Tag Archives: Advent

Devotional

Holy pedigree

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2013 Advent good_news_hi_res Matthew 1:1-17

Prayer for the day:
God of the Ages,
as we read through the holy lineage of Jesus, we become more aware of your movement through the generations and the many lives you have touched. Help us feel your presence in our lives so that we can share the Good News of Jesus with our world today.
Amen

Question for reflection:
How are you sharing the Christmas story with others this Advent season?

~ Kim Ebersole, Director of Family Life and Older Adult 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

Here there is life

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2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  John 1:1- 5; Genesis 1:1- 5

Prayer for the day:
Maker of life, help me to see your fingerprints all over my world today. When I see light or darkness, remind me of the ways you separate the light from the darkness. When I see earth, and water, and creatures, let me remember your creative genius. When I encounter my sisters and brothers today, nudge me towards actions which deepen relationships. In you and your creation  I will find the source of all my joy – alleluia! Amen.

Question for reflection:
How is God calling you to new life this advent season?

~ Becky Ullom Naugle, Director for Youth and 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 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

An orderly account

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2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  Luke 1:1- 4

Prayer for the day:
Breath of Heaven, whether I use words or my hands and feet to express your love in the world, purify my intentions and bless my efforts. May the way I move through life help others to know your goodness and grace.

Question for reflection:
Think back over the day or back to yesterday. When and where did you observe someone expressing their love for Christ and the church? What was it like?

~ Becky Ullom Naugle, Director for Youth and 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 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

Beginning well

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2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  Haggai 2:7

Prayer for the day:
If you tend to be anxious about time, set a timer for 5 or 10 minutes. As you center yourself for prayer this day, quiet your mind. Close your eyes, and find a comfortable position for your body. As you inhale, repeat the first part of the phrase in your mind. When you exhale, repeat the second part of the phrase. For the minutes you have set aside to pray, continue this pattern as you breathe in and out at a comfortable pace.
Phrase: “Jesus, help me…..to find you again.”

Question for reflection:
What does the phrase “Jesus, help me to find you again” stir in you?

~ Becky Ullom Naugle, Director for Youth and 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 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

Us: Shining together

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John 1:1-9

Question for Reflection:
Into what situation are you being called to carry the light of the Holy Spirit?

Prayer for the day:
Order my steps and my actions in a way pleasing to you, Living God. May I not only carry the light of the Holy Spirit to others, but may I also be engulfed by it. Light my way, and grant me the wisdom to be able to share your light with others.

~ 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

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.