Author Archives: RRowan

Devotional

Forsaken?

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2015 COVER

Psalm 22:1-22

Prayer:
Compassionate God, we ask all the “Why?” questions and receive little consolation. But when we pause to look back over previous months or years, we can see you were there with us. We just were unaware of your presence. Open our hearts to receive your compassion.

Practice:
Sit quietly, be alert, and be aware of your surroundings. Jesus stands at the door of your heart and knocks.

~ 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.

Devotional

Counting the stars

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2015 COVER

 

Genesis 15:1-6, 12-18

Question for the day: 
Where is God calling you to join him in service?

Prayer:  Source of all Creation, invite us out of ourselves and open our senses to your guidance and the leading of your Spirit. Give us the courage to let go of our desires in order to join your cause.

~ 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.

Devotional

I am weary

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2015 COVER

 

 

Proverbs 30:1-9

Question for the day: 
Where do you seek spiritual food?

Prayer:  Giver of all wisdom, give me neither poverty nor riches. Feed me with the spiritual food that I need to hear, or I shall be full of myself and deny 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.

Devotional

You led your people

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2015 COVER

Psalm 77: 16-20

Question for the day:  What does deliverance look like? What are the requirements that make it necessary? Initially life is good, but then, “… nothing was making sense, nothing is as it should be…” These words from our author leave me very unsettled — their mere suggestion raises my anxiety level. On the other side of anxiety, I see the power of God and that He takes action — demonstrating His care and concern.
Stand in awe, stand in joy, but stand firm …. and see the deliverance the Lord will give you.              (2 Chronicles 20:17)
  In what situation of your life can you recognize God’s deliverance?

Prayer:  Mighty God, we come before you with gratitude for the amazing things you do on our behalf.  Remind us that your presence goes before us leading us through that which we find most difficult. Amen.

~ 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 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

I call to mind

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2015 COVERPsalm 77: 11-15

Question for the day:  Asaph was distressed.  He starts out Psalm 77 in the midst of unanswered prayer and pours out his concerns (v. 3). Rather than staying stuck in that moment he applies the principle of seeking the Lord’s comfort by deliberately redirecting his thoughts to God’s character and goodness.
Some of us (and I’m speaking for myself) cannot seem to remember …. to remember. When I get that overwhelmed, I can stay stuck in doubt or fear. So, I have a journal – where I can capture the tracings of God’s love and care on my behalf. Reaching for that — and the transition from doubt to trust can happen in a second.  I once lost my journal. Believe me — it wasn’t pretty.  What plan have you in place to bring God’s faithfulness to mind?

Prayer:  Lord, bring us quickly to thoughts of appreciation that we might dwell on your wonders and steadfastness.

~ 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 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

Star rising

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AWAKE_ADVENT_4Matthew 2:1-12

Question for reflection:

What signs of Jesus have stood out for you during this Advent and Christmas season? Where have you witnessed the Light of Christ disrupting the darkness and shining brightly?


Prayer for the day:
Once again we have traveled the road of God’s promise, arriving at a simple manger occupied by an infant child. This, this is the light of the world? Thank you, God, for humble beginnings through simple servants. We marvel at your creativity and courage, entering this world as a human. We see Jesus, and we 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 Advent Devotional written by Sandy Bosserman, a former district executive and an ordained minister in the 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, Sandy’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Last word and testament

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Luke 6:27-31

Question for reflection:

Where do you see conflict in your life today? What would a loving response look like?


Prayer for the day:

God, enemies are real. Help me to respond with an honest and grace-filled love to those who injure me. Show me when I make others into the enemy, and turn my violence and resentment into patient perseverance. Let Christ-like love penetrate the world through me. 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 Advent Devotional written by Sandy Bosserman, a former district executive and an ordained minister in the 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, Sandy’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Lord willin’

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AWAKE_ADVENT_4James 4:11-17

Question for reflection:

How do you listen for God’s will? What do you hear God saying to you for this day?


Prayer for the day:

God, I want to trust your intentions for my life. My desire is to live a life consistent with your will. But sometimes it is hard to hear, to know, and to do. Forgive me for my sin. Grant me grace to be better today. 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 Advent Devotional written by Sandy Bosserman, a former district executive and an ordained minister in the 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, Sandy’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Cost of complacency

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Proverbs 1:20-33

Question for reflection:

Where in your life are you resisting God through complacency? What change might you initiate to proactively mend and make amends, with God and with those around you?


Prayer for the day:

Give me ears to hear your direction, God, and then grant me courage to live beyond my complacency. Make me wise enough to discern your ways and follow your advice. Thank you for the safety of your promises. 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 Advent Devotional written by Sandy Bosserman, a former district executive and an ordained minister in the 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, Sandy’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Life at hard labor

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James 3:13-18

Question for reflection:
Who in your life do you need to treat with more dignity and respect? What specific steps could you take to build up the community through that relationship?


Prayer for the day:
God, help me to be a better friend to _________. Make me gentle and reasonable. I want to overflow with blessings and mercy. Give me strength to do the hard work of community, with dignity and humility befitting a follower of Jesus. 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 Advent Devotional written by Sandy Bosserman, a former district executive and an ordained minister in the 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, Sandy’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.