Tag Archives: hope

Devotional

Mary: Motherhood

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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.

Devotional

Simeon: Waiting on the Lord

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Luke 2:25-32

Question for Reflection:
Do you take God’s promises as seriously as Simeon did? Can others take your promises seriously?

Prayer for the day:
O God, your promises are for all of us, and for each of us. Your promises are full of hope, a hope that shines for us now as we anticipate the birth of Jesus, a hope that shines for us always in the presence of your Spirit.
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.

Devotional

Caesar Augustus: Dishing out decrees

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Luke 2:1-3

Question for Reflection:
In what ways do you hold up the leaders of the world? In this season of hopeful waiting, what is your prayer for these men and women around the world?


Prayer for the day:
Lord of heaven and earth, in this season of waiting we see a world hell-bent on destroying itself. As we pause to recall the beginning of the Holy Family’s journey to Bethlehem, we are aware of the decrees of leaders which encourage life and take it. With each newscast we are reminded that we have yet to live into the reign of the Prince of Peace. Instill in us perseverance to await the day of Christ’s coming, and the compassion to wait with hope, seeking to take part in your continuing redemption of all the nations. 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.

Devotional

Genealogy and history:The family tree

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Matthew 1:1-6

Question for Reflection:
Brethren like to play the “name game”—when we meet, we often ask each other “Are you related to… ?” Discovering how people are related often helps us make meaningful connections. But being connected by our bloodlines is not the only way we can be family to each other. This Christmas season, are there people in your neighborhood, at your workplace, or in your congregation whose families are far away, or who have no family, that you could offer hospitality to? Who knows, you might just extend your concept of family as you talk and laugh and break bread together.


Prayer for the day:
We thank you, creating God – for families and friends and even strangers – who brighten our lives by sharing moments of time with us. During the busy-ness of the Christmas season, help us to pause and reach out to people who may need a smile, a word of encouragement, or a listening ear. May we spread joy during this season of hope and anticipation. 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.

Devotional

Laughter’s Return

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A Community of Love   Jeremiah 33:10-16

Prayer for the Day:
In times of desolation, Lord, we cry out to you. Make your presence known – give us hope and consolation. Help us to hear again the voice of gladness and laughter that your promise of restoration brings. May we proclaim our thanks to you. “For the Lord is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” (Jer 33:11)  Amen

*Countering Pharaoh’s Production-Consumption Society Today, Living the Questions DVD


Question for reflection:
Old Testament scholar Walter Bruggemann has described God as a magnet for cries of human pain and distress.”* When have you experienced times of despair and desolation? How has God responded to your cries? In your life, what do you need God to restore?

~ 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 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

I will appoint Peace

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A Community of Love     Isaiah 60: 17-22

Prayer for the Day:
Lord God, your promises give us hope each day, even with the devastation and violence and destruction all around us. Help us to find ways to share that hope with those who have lost so much. We watch for your everlasting light even in the darkest skies, and give thanks.

Question for reflection:
What can you do today to help someone who is living under a very dark sky?

~ Donna Kline, Director of Deacon 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.