Category Archives: Devotional

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.

Devotional

Humming along with Asaph

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Psalm 79

Question for reflection:
What happens to our soul when we harbor anger or bitterness? The psalmist many times encourages us express our troubles to the Lord — “…pour out your hearts before Him; God is a refuge for us.” (Psalm 62:8). What would be different if we would describe to God what seems wrong and unfair …. and listen for his response?

Prayer for the day:
Gracious Father, grant us a quick avenue into your presence when circumstances cause us anger. Transform us as we pour out our hearts and distress …. and wait for Your insight.  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

Live stream

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AWAKE_ADVENT_4Micah 4:1-5

Question for reflection:
As we begin the Advent season I am reminded of The Practice of the Presence of God – the book by Brother Lawrence which tells of his journey to so completely permeate his life with prayer–that he is in constant communion with God.
What is one simple step you could take to slow down and deepen your experience of God’s presence?

Prayer for the day:
Glorious God! As One who knows us well, help us repair to your mountain — that space where we can breathe in who you are and listen at your feet.  May we hearken to your soft whispers of guidance. Help us to be awake to possibilities that weren’t obvious before.

~ 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 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

Are you sleeping?

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Isaiah 64:1-12

Question for reflection:
When have you been awakened to the refining work of God?

Prayer for the day:
Lord, in our profession of faith we proclaim that you reign over all creation. Yet, we look about us and can only wonder how this can be the case. For we are a people who cry out “Peace, Peace” and there is no peace. As we wait, remember, and hope in this season, awaken us to the movements of your Spirit among us. Refine us with your love and transform our world by your grace. In the name of the one for whom we wait, Jesus the Christ, Amen.

~ Josh Brockway, Director for Spiritual Life & 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 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

Peace by piece

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Luke 24:36-49

Question for reflection:
How will you carry the peace and promise of this Easter celebration into your daily living this week? Who do you know that needs you to represent the living Christ to them?

Prayer for the day:
God, thank you for making me a witness to the resurrection. Help me carry the hope and promise of Easter into the dark and doubting places of the world. With gratitude for the gift of your presence and your peace, I pray. 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 Lenten Devotional written by Duane Grady, pastor of Cedar Lake 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, Duane’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Holy Saturday

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Leviticus 19:9-18

Question for reflection:
What is going on in your life that would benefit from a change in perspective? What “tapes” play over and over in your mind that you might suspend on this Holy Saturday, in order to be open to a new story?


Prayer for the day:
[Take a deep breath. Spend several minutes in silence] Breathe new life into my longing heart, O God.

~ 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 Lenten Devotional written by Duane Grady, pastor of Cedar Lake 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, Duane’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Our own burdens to bear

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Mark 15:33-39

Question for reflection:
Where are you experiencing loneliness in your life today? What fears are you facing on your own? What burdens do you bear? What seemingly unbearable set of circumstances are looming in front of you?

Prayer for the day:
Suffering Jesus, you carried your cross on Good Friday; you also know the burdens that are heavy in my life right now. I am calling on you, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Give light to my way through this dark time. Put my anxieties to rest. Show me signs of your abiding presence. Provide your assurance that no matter what happens, I am yours.

~ 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 Lenten Devotional written by Duane Grady, pastor of Cedar Lake 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, Duane’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

He has set an example

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John 13:12-20

Question for reflection:
What is an issue about which you hold a strong opinion? As you approach the love feast, are you ready to lay the issue, and your opinion about it, before God for scrutiny and wisdom?


Prayer for the day:
God, you know how I feel about [issue]. At times I can be consumed by my own opinion. Help me set aside my own agenda and listen carefully to you. Through your scriptures, in humility within my church family, and by the presence of your Holy Spirit, give me patience and grace to hear anew your will about [issue]. In the name of Jesus, servant first and savior forever, I pray. 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 Lenten Devotional written by Duane Grady, pastor of Cedar Lake 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, Duane’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Unchanging faith

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Luke 19:41-48

Prayer for the day:
Forgiving Lord, help us to throw out the things in our hearts and minds that distract us from you. Restore in us a new openness that will keep hanging on to every word of your teachings.

Question for reflection:
What preoccupies you from staying focused on God?

~ Sarah Neher, National Youth Conference Coordinator

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lenten Devotional written by Duane Grady, pastor of Cedar Lake 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, Duane’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.