He has set an example

LENT_real_rest_FRONTPAGE

John 13:12-20

Question for reflection:
What is an issue about which you hold a strong opinion? As you approach the love feast, are you ready to lay the issue, and your opinion about it, before God for scrutiny and wisdom?


Prayer for the day:

God, you know how I feel about [issue]. At times I can be consumed by my own opinion. Help me set aside my own agenda and listen carefully to you. Through your scriptures, in humility within my church family, and by the presence of your Holy Spirit, give me patience and grace to hear anew your will about [issue]. In the name of Jesus, servant first and savior forever, I 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 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.

Trailer park wisdom

LENT_real_rest_FRONTPAGE
Luke 21:1-4

Prayer for the day:

Jesus, we lose perspective, and for this we ask forgiveness. Sometimes we choose ignorance, but more often we are just lazy. Help us to avoid the temptation of justifying our selfishness. Help us to be humble as we walk with you and with others

Question for reflection:

Reflect on a time when someone with less than you was more grateful than you. What did the situation help you to understand about the Gospel of Good News? What questions did the situation leave in your heart?

~ Becky Ullom-Naugle, Director for Youth and Young 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 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.

A Magical Combination of Virtues

A Community of Love
1 Peter 3:8-18a

Prayer for the Day:
It’s hard, Lord, to not seek praise for something great we have done. Teach us to do what we can with the gifts you have given us, love others, and be humble about it. Amen.

Question for reflection:
Why do we seek recognition for great things we do? Why can’t we just go on doing them? What holds us back? And why can’t we overcome this?

~ Rachel Witkovsky, 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.