Tag Archives: Lent

Devotional

The blame game

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2015 COVER

Numbers 20:1-13



Question:
What are some ways in which our perspective needs shifting? Is forgiveness needed? Is God calling for us to step back and listen? How is God working through you to solve these struggles in your life?


Prayer:
Lord, help us to understand that we need time. Help us to be patient when patience is the furthest from our minds. Today, we are able to offer gratitude for your trust in us and your patience with us.

~ Kristen Hoffman, Coordinator, CCS and National Junior High Conference

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 Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (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, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Spiritual thirst

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2015 COVER


Psalm 107:4-9

Question:
How often do we think about our lives in the way of fulfillment? How has God entered and filled you? In what ways are you still hungry and thirsty for God?


Prayer:
Creator, we need you. We know we are filled by you, and yet, we recognize those parts within our lives and within us that are lacking complete nourishment. Thank you for your presence; on this day, we offer ourselves to be open and completely filled, even those parts we cannot bear to let anyone see.

~ Kristen Hoffman, Coordinator, CCS and National Junior High Conference

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 Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (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, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Holy questions

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2015 COVER


John 3:1-21

Question:
In times of darkness and light, what question, or questions, is God asking you?


Prayer:
O Lord, in our journey, help us to ask questions wisely and faithfully, leaning in with a listening ear to your reply.

 

~ Kristen Hoffman, Coordinator, CCS and National Junior High Conference

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 Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (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, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Sending Out His Word

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2015 COVER

Psalm 107:17-22

Question:

What situation in life causes you to feel less than hopeful? Invite God to change your perspective on this situation and thus begin to heal you.

Prayer:

God of hope, who transforms our doubts and insecurities into opportunities for growth, forgive us for the times when we have unintentionally reduced your power to our understanding of what is possible. Thank you for sending your word in the example of Jesus, and inspire us to share your hopeful word with others. Amen.

~ 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 Lent Devotional written by Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (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, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Cry to the Lord

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2015 COVER

Psalm 107:17-22

Question:

What is the most significant cause of your distress these days? How do you want God to help you in this situation?

Prayer:

Merciful God, who promises to be with us even as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, incline you ear to my plea. Break into my life with your presence as the sun breaks through the clouds! Amen.

~ 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 Lent Devotional written by Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (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, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Speak Up!

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2015 COVER

Psalm 107:1-3

Question:

What would it be like for you to consistently share about the way the Holy Spirit has been active in your life on a day-to-day basis? You might share with a spouse, housemate, work colleague, or child.


Prayer:

Eloquent God, whose wisdom and graciousness is transmitted to us in many ways, strengthen our timid hearts and cause us to tell others about the small and grand ways you move in our lives. Amen.

~ 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 Lent Devotional written by Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (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, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Believers Math

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2015 COVER

Psalm 84:8-12

Question:

How might you fix your eyes upon God today? Try to name one concrete action that will put your heart and mind in a position to be able to sense God’s presence with you.


Prayer:

Magnificent God, whose presence with us provides a peace that passes all understanding, inspire us with the desire to focus on you today. As we wander through the wilderness of Lent, remind us of our spiritual home with you. Amen.

 

~ 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 Lent Devotional written by Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (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, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Simply profound

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2015 COVER

Psalm 19

Question:
How is your faith story taking shape? What is there for you to say about your experience of God?


Prayer:
Help me focus on what I know about your goodness, God. Where I have questions, help me trust you. When I can no longer see my way, make me rely on you. When I feel that I’ve arrived on my own, remind me that you are with me. When I’m ready to take all the credit, take the attention for yourself. I want the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart to be acceptable to you, my rock and my redeemer. 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 Lent Devotional written by Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (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, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Out with joy

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2015 COVER


Psalm 105:37-45

Question:
What wilderness are you stuck in right now? What might it look like for God to bring you out of that wilderness? What form will your gratitude take?

 

Prayer:
There are broken parts of my life, God. I am separated from others and from you because of my own sin. Forgive me. Guide me to a place of healing and restoration. Release joy from me like water freed from the rock in the desert. I remember and 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 Lent Devotional written by Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (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, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Hearts rejoicing

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2015 COVER

Psalm 105:3-6

Question:
How does remembering how God has worked in your life elicit joy for you? What expressions of joy will others recognize in you today?


Prayer:
God, give me your strength. Inhabit my remembering. Warm my heart. Receive my joy. 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 Lent Devotional written by Craig H. Smith, district executive for the Atlantic Northeast District of the Church of the Brethren and ordained minister. (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, Craig’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.