Category Archives: Devotional

Devotional

The next act: Rainbow connections

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Luke 3:15-18

Question for Reflection:
Recognizing that a “sign of hope” may appear much before the “reality of hope,” what was the most recent “sign of hope” you’ve sensed?

Prayer for the day:
Jesus I am grateful for the signs of hope you give me this day. Make my senses perceptive to your nudging. I pray for the ability to understand the ways in which you are encouraging me today!

~ Becky Ullom Naugle, Director of Youth & 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 Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (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, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

John the Baptist: Tough and sweet

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Matthew 3:1-12

Question for Reflection:
In what ways do you have “a tough exterior” which prevents others from knowing your “sweet interior”? Are there ways you can balance the two realities more?

Prayer for the day:
God we are simultaneously frustrated and pleased by our dualistic nature. Our tough exteriors protect us, but that protection can lead to isolation. Our sweet interior selves are shy and vulnerable, yet we know great growth can come through examining our “soft spots.” Give us strength to hold these two sides of ourselves in balance, and guide us as we share ourselves with others every day.

~ Becky Ullom Naugle, Director of Youth & 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 Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (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, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Jesus the child: A precocious one

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Luke 2:41-52

Question for Reflection:
Who is the most “spirited” child you regularly encounter? Albeit occasionally annoying, how might God be revealed in this child’s words and actions?

Prayer for the day:
Gracious, transforming God, give us vision. When we look at young ones still growing, help us to see the potential lying just beyond the next birthday or two. Fill us will patience. Teach us how to walk with people through tricky transitions.

~ Becky Ullom Naugle, Director of Youth & 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 Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (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, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Galilee: Awash in inspiration

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Matthew 2:19-23

Question for Reflection:
What spot in nature near your home inspires you? Where is it that you see God in your town?

Prayer for the day:
Creator God, give me the discipline today to notice my surroundings. You speak to me through the wonders of nature and I want to be more aware of your presence in my surroundings, whatever they may be. Amen.

~ Becky Ullom Naugle, Director of Youth & 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 Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (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, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Nazareth: Rather ordinary

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Matthew 2:19-23

Question for Reflection:
What beauty lies within the ordinary nature of your daily routines?

Prayer for the day:
God we long for adventure and all things extra-ordinary. Ordinary is boring, and it’s difficult to see the blessing in boring. Grant us calm and peace, and the wisdom to seek the instruction to be found in “ordinary” living.

~ Becky Ullom Naugle, Director of Youth & 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 Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (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, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Herod: King of cruelty

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Matthew 2:16-18


Question for Reflection:
Fear can make us do awful things. Awful doesn’t start to name what Herod did, but it’s still plain that it was done out of fear. Fear in the animal kingdom is translated into an attack. Sometimes, as in the case of honey bees, this fear leads to their own undoing. When was a time you let fear get the better of you? How did you overcome your fear?

Prayer for the day:
Fearless God, watch over us in our endeavors. Help us to overcome our obstacles and know you are with us. When we are afraid, remind us that you will never leave us and you will help us through. Thank you for your unwavering companionship and love that gives us courage. Amen.

~ Rachel Witkovsky, National Junior High Conference 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 Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (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, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Egypt: On the run

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Matthew 2:13-15

Question for Reflection:
Sometimes God’s call doesn’t come at an easy time. Sometimes it’s in the dead of night. But we must answer and go. When have you heard God’s call and followed without hesitation? What was the outcome?

Prayer for the day:
God, a bit of a notice is helpful, but we know that when you call at what seems like an inconvenient time for us, it is the exact time that we need to hear that call. Thank you for sticking with us even when we refuse to jump right away and helping us through the hard times when we do answer immediately. In your name we pray. Amen.

~ Rachel Witkovsky, National Junior High Conference 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 Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (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, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

The gifts: They keep on giving

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Matthew 2:11-12

 

Question for Reflection:
What about this season and the Christmas story overwhelm you with joy? What brings you to your knees with hope and wonder?

Prayer for the day:
Heavenly father, may we always be in awe of you and your wondrous ways. We hope to continue to see your glory in special moments throughout the whole year, not just at Christmas time. Help us to take time to pause and fall to our knees in these moments and praise you for the gifts before us. Amen.

~ Rachel Witkovsky, National Junior High Conference 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 Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (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, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

 

Devotional

The star: How I wonder

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Matthew 2:7-10

 

Question for Reflection:
This passage is like a suspenseful movie. “No don’t do it!” you yell at the screen, “It’s a trick!” But we know how it ends. We can sit back, for now, and enjoy the wonder of the moment, the brilliance of the star, with the scholars. What moments do we miss because we’re too concerned about what’s going to happen next?

Prayer for the day:
God, teach us to let go of fear and anxiety. We want to live in the moment and be in your presence but sometimes our worries get in the way. Please help us to learn to stop and look around us, taking in your wonders and glory. Amen.

~ Rachel Witkovsky, National Junior High Conference 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 Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (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, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

 

 

Devotional

Chief priests and scribes: What’s the word?

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Matthew 2:3-6

Question for Reflection:
Who do you turn to for answers to big questions? Experts in the area or someone who just always seems to know the right thing to say?

Prayer for the day:
All-knowing God, help us to find answers to our questions. We know there is not always an easy answer, but help us find those close who may have the knowledge we seek. May we also be able to search out in ourselves the right questions to ask. Bless us with patience to wait for the answers. Amen

~ Rachel Witkovsky, National Junior High Conference 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 Walt Wiltschek, campus pastor of Manchester University. (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, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.