Tag Archives: appreciate

Devotional

Sleepless on the Mount

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AWAKE_ADVENT_4Luke 21:34-38

Question for reflection:
I like the title of this devotional – “Sleepless on the Mount.” How many sleepless nights do we experience in our lifetimes that are a result of worrying? I would be interested to know how much worrying increases around the holiday season; there’s always so much to do: plan travel, shop for presents, prepare food, decorate the house, and of course have the money to do it all. As I type this, I am thinking of all of the things that need to happen in the next couple of weeks and feel a pit of panic and stress. However, one of my favorite things to do during the holiday is to sit by the lit up Christmas tree and just listen to some of my favorite softer Christmas songs; this simple action helps me to center myself from all the holiday stress and remember the true meaning of the Advent season. It doesn’t surprise me that Jesus took some time on the Mount of Olives to just sit and be – I wonder if he had music to keep him company, too?

  • What worries and anxieties do you need to work through this holiday season?
  • What are some simple acts that you can do to help you appreciate and enjoy the meaningful parts of the season?

Prayer for the day:
Dear God, during this season that we celebrate as a reminder of Your precious gift, allow us to take the time to watch, listen, and love. Amen.

~ Laura Whitman, Special Projects 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 Sandy Bosserman, a former district executive and 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

Bring the witness

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A Community of Love   Isaiah 48: 8-13

Prayer for the Day:
Holy one, your strength is sometimes unseen to me and I take you for granted. Help me to appreciate the little things that you have done and continue to do for me each and every day. Thank you for helping the least of these brothers and sisters: the blind man seeing, the deaf man hearing, and the leper being made clean. Now that I have remembered these faithful servants, help me to also be your faithful witness to a hurting world.

Question for reflection:
What stories do I have to share with the world? When I have I been God’s witness?

~ Carol Fike, National Young Adult Conference Coordinator

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

How Can These Things Be?

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A Community of Love    John 3: 1-13

Prayer for the Day:
God, help us to see and appreciate your miraculous works. We live in a world of technology and reason and get lost in endless data and facts. Help us to be willing to get lost in the unknown and find, feel, and follow your guidance. Envelop us with your love. Amen.

Question for reflection:
How can we open ourselves to events that may not seem ‘logical’ to us?

~ Catherine Gong, Coordinator of 2012 Workcamp Ministry

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

The Urgent Message of a Jeremiah

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A Community of Love  Jeremiah 30:12-22

Prayer for the Day:
Loving and Gracious Father – I so appreciate you!  Help me to recognize the unworthy state of my heart this day, despite my waywardness.  Thank you for saving me out of a distant place . . . .You are relentless to restore that heart into relationship with you.  What are you saying to me?  Give me ears to hear what you are revealing. Continue to grow my capacity for appreciation  . . .  and joy.

Question for reflection:
In what ways has God affirmed your relationship recently?

~ 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 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.