Category Archives: Devotional

Devotional

Prelude to a decision

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LENT_real_rest_FRONTPAGE
Luke 6:12-16

Prayer for the day:
Lord of both the sunrise and sunset, we seek you in the nighttime that we may come to see the day. In our prayers we seek to understand your ways, longing to know how we might live more faithfully from day to day. As we pray ourselves into your light we know our decisions may not make sense to those around us. Grant us courage to do what others say cannot be done. Give us your Spirit that we might see your path before us. Amen.


Question for reflection:
As you seek to discern God’s work around you, how do you pray?

~ 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

Alone with God

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LENT_real_rest_FRONTPAGE

 

Mark 1:35-39

 

Prayer for the day:
O God of the quiet places, we often desire to meet you but find ourselves distracted by so many things. At times even the idea of silence and solitude frightens us. In this season of stripping away the clutter and distractions, enflame our hearts that we may truly seek you alone.  Embolden our minds that we may seek you even when our schedules dictate we have more pressing matters. May our desire to see you be matched with faithful imitation of Jesus who went out alone to prayer, for it is in his name that we pray, Amen.


Question for reflection:
Where do you go to find alone time with God?

~ 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

Brethren Voice: A Litany for Worship

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A sunset over the snow at the Church of the Brethren General Offices

A sunset over the snow at the Church of the Brethren General Offices

by Mandy Garcia

Written for the Church of the Brethren staff gathering, February 2014

Reader 1: God of the Bible:

Reader 2: We come to you this day asking that Christ will be at the center of all we do–the very heartbeat of our work, our conversation, and our thinking. We ask that we would be able to discern your yearnings for our ministries–your ministries–as we gather around your Word.

Reader 3: We ask that your Word be our word, and that we would speak with a voice that is grounded in scripture.

All: For your Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. (Psalm 119:105)

Reader 1: Creator, our Great Physician:

Reader 2: We ask that you would inspire us to creatively imagine and live out your vision for reconciliation and healing.

Reader 3: We pray that our Anabaptist values would be strengthened, and that you would use them to heal hurts in our world.

All: Fill us with all joy and peace in believing, so that we may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

Reader 1: Holy One:

Reader 2: We ask that you will guide us as we help Brethren express their faith through humble service, simple words, and courageous proclamation.

Reader 3: Be in our words as we inform church members about the activities and values of the Church of the Brethren.

All: Let no evil talk come out of our mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that our words may give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29)

Reader 1: God of the Nations:

Reader 2: We pray that you will bind us together into a community that more fully reflects all your people.

Reader 3: Cultivate diversity among us, yet give us the boldness to maintain our distinct Brethren voice.

All: For there is one body and one Spirit, just as we were called to the one hope of our calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism. (Ephesians 4:4-5)

Reader 1: Divine Servant:

Reader 2: We ask that you would help us to embody you example of servant leadership,

Reader 3: Even as we ask that you would give us courage to communicate broadly and amplify our public voice.

All: May you, the God of steadfastness and encouragement, grant us to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together we may with one voice glorify you, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 15:5-6)

Reader 1: Sovereign God

Reader 2: We ask that you would show us how to provide opportunities for Brethren to be involved in hands-on ministry, so that your transforming energy is released.

Reader 3: We pray that you would equip up as we equip congregations to speak publicly with their Brethren voice, through word and action.

All: Renew us in the spirit of our minds, and clothe us with the new self, which was created according to your likeness in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:23-24)

Reader 1: Prince of Peace

Reader 2: We pray that our dedication to peace, simplicity, and community will undergird all aspects of our life and work.

Reader 3: And we ask that you would show us new ways of witnessing to Christ’s peace.

All: To give light to those who sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. (Luke 1:79).

(Light a candle.)

Reader 1: Holy Spirit:

Reader 2: Empower us as we do our best to respond to God’s yearning.

Reader 3: In the name of Jesus Christ, the Holy One, our Lord, Savior, and Friend,

All: Amen

Devotional

Implications

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2013 Advent good_news_hi_res   John 1:14

Prayer for the day:
God of grace and truth, thank you for coming to earth in a form that I can relate to, as a human of flesh and blood. Thank you for showing me your love in such a personal way. Help me offer that same love to others. In the name of our neighbor, Jesus the Christ, I pray. AMEN


Question for reflection:
Who around you needs to hear a hopeful word today? With whom will you share the Good News of Jesus?

