Tag Archives: prayer

Devotional

Hard lessons

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Do you not yet understand?

Mark 8:14-21


Question for reflection:
No, actually I don’t understand yet. I have a question. I always have one more question. There is one little bit I would like clarified, explained, and reviewed. I remember the loaves and the fishes, but I don’t know how it was done. And I want to see it done again. I want to hear the story again. I want to understand – I really am trying to understand. And I’m not the only one. The disciples, who there and got to talk to Jesus still didn’t understand. They were at the last supper, they had their feet washed, they saw the crucifixion, and ate with the resurrected Jesus and still had questions. They still didn’t quite “get it”.

– When have you sought more understanding –and gotten it?
– Has that understanding changed with new information or more maturity?
– How do we move forward with the confusion and unknowing?
– How would “understanding” change our actions?

Prayer for the day:
God, I pray for the peace that passeth understanding. Amen.
P.S. I would still like to understand!

 ~ Gimbiya Kettering, Intercultural Ministries 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.

 

Devotional

Happy anniversary, dear

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Knock, Knock

Matthew 7:7-11


Prayer for the day:
Dear God, Sometimes I imagine “the road less traveled” behind the many doors I have knocked on that did not open. Other times, I have wondered if the right doors opened. If this is really what I wanted, what I was looking for, and where I am supposed to be. Only You know my whole life, beginning middle and end, and You are guiding me. Please, open the doors that you have prepared for me. Lead me to find You in all parts of my life. Teach me to ask for the important things in life. Amen.

Question for reflection:
I like the part of the Bible that says “ask and it shall be given” because I am good at asking. I like the bit about “seek and ye will find” because I am always looking for something. And I really, really like the line that says “knock and the door will be opened” because I sometimes treat life like one of those game shows with three doors and I always think I know what doors has the prize behind it. So, I have not just knocked on the “winning” door, I have kicked, leaned, pulled, and wedged my foot against the frame. And more times than I care to admit, I have found myself in the wrong room. Yes, ask for what you need and seek because it is the only way to find. But sometimes, God knows what we need more than we do. Sometimes, no matter how many times we ask, it isn’t given. We can’t find it. And the door remains closed. And that is the will of God, for our benefit, believe it or not.

  • What has remained elusive in your life, despite asking and looking?
  • Do you understand, now, the other plans God had in store for you?
  • Are there doors that seem stubbornly stuck in your life?
  • What would happen if you knocked –and waited?

 

~ Gimbiya Kettering, Intercultural Ministries 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.

Devotional

Surprised by faith

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Take it to the Lord in Prayer

Luke 7:1-10


Prayer for the day:
The old hymn reminds us what a privilege it is to carry everything, our sins and grief and pains and temptations, to God in prayer. And I know that when I pray, You will help carry my burden and bring me peace. But today I come before you, not for myself but for my friend. A friend who needs Your comfort, Your strength, and Your Peace. Please, walk with my friend, carry my friend and lift his/her heart with Your love. Amen.

Question for reflection:
I was sick last year –sick unto death, to borrow the King James language –and too weak to pray for myself. Instead of a centurion, with all of his power and servants, coming before Jesus for a miracle it was my family that prayed for me. Family around the world spread a prayer chain. Friends came and sat with my family and prayed together. People prayed over the phone and sent emails filled with their prayers. To be honest, I can barely remember the days I was on the edge and my healing was like waking from a strange, long dream to a bright, crisp morning. Around me, everyone was rejoicing.

  • When have others prayed for you?
  • Have you ever talked to them about the impact their prayers have had?
  • Do you thank God for the prayers of others? For answering their prayers?
  • Who do bring forward to God in your prayers?
  • Do you tell them you are praying for them?

 

~ Gimbiya Kettering, Intercultural Ministries 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.

