Alive in lonely places

LENT_real_rest_FRONTPAGE

 

Luke 5:12-16


Prayer for the day:
Holy Spirit you speak in many ways, including through the sound of silence. Grant me the courage to be quiet and wait to hear your voice within the stillness. Help me recognize more quickly the signs, within myself and within others, when a quiet rest with you is urgently need.


Question for reflection:

How can you create a “deserted place” in your life, perhaps without even leaving your home or office? What would a place need to be without in order for you to be more fully with God?

~ 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 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.

 

Hush, God is speaking

LENT_real_rest_FRONTPAGE

 

1 Kings 19:11-13; Mark 4:35-41

 

Prayer for the day:
God of all things great and small, help us to be mindful of not only of your greatness, but also that you are quietly present with us in small ways. Let us be that calming presence as well, in each of our relationships.


Question for reflection:

As spring begins, go outside and mark off just one square inch of ground. Where do you see God in this small space?

~ 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.

 

Alone with God

LENT_real_rest_FRONTPAGE

 

Mark 1:35-39

 

Prayer for the day:
O God of the quiet places, we often desire to meet you but find ourselves distracted by so many things. At times even the idea of silence and solitude frightens us. In this season of stripping away the clutter and distractions, enflame our hearts that we may truly seek you alone.  Embolden our minds that we may seek you even when our schedules dictate we have more pressing matters. May our desire to see you be matched with faithful imitation of Jesus who went out alone to prayer, for it is in his name that we pray, Amen.


Question for reflection:

Where do you go to find alone time with God?

~ 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.

O little town of Bethlehem

2013 Advent good_news_hi_res   Micah 5:2

Prayer for the day:
Holy God, it is easy for us to be taken in by those whose voices we hear the loudest and the most often. Let us step back and watch and listen to those whose voices are softer. Better yet, let us seek out the quiet persons, encouraging them to use the voice you gave them, reminding them that their voice is needed in the Kingdom.

Question for reflection:
Who in your faith community may have gifts you are overlooking because they are quiet and unassuming, “insignificant” people?

~ 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 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.

Do not be afraid

2013 Advent good_news_hi_res Luke 1:13-17

Prayer for the day:
Present spirit, move within me to quiet my fears. For Lord you have already heard my prayer. Give me patience in my anticipation of what is yet to come.

Question for reflection:
What is your deepest fear? Where do you see hope that washes way your fear?

~ Sarah Neher, 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.