Tag Archives: light

Devotional

Solid ground

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2015 COVER

Isaiah 44:1-8

Question:
Today’s text asserts that Israel is called to be God’s witness and not have a ‘circle-the-wagons’ mentality. In a multicultural world where people live in proximity to others, how is the church called to be a light to the nations, ministering with justice and compassion to others?

Prayer:
God of all nations, who sent Jesus as a messenger of peace, offering salvation, and making us whole. Send us into your world strengthened and liberated by the Holy Spirit to speak and act as inspired people. Amen.

~ Stan Dueck, Director, Transforming Practices

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

What a day . . .

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2015 COVER


Isaiah 60:15-22

Question:
What darkness are you facing right now? In searching and allowing God’s presence, where can you find God’s light, even if it is just peeking through?


Prayer:
Creator, we are honest with you. Sometimes we are stuck in a rut and find ourselves in a place of ignorance or distrust, confusion, or feeling beaten by everything that surrounds us. Gently remind us of your love for us and that even in the midst of these long nights, you are still there, shining your light.

~ 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

Star rising

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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.

Devotional

Light encounter

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AWAKE_ADVENT_4

John 8:12-19

Question for reflection:

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


Prayer for the day:
O God, in whom no darkness prevails, bring to light all the places in which we hide from your grace. Empower us as those who carry your light into the world whose darkness too easily overcomes. Refine us with the heat of your loving light that we may live anew as citizens of the Kingdom of Light. 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.

Devotional

Prelude to a decision

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LENT_real_rest_FRONTPAGE
Luke 6:12-16

Prayer for the day:
Lord of both the sunrise and sunset, we seek you in the nighttime that we may come to see the day. In our prayers we seek to understand your ways, longing to know how we might live more faithfully from day to day. As we pray ourselves into your light we know our decisions may not make sense to those around us. Grant us courage to do what others say cannot be done. Give us your Spirit that we might see your path before us. Amen.


Question for reflection:
As you seek to discern God’s work around you, how do you pray?

~ 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 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.

Devotional

Everyone counts

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2013 Advent good_news_hi_res   Matthew 1:3-6

Prayer for the day:
O God, in whose image we are created, help us not to judge others, and instead try to see your light in everyone we meet. We acknowledge this isn’t always easy, so give us grace-filled hearts to recognize that all people count in your eyes.
Amen

Question for reflection:
Who are the people who have influenced your life? How have they done so? Have you shared with them how meaningful their influence has been?

~ 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 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.

 

Devotional

Children of Light

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Lent 2013 Cover  John 12:27-36

Question for reflection:
What symbols of light are around you? What qualities of God’s light do they bring to mind?

Prayer for the day:
Lord of light, we long to be in the light as you are in the light. As the sun shifts in the sky above us we give thanks for the light that warms flesh and bone, and the light that touches heart and mind. As we move into the seasons of increasing light, free our minds from the darkness of doubt and despair so that we might be sources of your light to those around us.
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 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.

Devotional

Us: Shining together

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John 1:1-9

Question for Reflection:
Into what situation are you being called to carry the light of the Holy Spirit?

Prayer for the day:
Order my steps and my actions in a way pleasing to you, Living God. May I not only carry the light of the Holy Spirit to others, but may I also be engulfed by it. Light my way, and grant me the wisdom to be able to share your light with others.

~ Becky Ullom Naugle, Director of Youth & 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 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

Zechariah’s song: A new day

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Luke 1:67-80

Question for Reflection:
Waiting can be hard. I remember, as a child, waiting impatiently for Christmas morning to arrive so the presents under our tree could finally be opened. Zechariah, too, had been waiting. But what he was waiting for was immeasurably more wonderful than any present under a Christmas tree ever could be. Zechariah was waiting for the promised Messiah, and God did not disappoint. As Advent devotional writer Walt Wiltschek says, “In one angelic message, Zechariah receives everything he could have dreamed of and more.” What are you wishing, dreaming, praying for this Advent season?


Prayer for the day:
God of mercy, giver of Light, like young children on Christmas Eve, we eagerly await the dawning of a new day when the light of your Son will guide us all on the pathway of peace. As we wait, help us become aware of the ways your kingdom is already at hand. Open us to your Presence, send us your Spirit, grant us your Peace. We ask these things in the name of the Light of the World, Christ Jesus. 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.