Tag Archives: respond

Devotional

Are You Sleeping (through) Brother John?

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Matthew 21:28-32

To ponder:
It can be hard for our self-righteous selves to hear Jesus say that those on the margin of society—tax collectors and prostitutes—may enter the Kingdom of God before we will. How can that be? Amidst the hustle and bustle of our busy lives, have we turned a deaf ear to God’s call for our lives? Have we become complacent from our position of privilege? During this Advent season of listening and waiting, how might we quiet our souls and tune in to God’s still small voice calling us into belief and response?

Prayer for the day:
Awaken our hearts, God, to the message you are presenting to us. Let us hear your Word and respond with belief and with action as we continue the work of Jesus in a world in need of your loving presence.
Amen.

 

~ Kim Ebersole, Director of 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 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 through the reading of scripture, Sandy’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Do you love me?

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LENT_real_rest_FRONTPAGE

John 21

Prayer for the day:
Give me faith, Inviting God, to follow you. Amen

Question for reflection:
If you were in the boat with the disciples, after a long night of fishing without catching a single fish, and Jesus told you to cast your net on the other side of the boat, would you do it? If Jesus asked you, “Do you love me?” how would you respond? If Jesus called to you, “Follow me,” would you stop what you were doing and go? What is the difference between obedience and faith?

~ Kim Ebersole, Director of 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 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

Authentic worship (1)

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2013 Advent good_news_hi_res  Matthew 2:7-11

Prayer for the day:
Thank you, God, for all we have and all we are. May we be fully attuned to you, responding in faithfulness to your reconciling love. Amen.


Question for reflection:
What gifts have you offered to Jesus in response to his presence in your life?

~ Stan Dueck, Director for 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 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.

Devotional

Justice and certainty

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Lent 2013 Cover   Isaiah 42:1-9

Question for reflection:
Where are you aware of injustice in your community, state, or nation? How might you respond as God’s servant to bring about justice?

Prayer for the day:
Lord, give me the desire and courage to stand up and speak out in the face of injustice. Amen

~ Kim Ebersole, Director of 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 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, Dana’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.

Devotional

Joseph: Glimpses of godliness

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Matthew 1:18-24

Question for Reflection:
Mary and Joseph must have been scared by what was happening to them: to be selected by God to be the parents of the Messiah! And yet, they responded faithfully and courageously to God’s call. Who do you know who has responded when God has called them? When has God worked through you?


Prayer for the day:
Grant us courage to respond, O God, when we hear your call. Amen

~ Kim Ebersole, Director of 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 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.