’s refrain “On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand!” (“My hope is built on nothing less,” #343 Hymnal: A Worship Book)

Question for reflection:
 What in your life constitutes an area of “sinking sand?” How might you step from this sinking sand to the solid rock of Christ?

~ Becky Ullom, Director of Youth/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 Lent devotional written by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Cheryl’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Concerning the Help at Dawn

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A Community of Love   Psalm 22:23-31

Prayer for the Day:
Holy Spirit, the feeling of someone taking care of us when we are sick is one of the best. Thank you for taking care of us through everything. You don’t care who we are, what we look like, what we’ve done, you will take care of us through it all if we only call out to you. Thank you, Lord, a thousand times over. Amen.

Question for reflection:
When was the last time you asked for help? Is it hard for you to ask for help? Why or why not?

~ Rachel Witkovsky, Coordinator of 2012 Workcamp Ministry

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lent devotional written by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Cheryl’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

This is a Test

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A Community of Love    Matthew 4:1-11

Prayer for the Day:
Challenge us, Great Teacher, to test ourselves daily. Not as the devil tests Jesus but make space to think and clear the cobwebs of our everyday routine. We need to take this time, not to prove anything, but to learn about ourselves through moments with you. Amen.

Question for reflection:
What is a daily test or “check-in” that you can do with yourself and God? When could you find time each day to do this? Would you do it?

~ Rachel Witkovsky, Coordinator of 2012 Workcamp Ministry

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lent devotional written by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Cheryl’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

A Magical Combination of Virtues

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A Community of Love
1 Peter 3:8-18a

Prayer for the Day:
It’s hard, Lord, to not seek praise for something great we have done. Teach us to do what we can with the gifts you have given us, love others, and be humble about it. Amen.

Question for reflection:
Why do we seek recognition for great things we do? Why can’t we just go on doing them? What holds us back? And why can’t we overcome this?

~ Rachel Witkovsky, Coordinator of 2012 Workcamp Ministry

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lent devotional written by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Cheryl’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

A Lifestyle of Good Works

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A Community of Love
Ephesians 2:1-10

Prayer for the Day:
God, please watch over my actions.  Grant me the ability to find the small acts of work that you set before me and the heart to fulfill those acts. Encourage us all to inspire each other to do your good works. Amen.

Question for reflection:
How does it make you feel when someone does the smallest act of kindness for you? In what ways can you do that for others?

~ Rachel Witkovsky, Coordinator of 2012 Workcamp Ministry

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lent devotional written by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Cheryl’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.