Matthew 1:18-25

Prayer: Dear God, sometimes it’s hard for us to believe that you have a true plan for us. Just like Joseph, we sometimes question the situations you have given us and lose sight of your love in fear of what others will think of us. Let us not be fearful, but trust in you to lead us. May we not feel lost and confused but instead feel your guiding light even when others attempt to sway us. We pray that we can be examples of Christ’s love on this Earth even if we do not fully understand your plans for each of us. Amen.

Question: We live in a culture where we are constantly told how we should act or how we should think; has there ever been a situation in which you found yourself going against the grain like Joseph to stand for something you believe in?

-Catherine Gong, 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 Advent devotional written by David W. Miller. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, David’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Luke 1:57-80

Prayer: Dear Lord, in the world today we often lose sight of your teachings and instead are distracted by trivial matters that we feel we have the right to complain about. Help us instead to see the beauty in this world that you have created for us. Help us to show your love even when faced with situations we rather not be in. And help us to speak your words to others and praise your name through fellowship and faith. In your name we pray, Amen.

Question: How can we be more like Zechariah in praising God in spite of the daily obstacles we are faced with?

-Catherine Gong, 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 Advent devotional written by David W. Miller. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, David’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Luke 1:46-56

Prayer
Loving God, we await the One born in Bethlehem. In this season of anticipation, you offer us opportunities to rejoice, to discover renewal and to share your love. O God, we give ourselves as your servants, stirred to embrace Christ’s mission in the world. Amen.

Question
The statement from Mary about her unborn Son is often referred to as the Magnificat. I wonder if we can read Mary’s song without being concerned about our status, wealth and power and especially our spiritual identity as individuals, congregations and a nation?

-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 Advent devotional written by David W. Miller. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, David’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Text: Luke 1: 39-45

Prayer
Holy God, whose coming to us in Jesus Christ we joyfully celebrate. Your salvation is from generation to generation. Break through the obstacles that keep us from seeing your glory and majesty. O God, lift our trampled and timid spirits to rejoice in your saving grace and carry our discipleship into the world. Amen.

Question
What energizes you that could give life to something new and surprising that might possibly carry Jesus’s mission into the world?

-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 Advent devotional written by David W. Miller. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, David’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Text: Luke 1:26-38

Prayer
God of all mystery and awe, whom we have glimpsed in Jesus the Christ, extend your revelation to us today and in the day ahead. And, when your wonder and surprises burst upon us, may we welcome them as Mary did hers, with a faithful and spirited obedience. Amen.

Question
How do you respond when plans or information are disrupted? What is your capacity to adjust your emotions, thoughts, and behavior to changing situations and conditions—to take in new data and adapt? How have you drawn upon God in such situations?

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 Advent devotional written by David W. Miller. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, David’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Do not quench the Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:19 NRSV

Prayer for the Day

God of Good News, dare we rejoice? In a world of hunger, violence, and injustice, can we celebrate? In the darkest days of winter, dare we proclaim the good news of Jesus’ birth? God of Good News, grant us the hope, faith, and courage to rejoice and celebrate as we proclaim the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen

Question

Do our doubts and fears quench the Spirit? How can you live into a life of rejoicing in the Lord always, praying continually, and giving thanks in all you do?

–Kim Ebersole, Director, 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 David W. Miller. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, David’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Isaiah 11:1-10

“…and a little child shall lead them. Isaiah 11:6

Prayer for the Day

Dependable God, every day we are witness to your promise. With each glorious sunrise, with each colorful rainbow, with every baby born, your promise is renewed. And yet, we do not always see you or feel your presence in the hustle and bustle of these busy days or in the darkness of these long nights. Open our eyes, awaken our souls so that we may experience you in Christ, Emmanuel. Amen

Question

When have you seen new life springing forth from that which seemed dormant? How is God working in you to “stretch your mind” as God “strengthens your heart?”

–Kim Ebersole, Director, 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 David W. Miller. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, David’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Isaiah 40:1-5

A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD… Isaiah 40:1a NIV

Prayer for the Day

Seeking God, we acknowledge that we do not always do all we can to be your Presence to the world. Too often, we are the rocks and ruts, the hills and valleys that prevent others from seeing you. Help us break across boundaries of privilege and remove barriers of injustice so that all may come to experience your goodness, your grace, your glory. Help us prepare for your arrival. Amen

Question

What spiritual landscaping do you need to do to prepare the way for the Lord?

–Kim Ebersole, Director, 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 David W. Miller. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, David’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.