~ 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 Tim Harvey, pastor of Central 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, Tim’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Carry the light

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2013 Advent good_news_hi_res   Matthew 2:9

Prayer for the day:
God, help me follow you today, trusting as you lead, grateful for the calling, joyful in the journey.


Question for reflection:
Where is the Christ star guiding you today, and as you enter this new year?

~ 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 Tim Harvey, pastor of Central 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, Tim’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Whenever the doors are open

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2013 Advent good_news_hi_res   Luke 2:22- 24, 39- 40

Prayer for the day:
God, help me with simple obedience. In the routines of following you, help me see the importance of common acts of worship, humble service, and faithful follow-through. Like Mary and Joseph, make me consistent in “regular” things, open to your wisdom, full of the grace of God.


Question for reflection:
How will/did the routines of your day today draw you closer to Jesus and honor 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 Advent Devotional written by Tim Harvey, pastor of Central 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, Tim’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

A waste of time?

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2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  Luke 2:36- 38

Prayer for the day:
Help me keep from getting so busy, Lord, that I miss seeing you even when you’re right in front of me. Give me focus and persistence like Anna, so that I, too, might offer thanks and speak of you to others with deep love and conviction.


Question for reflection:
How do you recognize Jesus in the world today? What testimony are you prepared to give?

~ 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 Tim Harvey, pastor of Central 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, Tim’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Almost unspeakable

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2013 Advent good_news_hi_res   Matthew 2:16 -18

Prayer for the day:
Soften my heart O, God, that I might have compassion for those who are forgotten, oppressed, and hurt. Harden my resolve, that I might have the courage not to look away but to hear their stories and learn their names. Move my hands, that I might be a servant of peace.


Question for reflection:
As a pacifist, New Testament Christian, I often like to gloss over the genocide, civil war, and violence of the Old Testament. Matthew 2 is a reminder that it continued even after Jesus was born and continued after Jesus died and continues today –2000 years later. Sometimes, my prayers for peace feel so ineffectual and vague against the tide of violence reported in the local news broadcast and global current events. I wish I could do more. How can I hold in my heart the seeming contradictions of God’s loving mercy and the violent realities of our times?

~ Gimbiya Kettering,  Intercultural Ministries 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 Tim Harvey, pastor of Central 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, Tim’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Significant sacrifice

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2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  Matthew 2:13 -15

Prayer for the day:
God of us all, open my eyes and heart to those near neighbors and the wider global community to those who are building new lives for themselves among strangers –as immigrants, refugees, travelers, and searchers. May I welcome them as you have you have welcomed me.


Question for reflection:
Once upon a time, it was not uncommon for generation after generation of a family to live in the same town, surrounded by the same neighbors, extended family, and attend the same church or temple. However, our modern society is much more transient as we travel for education, jobs, and other opportunities. I cannot help but imagine Mary and Joseph, parents of a newborn, in a new neighborhood, and missing home. They were probably in desperate need for a casserole. It is easy to remember to give to soup kitchens, family shelters, and gifts for children programs during the holidays but the need is year round. Who is new in your neighborhood, sacrificing the familiarity and safety of home for their children? How can we support them through our congregations and charitable donations?

~ Gimbiya Kettering,  Intercultural Ministries 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 Tim Harvey, pastor of Central 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, Tim’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

By another road

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2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  Matthew 2:12

Prayer for the day:
The unfamiliar path is ahead –and I need courage to continue though it may be longer, steeper, and overgrown. You know how I fear being lost even though you have promised to leave all the 99 sheep to find the lost one. Soften my heart O, God, that I may trust the direction you lay before me.


Question for reflection:
It can be hard to change our plans –especially after we have so carefully plotted out our route and packed for the journey. Especially when explaining the reasons for the change has to do with the “still, small voice” of God – the warning that comes as dream, not as a burning bush. Have you ever had to change your plans based on a call or feeling that you knew was divinely inspired, but could not explain in the moment? What did you learn on the other road? Where did it lead you?

~ Gimbiya Kettering,  Intercultural Ministries 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 Tim Harvey, pastor of Central 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, Tim’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.