Blessed are the introverts

LENT_real_rest_FRONTPAGE

 

Mark 6:30-32, 47-52


Prayer for the day:
Creator and Sustainer of Life, we are grateful to be reminded by scripture that when we are afraid, you will not pass us by. Instead, you make your presence known to us by whispering into our darkness, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” May we always seek your spirit and your wisdom.


Question for reflection:

In general, do you feel rejuvenated after spending time with people or alone? In what ways might you experience God in situations where your preference is not accommodated?

~ Becky Ullom-Naugle, Director for Youth and Young Adult Ministries

Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering these simple prayers and questions in connection to this year’s Lenten Devotional written by Duane Grady, pastor of Cedar Lake 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, Duane’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

 

Saying yes to God

2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  Luke 1:26-33

Prayer for the day:

Beckoning God,
You call me to a life of sacrificial discipleship. Guide my footsteps – that I may say “Yes” to you and your plans. Give me strength to trust especially when I am afraid.


Question for reflection:

In what ways am I ignoring God’s call because I am afraid to give of my whole self?

~ Katie Cummings, National Youth 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 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.

Enabled to serve

2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  Luke 1:67- 80

Prayer for the day:
God, calm our fears. You gave us breath: remind us to stop and breathe. Give us your peace, and help us find ways to share it. Amen.

Question for reflection:
It has been said that the words “fear not” appear somewhere around 365 times in the Bible. Yet we are such a fearful people! What are you afraid of?

~ Donna Kline, Director of Denominational Deacon 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.

A way out of no way

Lent 2013 Cover   Joshua 4:14-24

Question for reflection:
When have you seen or became aware of an opportunity but were afraid to enter it? What happened when faith allowed you to take the tentative steps into the chaotic waters of that experience?

Prayer for the day:
God, you reveal new opportunities to us. May our lives, our actions and our words be the invitation and encouragement that others need to step out in faith and receive Christ. Amen.

~ Stan Dueck, Director for Transforming Practices

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.