Actors in a supporting role

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Luke 5:1-23

Question for reflection:
The earliest pregnancy announcement that I can remember happened when I was about ten years old. My much older brother was dropping off my five year old nephew early one morning to be watched by my mother. I recall him taking off my nephew’s coat, standing up and saying to our mom, “Oh, by the way, you are going to be a grandma again” and walking out the door. My mother and I then started to squeal together and hug my tired nephew who was not at all thrilled by the early morning noise.

When something exciting happens to us, whether it’s the announcement of a baby, a new job, or a small child waking up on Christmas morning, we usually show our feelings of joy and thankfulness with our voice. I imagine that it was hard for Zechariah to have to remain silent because after all this time he was going to be a father. I’m thankful for my ability to rejoice and share with others, especially during this advent season.

What are you having a hard time staying silent about during this holiday season?

Prayer for the day:
Dear God, thank you for the ability to express our joy and excitement in many various ways. Amen.

~ Laura Whitman, Special Projects 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 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.

Single-mindedness

Lent 2013 Cover   Isaiah 50:4-9

Question for reflection:
What does silence mean to you? When is the last time you practiced the art of being silent? How will you listen for God today?

Prayer for the day:
<take a deep breath> <exhale> <inhale> <exhale> <inhale> <hold…> <exhale> <breathe regularly> <be silent> <listen>

~ 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, 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.