When God gets in the way

AWAKE_ADVENT_4

Mark 9:9-13

Question for reflection:
I like the comparison that Sandy uses towards the end of the devotional between the disciples and modern day students. As a recent college graduate, the phrase, “Is this going to be on the exam?” is one that is all too familiar. You start college (or really anything new) with all these passions and excitements. Then after one bad grade or one tiny screw up that pressure to succeed, to get the perfect grades no matter what, those feelings start to creep in. Suddenly, our focus shifts. We might not get as excited as we once did. The Romans text (Romans 9:33) makes it quite clear: we will find God and even our passions when we open our eyes to the “stones” and start viewing them as part of the journey, not just something that is in the way.

What stones are you facing in your life right now? What is a way you might view your “stone” differently?

Prayer for the day:
God, give us the ability to look at the stones in our life in new ways. Amen.

~ Laura Whitman, Special Projects 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 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.

Following Jesus

LENT_real_rest_FRONTPAGE

Matthew 4:12-22


Prayer for the day:

God who Journeys with us,
Help me to not become absorbed in the unquenchable desire for quantity over quality when it comes to serving and following you. I am enough. My desire to follow you is enough. Search my heart and help me to seek the Kingdom Life.

Question for reflection:
Who do you consider your partner(s) in following God’s call? How do you intentionally uphold and support each other on your walks?

~ Katie Cummings, National Youth 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 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.

 

Rich in joy

Lent 2013 Cover   Revelation 2:8-11

Question for reflection:
Another way of describing “joy” is “to feel in the center of God’s will.” The phrase “in the center of God’s will” makes me think of the “eye” of a storm. How might joy, or “feeling in the center of God’s will,” be like or dislike experiencing the eye of a storm?

Prayer for the day:
Plant in me a desire, Holy Spirit, for deep joy. May my journey towards joy have occasional moments of happiness, but prod me past the comfort of moments to the satisfaction of enduring purpose.

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

 

 

Patience and golden calves

Lent 2013 Cover   Exodus 33:1- 6

Question for reflection:
So what happens when you get a stiff neck? Do you stop responding to others around you, or are you simply more aware of the effort it takes to fully turn your body towards a sound? What does this mean for your journey with God?

Prayer for the day:
Never stop calling out to me, O God. If my neck grows too stiff for me to simply turn my head, forgive me – and then grant me strength to turn my whole self towards you.

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

The magi: Truly wise men

Matthew 2:1-2

Question for Reflection:
What are you observing that points to the living God?

Prayer for the day:
God, send us stars to guide our journey, signs that peak our curiosity and capture our imagination so much that we will set out on paths whose destinations are yet unknown, but which will lead us directly to you. In pursuit of your Son, 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.