Category Archives: Devotional

Devotional

Mary’s song: from the heart

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Luke 1:46-56

Question for Reflection:
What is your vision for our world? I invite you to read Luke 1:46-56 again. Circle two or three words or phrases that you want to memorize or keep as your guide toward the manger and for 2013 and beyond.


Prayer for the day:
With Mary, my spirit rejoices in you, O God. You are the Holy One, the mighty God at work in this world. Amen.

~ Stan Dueck, Director, Transforming Practices

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

Elizabeth: Buoyed by blessings

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Luke 1:23-25; 39-45

Question for Reflection:
How will you bless the people you meet today with your loving presence?


Prayer for the day:
The unlimited love of your presence blesses me all the days of my life. May your love and peace radiate from me and touch each person whom I meet. Amen.

~ Stan Dueck, Director, Transforming Practices

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

Gabriel: Messenger service

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Luke 1:26-38

Question for Reflection:
As you move about your neighborhood and community, what signs and wonders of God’s activity are you observing?


Prayer for the day:
O God, prepare us to observe, to be amazed, and rejoice in God’s good news available to the least of us, and the greatest.  Amen.

~ Stan Dueck, Director, Transforming Practices

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

Zechariah: Once in a lifetime

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Luke 1:5-22

Question for Reflection:
According to Scripture, fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. So, how can fear lead to wholeness, love, and freedom from self-indulgence?


Prayer for the day:
We trust in your presence and will not fear. You are great in our midst. Your love and peace, O God, exceeds all understanding. Amen.

~ Stan Dueck, Director, Transforming Practices

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

Setting the stage

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Luke 1:1- 4

Question for Reflection:
Is there an event or story that profoundly captured your attention? How did you feel, what were your thoughts when you learned more about the occurrences that shaped that event or story? How has your life been impacted by the event or story?


Prayer for the day:
O God, the inspiration of such an incredible story. We are touched by so many stories.  May we be open to what the stories reveal to us and shape our life. In the name of the One who is the center of the story. Amen.

~ Stan Dueck, Director, Transforming Practices

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

I have seen the Lord!

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A Community of Love    John 20:1-18

Prayer for the Day:
Revealing God, open my eyes that I, like Mary, may see the risen Jesus. Receive my joy at your victory over death. Guide me in giving witness to the risen Savior. Lead me in the light of this miraculous day. Thank you for your persistent companionship through the days of Lent to this Easter day. Alleluia. Alleluia. Jesus Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!

Question for reflection:
What is your testimony on this day of bearing witness?  Where have you seen Jesus? What are the words you will use to describe your joy? How will your actions be impacted by what you have seen and know?

~ 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 Lent devotional written by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Cheryl’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

A day of silence

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A Community of Love  John 19: 38-42

Prayer for the Day:
God, today I wait
In between death and resurrection,
In the midst of mystery
With hope.

Waiting.

 

Question for reflection:
Hold an extended period of silence. Silence your own words. Sit in darkness. Allow God to speak to you or to remain silent with you.

~ 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 Lent devotional written by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Cheryl’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

And with Him … others

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A Community of Love  John 18:1 – 19:37

Prayer for the Day:
God, you hold absolute power over the world, even the power to give over your son, our King, to the reality of death. I know that at times I contribute to small deaths like those that led to Jesus’ crucifixion: failed courage, self deception, betrayal of a friend, passive bystanding, and giving over to another what really belongs to you. Forgive my acquiescence to death. Help me to live beyond the shadow of the cross. In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, I pray. Amen

Question for reflection:
Pilate seemed to have a desire to release Jesus, and yet he ultimately handed him over to those who would crucify him. What might God be nudging you toward that you are struggling to hear and to obey?

~ 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 Lent devotional written by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Cheryl’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Love one another

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A Community of Love  John 13: 1-17,  31-35

Prayer for the Day:
Jesus, while I might not fully understand all that you do for me, make me receptive to your loving service. I want to have a part with you. I want to share in your love for my family, friends and neighbors. Nourish your love within me so that it overflows in my love for others, and so that your love for the world might be seen through my actions.  Amen.

Question for reflection:
Which of your actions today most exemplify the servant love of Jesus? Which actions are inconsistent with Jesus’ example and call to love one another? What is one specific step you might take to be more loving toward another in your life?

~ 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 Lent devotional written by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Cheryl’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Betrayed

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A Community of Love    John 13: 21-30

Prayer for the Day:
God, my desire to remain faithful to you is challenged by many circumstances in my life. Have mercy on me for those actions which go against your will. Pardon me for the times when I speak in betrayal rather than love. Help me, Jesus, to eat the bread that you extend to me this week, with a clear conscience and a certain heart.   AMEN.

Question for reflection:
What does betrayal look like in your life?  When are you the betrayer?  When have you been betrayed?

~ 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 Lent devotional written by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Cheryl’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.