Author Archives: RRowan

Devotional

Year of our Lord, 2015

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Ecclesiastes 3:1-15

Question for reflection:
To “finish well” implies a conscious decision to use the resources of our lives by offering the very best gifts and talents to glorify God in ministry and service to all people. What can you offer in the New Year that is the very best of who you are for God’s glory? Imagine how your life might add to the “Life-Light” of Christ. If there is a season for everything, what would keep you from sharing your best efforts for achieving Christ’s peace right here and now?


Prayer for the day:
God,
We stand at life’s window, pondering last year’s events. We are grateful for each breath; for each loved one near and far; and for your son, the Savior. We also wonder what else could have been done to bring about different outcomes for people enduring the troubled and violent situations here and around the world. Open our eyes and hearts God. We seek the guidance and wisdom of the Holy Spirit, so that we might be empowered to consistently offer the best our lives have to offer in ministry and service to all humankind and creation.
AMEN

~ Stanley J. Noffsinger, General Secretary

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

Light encounter

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John 8:12-19

Question for reflection:

When have you been surprised by the simplicity of God’s work?


Prayer for the day:
O God, in whom no darkness prevails, bring to light all the places in which we hide from your grace. Empower us as those who carry your light into the world whose darkness too easily overcomes. Refine us with the heat of your loving light that we may live anew as citizens of the Kingdom of Light. 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 Advent Devotional written by Sandy Bosserman, a former district executive and 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

Worth being awake

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2 Peter 3:8-13

Question for reflection:
What awakens you to the wonder, joy and presence of God’s new life in this Holy Season? How are you witnessing the “special things” of God?


Prayer for the day:
God of new life, open our hearts and minds to your holy presence as we wait and watch for your new heaven and new earth. Make us ever alert and responsive to the cries of the poor, the oppressed, victims of violence, and all who long for your way of peace and righteousness.  In the name of the Prince of Peace, Jesus the Christ. Amen.

~ Mary Jo Flory-Steury, Associate General Secretary

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

Since you’re already awake

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Isaiah 49:5-15

Question for reflection:
How will you share God’s goodness and mercy today? Think of one concrete action through which you can be gracious on God’s behalf to someone who is not related to you – and the watch for an opportunity to do it!

Prayer for the day:
Merciful God, whose goodness follows us all the days of our lives, soften our hearts towards others so that we may remind them of you through our actions. In the name and example of Jesus we pray, amen.

~ 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 Advent Devotional written by Sandy Bosserman, a former district executive and 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

Devotional

Awakened to flee

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Matthew 2:13-18

Question for reflection:
Are there any circumstances in your life which cause you to fear for your children or grandchildren? How do you connect with this impulse to “take the children and flee?”


Prayer for the day:
Sheltering God, who promises there is no place where we can go that you are not, calm our fears and empower us to make choices which further your kingdom. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

~ 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 Advent Devotional written by Sandy Bosserman, a former district executive and 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

Devotional

Awakened to praise

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Psalm 148

Question for reflection:
What is your favorite scripture of praise? What is your favorite hymn of praise? Sing the hymn or read the scripture. Remember the words and to praise God as often as you are able today.


Prayer for the day:
Extravagant God, who lavishes us with beauty in nature and in human spirit, provoke in us words and actions which can only be interpreted as our praise to you. It is through Jesus we pray, amen.

~ 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 Advent Devotional written by Sandy Bosserman, a former district executive and 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

Devotional

After the angels

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Luke 2:22 – 40

Question for reflection:
What is extraordinary in your life these days? What are the ordinary tasks you must keep up with in order to facilitate enjoyment of the extraordinary? Are there any ordinary tasks which allow you to connect with God through prayer during the task’s completion?


Prayer for the day:
Wise God, who knit us together in our mother’s womb, focus our minds so that we are aware of the ordinary and extraordinary moments in life. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.

 ~ 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 Advent Devotional written by Sandy Bosserman, a former district executive and 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

Devotional

Spoken

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John 1:1-14 (v.1)

Question for reflection:
How will you tell the world that God has always been here and always will be here?


Prayer for the day:
Dear God, help me to take this moment to think of the many ways you bless my life. Open my hands to display your grace with acts of peace and justice. Release my voice to praise you and tell your story. 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 Advent Devotional written by Sandy Bosserman, a former district executive and 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

Awake at this hour

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Luke 2:1-20  (vv. 10-11)

Question for reflection:
The angel described the child Jesus as Savior, Messiah (or the Christ), and Lord. What would these descriptions have meant for poor Jewish shepherds living in a country occupied by the Roman Empire? What do these descriptions mean for us? What makes the angel’s announcement good news?


Prayer for the day:
Glorious God, a child carries your revelation bringing salvation to all. Glory to God in the highest! Let the earth declare God’s amazing work. Amen.

http://www.worshiphousemedia.com/mini-movies/21911/Christmas-Sand-Drawing-3-Luke-2120

 ~ 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 Advent Devotional written by Sandy Bosserman, a former district executive and 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

Out of the mouths of (mothers of ) babes

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1 Samuel 2:1-10; Luke 1:46-55
(1 Samuel 2:1) (Luke 1:46-48a)

Question for reflection:

In what ways would your life change if you express gratitude for one or two acts of God’s love noticed each day?


Prayer for the day:
God our rock, grant us the boldness to persist in prayer, confident in your abiding presence and love. 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 Advent Devotional written by Sandy Bosserman, a former district executive and 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.