By another road

2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  Matthew 2:12

Prayer for the day:
The unfamiliar path is ahead –and I need courage to continue though it may be longer, steeper, and overgrown. You know how I fear being lost even though you have promised to leave all the 99 sheep to find the lost one. Soften my heart O, God, that I may trust the direction you lay before me.


Question for reflection:

It can be hard to change our plans –especially after we have so carefully plotted out our route and packed for the journey. Especially when explaining the reasons for the change has to do with the “still, small voice” of God – the warning that comes as dream, not as a burning bush. Have you ever had to change your plans based on a call or feeling that you knew was divinely inspired, but could not explain in the moment? What did you learn on the other road? Where did it lead you?

~ Gimbiya Kettering,  Intercultural Ministries 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.

 

The places Jesus appears

2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  Luke 1:46 – 56

Question for reflection:
“…. for the Mighty One has done great things for me …. “     Luke 1:49a

Close your eyes. Envision the plight of those who’ve undergone devastation this year. What would a day in their life be like? What can we do to help?

Ponder this: how do we connect with the invisible people whose paths are mingled with ours? Can you take a next step of catching their eye with a smile, a greeting, and warm acknowledgement? What stories would they share … if they were given the opportunity?

Prayer for the day:
Lord,
give us the courage and patience to move beyond our comfort zone;
give us eyes that recognize those that are
lonely.
downtrodden.
worn.
… and live with a heightened sense of uncertainty.

Prompt us to bring the message of your presence and love from the storehouse of blessing you have bestowed on us …. and maybe …. we can witness the resulting light.
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 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.

Justice and certainty

Lent 2013 Cover   Isaiah 42:1-9

Question for reflection:
Where are you aware of injustice in your community, state, or nation? How might you respond as God’s servant to bring about justice?

Prayer for the day:
Lord, give me the desire and courage to stand up and speak out in the face of injustice. Amen

~ 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 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, Dana’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Messianic expectation

Lent 2013 Cover     Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

Question for reflection:
The gates of righteousness are open to us. As we enter, what are God’s expectations of us to bring forth the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven?

Prayer for the day:
God of invitation, we are your hands, your ears, your voice. Give us the courage to be who you call us to be.

~ 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 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, Dana’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Greed and abundance

Lent 2013 Cover  2 Peter 2:4-21

Question for reflection:
Where do you draw strength from to keep going on the right path when many alluring distractions and obstructions are in your way?

Prayer for the day:
Great and wonderful guide of our lives, lead us on the right life path. Stomp out diversions that make us stray from our walk with you and give us the courage to do so ourselves when need be. Thank you, God, for carrying us through the sad times, cheering us on through the good times, and dragging us through the stubborn times.
Amen

~ Rachel Witkovsky, National Junior High Conference Coordinator

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.

Mary: Motherhood

Luke 2:33-35

Question for Reflection:
How is it that children teach their elders about life? What have you learned through the eyes of a child?

Prayer for the day:
God, the promise of a new baby is one of your signs of hope in this world. But that hope is challenged daily, sometimes through deep sorrow like what we feel for the children and families of Newtown, Connecticut. Thank you for sharing in our grief. Grant us peace and courage through the rising and the falling of our daily living. We, like Mary, covet your blessing.  With expectation we pray, 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 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.

The shepherds: Charging into the night

Luke 2:15-20

Question for Reflection:
What has God called you to do that frightens you? How are you working to overcome that fear?

Prayer for the day:
God of mystery, why shepherds? Why Moses and Rahab and Paul? Why me? Help me to see in myself—and the other unlikely souls around me—what you see. Give me the courage of a shepherd to do whatever you ask of me.
Amen

~ 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 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.

The inkeeper: No room?

Luke 2:6-7

Question for Reflection:
When have you opened the door to share the hospitality to stranger or friend?

Prayer for the day:
Christ of the manger, we set our stable scenes with your image, wrapped in simple cloth. We even sing songs of your birth, heralding closed doors that sent you to that stable. With each nativity song we are reminded that even still a door was opened. Grant us courage to open our doors to those seeking warmth and welcome. For in doing so, we might take part in your ever increasing grace.
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 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.

Joseph: Glimpses of godliness

Matthew 1:18-24

Question for Reflection:
Mary and Joseph must have been scared by what was happening to them: to be selected by God to be the parents of the Messiah! And yet, they responded faithfully and courageously to God’s call. Who do you know who has responded when God has called them? When has God worked through you?


Prayer for the day:

Grant us courage to respond, O God, when we hear your call. Amen

~ 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 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.