Star rising

AWAKE_ADVENT_4Matthew 2:1-12

Question for reflection:

What signs of Jesus have stood out for you during this Advent and Christmas season? Where have you witnessed the Light of Christ disrupting the darkness and shining brightly?


Prayer for the day:

Once again we have traveled the road of God’s promise, arriving at a simple manger occupied by an infant child. This, this is the light of the world? Thank you, God, for humble beginnings through simple servants. We marvel at your creativity and courage, entering this world as a human. We see Jesus, and we give you praise! 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 Sandy Bosserman, a former district executive and an 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.

Who shall remain nameless

AWAKE_ADVENT_4

Judges 13:2-24

Question for reflection:

When have you been surprised by the simplicity of God’s work?


Prayer for the day:
God of the named and unnamed, forgive us for the quest for fame and for fixing our eyes on the notable, for we know that you work in mundane ways to redeem the world. Open our eyes that we might look for your Son in the most humble of places that we might find in our neighbors the source of our salvation. 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 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.

Insignificant?

2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  Micah 5:2-5a

Prayer for the day:
God of the great and the small, so often we feel powerless, unable to really make a difference in the world. What can one person do? Help us to remember the world-changing difference just one person made, despite his humble beginnings in the tiny town of Bethlehem.

Question for reflection:
What one small step might you take that would make a difference in someone else’s life?

~ 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.

Washing feet

Lent 2013 Cover   John 13:1-17, 31-35

Question for reflection:
Whose feet do I need to wash today? Whose act of servanthood do I need to be prepared to receive?

Prayer for the day:
God, prepare me to wash the feet of my sisters and brothers in Christ, but also ready me to serve less familiar folks in uncomfortable places. Remind me that sometimes it’s just as important to humble myself for others to wash my feet as well. Orient my life through the power of the towel. Amen.

(follow this link for a musical meditation on washing feet: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kSe0xbcAmo&feature=youtu.be)

~ 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 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.