Star rising

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.

Awakened to flee

AWAKE_ADVENT_4

Matthew 2:13-18

Question for reflection:
Are there any circumstances in your life which cause you to fear for your children or grandchildren? How do you connect with this impulse to “take the children and flee?”


Prayer for the day:

Sheltering God, who promises there is no place where we can go that you are not, calm our fears and empower us to make choices which further your kingdom. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

~ 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 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

Peace by piece

LENT_real_rest_FRONTPAGE

Luke 24:36-49

Question for reflection:
How will you carry the peace and promise of this Easter celebration into your daily living this week? Who do you know that needs you to represent the living Christ to them?

Prayer for the day:

God, thank you for making me a witness to the resurrection. Help me carry the hope and promise of Easter into the dark and doubting places of the world. With gratitude for the gift of your presence and your peace, I 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 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.

Praying for others

LENT_real_rest_FRONTPAGE

John 17:9-26

Prayer for the day:
O Lord, bless us with the integrity to do what we say we will do in all things, but especially when we promise to pray.

Question for reflection:
For many people prayer is not easy. Distractions, worries about finding the right words, and remembering everyone on the prayer list provide lots of excuses. What do you do to ensure that your prayer time is focused?

~ Donna Kline, Director of Denominational Deacon 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 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.

 

Barrenness

2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  Luke 1:5-7

Prayer for the day:
God, help us to have eyes to see those places in our lives where your Kingdom is breaking in, and let those glimpses fill us with joy and hope, even as we wait for the Kingdom to come in all its fullness. Amen.

Question for reflection:
In what areas of your life are you still waiting for God’s promises to be realized?

~ 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 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.

Anne with an e

Lent 2013 Cover   Isaiah 43: 1-7

Question for reflection:
Do you feel that you might be washed away in the rivers of obligations and work and family? Has the heat of conflict and stress felt like it might engulf you? God promises that He is with us and we will not be burned or washed away. When in your life do you feel the presence of God calling you by your name?

Prayer for the day:
O God, in the midst of the busyness of life, let me hear Your voice when you call me; let me recognize my name on Your lips. Though the waters may be strong, I remember Your promise to accompany me and return me to glory. Amen.

~ 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, 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.

‘Immanuel’: God with us

Isaiah 7:13-14

Question for Reflection:
What does the gift of “God with us,” Emmanuel, Jesus, mean to you?

Prayer for the day:
God, we have anticipated this day for weeks now, building expectation through Advent worship, devotional study, decorating, gift buying, serving our neighbor, food preparation, sending cards and so much more. On this day of Jesus’ birth, may our anticipation and preparation transform into sacred hope, promise, light, peace, and joy.  With gratitude for promises made and kept, 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.