Author Archives: RRowan

Devotional

Good for Goodness’ Sake

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Philippians 3:7-16


To ponder:
“All I want for Christmas is…” How do you complete that sentence? The popular song from my childhood says that “two front teeth” are at the top of the Christmas wish list. I don’t know about you, but toys usually graced my list when I was younger. As I grew older, my list changed to reflect my maturing understanding of life and my deepening faith. Now, like Paul in his letter to the Philippians, knowing Jesus and living out his teachings so that others may see the love of Christ reflected in my life are at the top of my list. It is a lofty goal, but Paul encourages me to “keep on keepin’ on.” What do you want for Christmas this year?

Prayer for the day:
Generous God, you gave the world the best gift of all when you gave us Jesus Christ. Give us strength and courage to put Christ first in our lives so that we may experience a taste of the Kingdom of God here on Earth. This is our Christmas prayer. Amen.

 

~ Kim Ebersole, Director of Family Life and Older Adult 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 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

Seed and Sheaf

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Psalm 126

To ponder:
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, our hearts are heavy with the suffering of our sisters and brothers around the world, especially with what is happening in Nigeria. In the midst of our questioning “Where is God in all of this?” the psalmist reminds us to recall the miracles God has worked for God’s people. This Advent season, we are to hold on to the promise of Immanuel—God with us—as we pray for God to bless God’s people again so that our tears may turn into shouts of celebration, joy, and laughter.

Prayer for the day:
Companioning God, we remember the great things you have done for us and ask that you continue to bless your people. Deliver our sisters and brothers from pain, suffering, danger, and death. Fill their hearts and souls with your love and peace that they might know your presence and protection. Lord, hear our prayer. Amen.

~ Kim Ebersole, Director of Family Life and Older Adult 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 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

Actors in a supporting role

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Luke 5:1-23

Question for reflection:
The earliest pregnancy announcement that I can remember happened when I was about ten years old. My much older brother was dropping off my five year old nephew early one morning to be watched by my mother. I recall him taking off my nephew’s coat, standing up and saying to our mom, “Oh, by the way, you are going to be a grandma again” and walking out the door. My mother and I then started to squeal together and hug my tired nephew who was not at all thrilled by the early morning noise.

When something exciting happens to us, whether it’s the announcement of a baby, a new job, or a small child waking up on Christmas morning, we usually show our feelings of joy and thankfulness with our voice. I imagine that it was hard for Zechariah to have to remain silent because after all this time he was going to be a father. I’m thankful for my ability to rejoice and share with others, especially during this advent season.

What are you having a hard time staying silent about during this holiday season?

Prayer for the day:
Dear God, thank you for the ability to express our joy and excitement in many various ways. Amen.

~ Laura Whitman, Special Projects Coordinator

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

In waiting

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 Psalm 27, of David

Question for reflection:
There are many times when we find ourselves waiting. Do you give yourself room for patience? Can you reflect on some moments from the past week that you recognize God’s presence through grace and patience?


Prayer for the day:
Lord, even though it is hard to be patient, we are trying. Thank you for walking with us, in the times we are aware of your presence and in times that we become preoccupied. Please help us remember that the One we are waiting on is the ultimate gift, who is so special and loving. ~ Amen

~ Kristen Hoffman, Coordinator of 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 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

Devotion shared among thousands

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Acts 2:37-42

Question for reflection:
God has set upon us the gift of grace and companionship through the Holy Spirit. Are we awake to embrace and acknowledge this gift?


Prayer for the day:
Thank you, God, for your faithfulness through generations. Help us to be awake this Advent season, to all of your goodness and calming presence in the Holy Spirit.

~ Kristen Hoffman, Coordinator of 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 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

What gift can we bring?

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Isaiah 40:1-11

Question for reflection:
For this day, be mindful of comfort. Allow yourself to meditate on the comfort God has provided us, in our own space and time. When were the times today in which you felt most comfortable? When were the times you felt least comfortable?

Prayer for the day:
Creator God, we pray that we may indeed feel your grace and comfort in times we feel distanced from you in our discomfort. May we remember our faith in you and your ever-presence within our lives. ~ Amen

~ Kristen Hoffman, Coordinator of 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 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

Know-nothing party

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Mark 11:27-33

Question for reflection:
The elders and church leaders were put on the spot. How often do we rise and acknowledge that our dedication and strength comes through Jesus and the One who sent him?

Prayer for the day:
Creator God, we know You are our strength and source of power. Be with us today in helping us remember our ability to heal, to wonder, to achieve because of your faithfulness, that which is given through you, our Source. ~ Amen

~ Kristen Hoffman, Coordinator of 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 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

Hand-to-mouth consequences

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Jeremiah 1:4-10

Question for reflection:
As we reflect on the calling of Jeremiah, we are reminded that we are not alone. When are some times we felt like the task ahead of us was greater than what we alone could accomplish?

Prayer for the day:
O Lord, help us to remember that you are always with us, giving us the strength to move ahead and words to speak when everything seems beyond our capability. ~ Amen

~ Kristen Hoffman, Coordinator of 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 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

Knowing the Lord

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Hosea 6:1-6
v.6:  For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice,
  the knowledge of God rather than burnt-offerings.

Question for reflection:
1 John 3:18 “This is how we know that we belong  to the truth….”
3:24 “And this is how we know that he lives in us..”
4:7 “Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.”
4:16 “… we know and rely on the love God has for us”

If we follow the dots and pick out just the “know” passages from the book of 1 John, we can piece together a foundation rooted in knowledge and very much, the love of God.
Where have you seen people who know and rely on God’s love?

Prayer for the day
Heavenly Father, thank you for the season, the reminder that you extended your love among us by sending your Son – that we might live through him. Help us develop the faith to know and rely on that love.  And as we deepen in that knowledge allow us to turn this into our own visible love, that would be evident in a dark world. With gratitude for your amazing gift, I pray. 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 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

Sleepless on the Mount

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AWAKE_ADVENT_4Luke 21:34-38

Question for reflection:
I like the title of this devotional – “Sleepless on the Mount.” How many sleepless nights do we experience in our lifetimes that are a result of worrying? I would be interested to know how much worrying increases around the holiday season; there’s always so much to do: plan travel, shop for presents, prepare food, decorate the house, and of course have the money to do it all. As I type this, I am thinking of all of the things that need to happen in the next couple of weeks and feel a pit of panic and stress. However, one of my favorite things to do during the holiday is to sit by the lit up Christmas tree and just listen to some of my favorite softer Christmas songs; this simple action helps me to center myself from all the holiday stress and remember the true meaning of the Advent season. It doesn’t surprise me that Jesus took some time on the Mount of Olives to just sit and be – I wonder if he had music to keep him company, too?

  • What worries and anxieties do you need to work through this holiday season?
  • What are some simple acts that you can do to help you appreciate and enjoy the meaningful parts of the season?

Prayer for the day:
Dear God, during this season that we celebrate as a reminder of Your precious gift, allow us to take the time to watch, listen, and love. Amen.

~ Laura Whitman, Special Projects Coordinator

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.