Devotional

Confession

Posted on February 13, 2013 by RRowan

Lent 2013 Cover Psalm 51:1-17

Question for reflection:
What prevents you from confessing sin and faults?

Prayer for the day:
Lord, you know that today sin is a dirty word – not just for what it says about us, but because naming faults and failures is not popular. In a culture of self-affirmation and positive thinking, naming our sins in confession seems archaic and oppressive. Yet, in this season of Lent, we are reminded that confession is not about self-denial but self-transformation in the grace of Christ. Receive O Lord, our tears and frustrations, that they may be reworked by your grace. Teach us in this season of preparation that confession is the beginning to becoming the people we long to be.
Amen

~ 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, The Practice of Paying Attention, written by Dana Cassell, Minister of Youth Formation at the Manassas 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, Walt’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Blogging Through Lent

Posted on February 7, 2013 by jbrockway

Lent 2013 Cover

For ten years now Brethren Press has published a devotional for the seasons of Advent and Lent. Each of the devotionals have been written by a member of the Church of the Brethren and offer a true gift to the church as it journeys to the holy days of Christmas and Easter.

This year the Lenten devotional, The Practice of Paying Attention, has been written by Dana Cassell, Minister of Youth Formation at the Manassas Church of the Brethren. In the introduction Cassell remarks that “for us, Lent is an opportunity to practice paying attention to God’s very real presence in the world around us. It is an invitation to keep our eyes and our hearts open as we walk with

Jesus through his last weeks on earth. God is calling us: Wake up! Pay attention. You never know what you might be missing.”

In order to practice paying attention, Congregational Life Ministries is inviting the church expand the conversation. Rather than treating our devotions as a practice for our individual times of prayer, the hope is that those reading the devotional can reflect on the meaning of Lent and Easter together across the miles.

So, pick up your copy of The Practice of Paying Attention (http://www.brethrenpress.com/) and pray and reflect with the sisters and brothers of the church. The devotional is a available in print and electronic formats. Bookmark the blog in your web browser and check out the prayers and questions prepared each day by the staff of Congregational Life Ministries. Even more to the point, share your comments and reflections in the comment box for each day’s posting.

See you on the blog!

Devotional

The next act: Rainbow connections

Posted on January 5, 2013 by RRowan

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

Posted on January 4, 2013 by RRowan

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

Devotional

Jesus the child: A precocious one

Posted on January 3, 2013 by RRowan

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

Devotional

Galilee: Awash in inspiration

Posted on January 2, 2013 by RRowan

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

Devotional

Nazareth: Rather ordinary

Posted on January 1, 2013 by RRowan

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

Devotional

Herod: King of cruelty

Posted on December 31, 2012 by RRowan

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

Devotional

Egypt: On the run

Posted on December 30, 2012 by RRowan

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