Tag Archives: focus

Devotional

Praying for others

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LENT_real_rest_FRONTPAGE

John 17:9-26

Prayer for the day:
O Lord, bless us with the integrity to do what we say we will do in all things, but especially when we promise to pray.

Question for reflection:
For many people prayer is not easy. Distractions, worries about finding the right words, and remembering everyone on the prayer list provide lots of excuses. What do you do to ensure that your prayer time is focused?

~ 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 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.

 

Devotional

A waste of time?

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2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  Luke 2:36- 38

Prayer for the day:
Help me keep from getting so busy, Lord, that I miss seeing you even when you’re right in front of me. Give me focus and persistence like Anna, so that I, too, might offer thanks and speak of you to others with deep love and conviction.


Question for reflection:
How do you recognize Jesus in the world today? What testimony are you prepared to give?

~ 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 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

From the inside out

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Lent 2013 Cover   2 Corinthians 4:16 – 5:5

Question for reflection:
How might we focus less on what we think others see when they look at us, and more on how we make others feel if we truly let the Spirit renew our hearts?

Prayer for the day:
“Open my eyes, that I may see….glimpses of truth thou hast for me.”  Patient Lord, let me see all that is in your creation through your eyes, and live accordingly.

~ 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 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

Dull and drunken

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Lent 2013 Cover  Luke 21:34-22:6

Question for reflection:
Some people do daily devotions or have weekly prayer meetings to keep their senses sharp. What are some practices that help keep your eyes trained on Jesus and your heart focused on God?

Prayer for the day:
God, help us to stay sharp. Keep us from losing our edge and losing sight of you. We strive to keep you first and foremost in our thoughts and try not to lose you in the worries that dull us in our everyday lives.
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.