Author Archives: RRowan

Devotional

What a day . . .

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2015 COVER


Isaiah 60:15-22

Question:
What darkness are you facing right now? In searching and allowing God’s presence, where can you find God’s light, even if it is just peeking through?


Prayer:
Creator, we are honest with you. Sometimes we are stuck in a rut and find ourselves in a place of ignorance or distrust, confusion, or feeling beaten by everything that surrounds us. Gently remind us of your love for us and that even in the midst of these long nights, you are still there, shining your light.

~ Kristen Hoffman, Coordinator, CCS and National Junior High Conference

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 Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (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, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

The blame game

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2015 COVER

Numbers 20:1-13



Question:
What are some ways in which our perspective needs shifting? Is forgiveness needed? Is God calling for us to step back and listen? How is God working through you to solve these struggles in your life?


Prayer:
Lord, help us to understand that we need time. Help us to be patient when patience is the furthest from our minds. Today, we are able to offer gratitude for your trust in us and your patience with us.

~ Kristen Hoffman, Coordinator, CCS and National Junior High Conference

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 Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (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, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Spiritual thirst

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2015 COVER


Psalm 107:4-9

Question:
How often do we think about our lives in the way of fulfillment? How has God entered and filled you? In what ways are you still hungry and thirsty for God?


Prayer:
Creator, we need you. We know we are filled by you, and yet, we recognize those parts within our lives and within us that are lacking complete nourishment. Thank you for your presence; on this day, we offer ourselves to be open and completely filled, even those parts we cannot bear to let anyone see.

~ Kristen Hoffman, Coordinator, CCS and National Junior High Conference

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 Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (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, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Holy questions

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2015 COVER


John 3:1-21

Question:
In times of darkness and light, what question, or questions, is God asking you?


Prayer:
O Lord, in our journey, help us to ask questions wisely and faithfully, leaning in with a listening ear to your reply.

 

~ Kristen Hoffman, Coordinator, CCS and National Junior High Conference

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 Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (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, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Simply profound

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2015 COVER

Psalm 19

Question:
How is your faith story taking shape? What is there for you to say about your experience of God?


Prayer:
Help me focus on what I know about your goodness, God. Where I have questions, help me trust you. When I can no longer see my way, make me rely on you. When I feel that I’ve arrived on my own, remind me that you are with me. When I’m ready to take all the credit, take the attention for yourself. I want the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart to be acceptable to you, my rock and my redeemer. Amen.

 

~ Jonathan Shively, Executive Director, 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 Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (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, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Out with joy

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2015 COVER


Psalm 105:37-45

Question:
What wilderness are you stuck in right now? What might it look like for God to bring you out of that wilderness? What form will your gratitude take?

 

Prayer:
There are broken parts of my life, God. I am separated from others and from you because of my own sin. Forgive me. Guide me to a place of healing and restoration. Release joy from me like water freed from the rock in the desert. I remember and give you praise. Amen.

 

~ Jonathan Shively, Executive Director, 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 Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (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, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Hearts rejoicing

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2015 COVER

Psalm 105:3-6

Question:
How does remembering how God has worked in your life elicit joy for you? What expressions of joy will others recognize in you today?


Prayer:
God, give me your strength. Inhabit my remembering. Warm my heart. Receive my joy. Amen.

 

~ Jonathan Shively, Executive Director, 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 Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (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, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Sing to God

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2015 COVER

Psalm 105:1-2

Question:
What is your song today? With whom and to whom are you singing?


Prayer:
Take my voice, God, and make me sing. My song today is full of (doubt, joy, sorrow, expectation….). Receive my singing as an expression of my thanks for your wonderful works. Amen.

 

~ Jonathan Shively, Executive Director, 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 Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (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, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Unwavering

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2015 COVER


Romans 4:13-25

Question:
What experiences in your life have eroded your trust of God? How might the conviction of Abraham and the promises of God help you trust God more confidently?


Prayer:
Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief. Bring healing to those places where trust has been broken in my life. Help me distinguish between the limitations to grace that we have in our families, with friends, and among colleagues, and the steady grace that you extend to me. Thank you for being the ultimate promise-keeper. Amen.

 

~ Jonathan Shively, Executive Director, 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 Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (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, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Future generations

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2015 COVER

Psalm 22:23-31

Question:
Lord, our God, life is full of challenges and burdens. Strengthen our trust in you, for we know through our community of faith that you are faithful and trustworthy. Help our unbelief in times of doubt.


Prayer:
When have you told the next generations how God has been there for you?

 

~ David Doudt, member of the Church of the Brethren Spiritual Directors Network

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 Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (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, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.