Devotional

A woman teaches Jesus

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For Even a Crumb is Enough

Mark 7:24-30

Prayer for the day:
I come before You needing healing –not just for myself but for those I love. I have tried everything and asked so many people for help. Now, I come with a need greater than my faith, greater than my patience, and greater than my hope. I come because others have said I must turn to God, must return to faith, and must believe. I come with thanksgiving in my heart, because you will not turn me away. Amen.

Question for reflection:
Syrophoenician – I can barely even say it. I certainly can’t point to Syrophenicia on a map. Yet, the Syrophoenician woman is my sister. Her daughter, frightening in the fits that held her, is beloved to my heart as my family. When I read this story, I am with her, barely tolerated, before another tribe’s leader. I am frightened Jesus will turn her away for her impertinence. Instead, her daughter is healed and I am as grateful as if it were my daughter.

The Syrophoenician woman is you sister too, for this is how we all come to Jesus, not by birth or by family, but by faith. And by desperation, needing to be healed, wanting to save our families, and finally ready to believe.

  • When have you asked God impossible, impertinent questions out frustration and fear?
  • When have you come to God needing a miracle?
  • Do you return, as if with an untested faith, again and again?

 

~ Gimbiya Kettering, Intercultural Ministries 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.

Devotional

Wanting to learn

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Jesus Christ & Joseph Campbell

Luke 4:14-30

Prayer for the day:
God, you are both loving Father and ruling King in my life. When I stand before you, I stand before my friend and my judge. I trust You at home and when I am on the road. I trust Grace will bring me home. Amen.

Question for reflection:
In the study of mythology and literature, there are two archetypal stories: the hero leaves on a journey and the stranger comes to town. In this chapter of Luke, Jesus could be read through both lenses. He is the son of Mary and Joseph, a man everyone knew, who left to fulfill God’s vision for his life. In returning to Galilee, Jesus –now recognized as a teacher, a healer, a prophet –even the Messiah, son of God – is a stranger to the people who once knew him as carpenter.

  • In your walk with God, in what ways is He familiar as a friend?
  • How do you pray to God when He feels as close as family?
  • When has God felt awesome and distant?
  • How do you pray when God’s message is challenging and uncomfortable for you?

 ~ Gimbiya Kettering, Intercultural Ministries 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.

Devotional

Learning to wait

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Luke 4:1-13


Prayer for the day:
God, we have found in you a dwelling place. Your faithfulness gives us hope and confidence.

Question for reflection:
What experiences have taught you about waiting, including challenging times and less dramatic experiences? How might you help others learn patience and trust in God’s faithfulness?

 

~ 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 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

Lifelong learning

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Luke 2:41-52


Prayer for the day:
Our lives are full of new opportunities and change, O God. We give you thanks, the source of all abiding knowledge. Through Word and Spirit, you enlighten our minds and transform our hearts. Bless us with a faith that trusts your promises. Amen.

Question for reflection:
What have you learned in adulthood that has enriched your personal or vocational growth? What learnings have deepened your faith that you have shared with others in an encouraging way?

 

~ 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 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

Soul rest

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Matthew 11:28-30


Prayer for the day:
Lord, I trust my mind, body, and spirit to you. You are the source of grace and bring peace to my soul. Thank you.

Question for reflection:
Tired? Stressed? Burned out? What are ways you connect with the unforced rhythms of grace to nurture body, mind and soul?

 

~ 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 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

Eschewing obfuscations

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Luke 10:38-42


Prayer for the day:
Holy Spirit, help us to hold our daily plans and agenda lightly, so that we can quickly toss it aside when you lead us to.

Question for reflection:
Can you think of a recent time when you felt a nudge to help someone? How did you react to that nudge and how did it feel?

 

~ Tim Heishman, 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.

Devotional

Communal fasting and healing

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Acts 13:1-3; 14:19-23


Prayer for the day:
God, help us to anticipate your Spirit’s presence with us, in the ordinary and the unusual.

Question for reflection:
When have you experienced God’s presence most tangibly in your life? What were the circumstances?

 

~ Tim Heishman, 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.