Category Archives: Devotional

Devotional

Blessed are the introverts

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Mark 6:30-32, 47-52


Prayer for the day:
Creator and Sustainer of Life, we are grateful to be reminded by scripture that when we are afraid, you will not pass us by. Instead, you make your presence known to us by whispering into our darkness, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” May we always seek your spirit and your wisdom.


Question for reflection:
In general, do you feel rejuvenated after spending time with people or alone? In what ways might you experience God in situations where your preference is not accommodated?

~ Becky Ullom-Naugle, Director for Youth and Young Adult 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

Alive in lonely places

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Luke 5:12-16


Prayer for the day:
Holy Spirit you speak in many ways, including through the sound of silence. Grant me the courage to be quiet and wait to hear your voice within the stillness. Help me recognize more quickly the signs, within myself and within others, when a quiet rest with you is urgently need.


Question for reflection:
How can you create a “deserted place” in your life, perhaps without even leaving your home or office? What would a place need to be without in order for you to be more fully with God?

~ Becky Ullom-Naugle, Director for Youth and Young Adult 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

Responding to tragedy

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Matthew 14:1-13

Prayer for the day:
God of comfort, let my arms be your arms as I sit with those who are grieving. Give me words to say when there are no words; may I be a listening ear to all that needs to be spoken.


Question for reflection:
What was the most helpful thing someone said to you as you experienced grief? The least helpful? What have you learned from those experiences?

~ Donna Kline, Director of Denominational Deacon Ministry

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

Calmly present

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Psalm 46

Prayer for the day:
You are my refuge and my strength, O God, yet I am still fearful when things change. Forgive me my lack of faith, and remind me that I need only be still and know that you are God.


Question for reflection:
When, in a time of chaos and uncertainty in your life, did you hear the still, small voice of God? What did it sound like?

~ Donna Kline, Director of Denominational Deacon Ministry

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

Hush, God is speaking

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1 Kings 19:11-13; Mark 4:35-41

 

Prayer for the day:
God of all things great and small, help us to be mindful of not only of your greatness, but also that you are quietly present with us in small ways. Let us be that calming presence as well, in each of our relationships.


Question for reflection:
As spring begins, go outside and mark off just one square inch of ground. Where do you see God in this small space?

~ Donna Kline, Director of Denominational Deacon Ministry

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

Praying like Jesus

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Matthew 6:5-6

Prayer for the day:
Hearer of all prayers, teach us to pray.

Question for reflection:
Matthew’s gospel text suggests that public prayer should be limited, perhaps completely avoided. What do you think?

~ Donna Kline, Director of Denominational Deacon Ministry

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

Praying for others

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John 17:9-26

Prayer for the day:
O Lord, bless us with the integrity to do what we say we will do in all things, but especially when we promise to pray.

Question for reflection:
For many people prayer is not easy. Distractions, worries about finding the right words, and remembering everyone on the prayer list provide lots of excuses. What do you do to ensure that your prayer time is focused?

~ Donna Kline, Director of Denominational Deacon Ministry

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

The Mount of Olives

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Luke 22:39-46

Prayer for the day:
Jesus, the story of your life on earth is marked by both time and space. In taking human flesh and bone you walked among us, marking certain places as holy by the events that took place there. Yet, in your presence you sanctified not just one place but all. In this season of Lent open our eyes to the holy moments and places around us. Help us take notice that we need not stand on great mountains, but that your grace is present here and now. Amen

Question for reflection:
Where are your holy places?

~ 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 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

Prayer in a mixed-up world

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Matthew 11:25-27

Prayer for the day:
Lord of every gift, we often fail to see that what we possess is truly a gift from you, gifts that grow when we loosen our own grip. We are formed by the news and the markets to think our gifts are to be investments and not offered in the same way we received them from you. Help us, O Lord, in this season of Lent, to hold our possessions a bit more loosely, that we might find life and true joy in the sharing of the grace we have been given. May we act differently in this mixed-up world where vice has become virtue. Amen.

Question for reflection:
What is your prayer as you offer gifts from your abundance?

~ 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 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

Prelude to Joy

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Mark 6:11-44; Mark 14:22-25; Luke 24:28-31


Prayer for the day:
Lord Jesus, your prayers brought life. With your blessing the simple meal fed thousands, and with similar words you gave thanks and offered us all the bread and cup of life. We confess that all too often we overlook our own prayers of blessing so that we might get to what we think really matters. Turn our wandering minds back to your blessing so that we might see joy in the fullness of your grace. Amen.

Question for reflection:
What are your practices of giving thanks or offering a blessing?

~ 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 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.