Hearts rejoicing

2015 COVER

Psalm 105:3-6

Question:

How does remembering how God has worked in your life elicit joy for you? What expressions of joy will others recognize in you today?


Prayer:

God, give me your strength. Inhabit my remembering. Warm my heart. Receive my joy. 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 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.

Are you sleeping?

AWAKE_ADVENT_4

Isaiah 64:1-12

Question for reflection:
When have you been awakened to the refining work of God?

Prayer for the day:
Lord, in our profession of faith we proclaim that you reign over all creation. Yet, we look about us and can only wonder how this can be the case. For we are a people who cry out “Peace, Peace” and there is no peace. As we wait, remember, and hope in this season, awaken us to the movements of your Spirit among us. Refine us with your love and transform our world by your grace. In the name of the one for whom we wait, Jesus the Christ, Amen.

~ Josh Brockway, Director for Spiritual Life & 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 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.

Here there is life

2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  John 1:1- 5; Genesis 1:1- 5

Prayer for the day:
Maker of life, help me to see your fingerprints all over my world today. When I see light or darkness, remind me of the ways you separate the light from the darkness. When I see earth, and water, and creatures, let me remember your creative genius. When I encounter my sisters and brothers today, nudge me towards actions which deepen relationships. In you and your creation  I will find the source of all my joy – alleluia! Amen.

Question for reflection:
How is God calling you to new life this advent season?

~ 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 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.

God’s microphones

Lent 2013 Cover    John 11:45-57

Question for reflection:
The chief priests and Pharisees called an emergency meeting to ask, “What are we accomplishing?” The people in their communities, witnessing the signs and miracles of Jesus had been begun to believe in Him. Though we may not be able to turn water into wine, what are the signs and actions of our faith? What are we accomplishing?

Prayer for the day:
Thank you, dear God, for the many signs and miracles in my life. As I join the Love Feast this year, help me remember all Your scattered children, reveal to me how I can be a witness to You, and continue the work of Jesus. 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.

God’s witnesses

Lent 2013 Cover    Isaiah 43: 8-15

Question for reflection:
When you look back in your life, when do you remember the presence of God being most with you? Have you shared this story with others? How has the story changed in each retelling as you have a better understanding of how it is part of God’s will in your wider life?

Prayer for the day:
O God, I know it is Your will that is unfolding around me. You have chosen me and I have chosen to be a witness for You. Bless me with the faith and understanding to recognize that Your presence is as with us now as it was in ancient times.  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.