Category Archives: Devotional

Devotional

You led your people

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2015 COVER

Psalm 77: 16-20

Question for the day:  What does deliverance look like? What are the requirements that make it necessary? Initially life is good, but then, “… nothing was making sense, nothing is as it should be…” These words from our author leave me very unsettled — their mere suggestion raises my anxiety level. On the other side of anxiety, I see the power of God and that He takes action — demonstrating His care and concern.
Stand in awe, stand in joy, but stand firm …. and see the deliverance the Lord will give you.              (2 Chronicles 20:17)
  In what situation of your life can you recognize God’s deliverance?

Prayer:  Mighty God, we come before you with gratitude for the amazing things you do on our behalf.  Remind us that your presence goes before us leading us through that which we find most difficult. 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 Lent Devotional written by Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (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, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

I call to mind

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2015 COVERPsalm 77: 11-15

Question for the day:  Asaph was distressed.  He starts out Psalm 77 in the midst of unanswered prayer and pours out his concerns (v. 3). Rather than staying stuck in that moment he applies the principle of seeking the Lord’s comfort by deliberately redirecting his thoughts to God’s character and goodness.
Some of us (and I’m speaking for myself) cannot seem to remember …. to remember. When I get that overwhelmed, I can stay stuck in doubt or fear. So, I have a journal – where I can capture the tracings of God’s love and care on my behalf. Reaching for that — and the transition from doubt to trust can happen in a second.  I once lost my journal. Believe me — it wasn’t pretty.  What plan have you in place to bring God’s faithfulness to mind?

Prayer:  Lord, bring us quickly to thoughts of appreciation that we might dwell on your wonders and steadfastness.

~ 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 Lent Devotional written by Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (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, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

One For All

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2015 COVER

I Peter 3:18-22
Prayer: God for us, we confess that we work as if all depends on us. We confess that all too often we seek our own salvation. As we journey towards the resurrection of your Son, forgive us the temptations of such pride and reveal to us how you are with us, reconciling all the world. For you alone are our savior. Amen
Question: When are you most tempted to do something on your own?

~ Joshua 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 Lent Devotional written by Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (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, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Happiness

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2015 COVER

Psalm 32
Prayer: Holy God, we look to so many things for our happiness. We give into the images of peace and joy paraded before us on screens billboards. Yet, we know that nothing compares to the joy of your grace. In the distracted state of our lives we lose sight of your forgiveness. Open our hearts that we might celebrate the joy of the forgiveness that comes even before the words are on our lips. Amen
Question: What keeps you from the true joy of God’s forgiveness?

~ Joshua 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 Lent Devotional written by Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (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, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Let Your Face Shine

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2015 COVER

Daniel 9:15-25a

Prayer: God of the Kingdom to come, we too often look to the peace of our past rather than the hope of your reign. Instead of living into your continuing restoration of our world, we long for days gone by, trusting in relics rather than your provision for the day. Let your face shine, showing us the next steps of our journey of faith, trusting in your ever unfolding peace. Amen
Question: What signs of the past do you clench so tightly that you cannot receive what is yet to come?

~ Joshua 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 Lent Devotional written by Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (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, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Teach Me

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2015 COVER

 

Psalm 25:1-10

Prayer: Merciful God, we admit that all to often our ways are not your ways. In the midst of fear, anxiety, and loss we take matters into our own hands. We fail to trust what we know from scripture and the great cloud of witnesses. As we prepare for the redemption of your Son, call us back to your truth and remind us of the faith that has nurtured us beyond our merit. Amen
Question: What makes you anxious?

~ Joshua 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 Lent Devotional written by Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (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, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Sound the Alarm

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2015 COVER

Joel2:1-2, 12-17

Prayer: O God, in the busyness of our days we lose our attention. In this season of waiting preparation call our minds and hearts back to your presence. As we let go of what seems like only a little part of our daily lives, teach us your ways that we might keep our attention on you. Amen
Practice: Set an alarm on your computer, smart phone, or watch that will call you to prayer each day in this season.

~ Joshua 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 Lent Devotional written by Craig H. Smith, district executive of Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (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

Star rising

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AWAKE_ADVENT_4Matthew 2:1-12

Question for reflection:

What signs of Jesus have stood out for you during this Advent and Christmas season? Where have you witnessed the Light of Christ disrupting the darkness and shining brightly?


Prayer for the day:
Once again we have traveled the road of God’s promise, arriving at a simple manger occupied by an infant child. This, this is the light of the world? Thank you, God, for humble beginnings through simple servants. We marvel at your creativity and courage, entering this world as a human. We see Jesus, and we give you praise! 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 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

Last word and testament

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AWAKE_ADVENT_4


Luke 6:27-31

Question for reflection:

Where do you see conflict in your life today? What would a loving response look like?


Prayer for the day:

God, enemies are real. Help me to respond with an honest and grace-filled love to those who injure me. Show me when I make others into the enemy, and turn my violence and resentment into patient perseverance. Let Christ-like love penetrate the world through me. 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 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

Lord willin’

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AWAKE_ADVENT_4James 4:11-17

Question for reflection:

How do you listen for God’s will? What do you hear God saying to you for this day?


Prayer for the day:

God, I want to trust your intentions for my life. My desire is to live a life consistent with your will. But sometimes it is hard to hear, to know, and to do. Forgive me for my sin. Grant me grace to be better today. 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 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.