Tag Archives: Spirit

Devotional

Counting the stars

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2015 COVER

 

Genesis 15:1-6, 12-18

Question for the day: 
Where is God calling you to join him in service?

Prayer:  Source of all Creation, invite us out of ourselves and open our senses to your guidance and the leading of your Spirit. Give us the courage to let go of our desires in order to join your cause.

~ David Doudt, member of the Church of the Brethren Spiritual Directors Network

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.

Devotional

Are you sleeping?

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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.

Devotional

The first responders

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2013 Advent good_news_hi_res    Luke 2:15-20

Prayer for the day:
God of glory, you meet us in unexpected places just as you encountered the shepherds. O God, may the prompting of your spirit move us to praise you so that others discover the new life you offer. Amen.


Question for reflection:
Note that the shepherds left glorifying and praising God (verse 20). Is
there anything in your life or experience right now for which you can praise God? Is there anything you are thankful for?

~ 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

From the inside out

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Lent 2013 Cover   2 Corinthians 4:16 – 5:5

Question for reflection:
How might we focus less on what we think others see when they look at us, and more on how we make others feel if we truly let the Spirit renew our hearts?

Prayer for the day:
“Open my eyes, that I may see….glimpses of truth thou hast for me.”  Patient Lord, let me see all that is in your creation through your eyes, and live accordingly.

~ 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, 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.

Devotional

Just Breathe

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Lent 2013 Cover  Exodus 6:1-13

Question for reflection:
How is breathing a part of your time of prayer? Do you pay attention to how taking a deep breath changes your perspective?

Prayer for the day:
Gracious God, even to breath is grace. In the hurried pace of our lives your gift of life comes with each breath, and yet we take it for granted. With the few breaths of this moment remind us that you are present, blessing us with the sustaining air around us. Blow into us the creative presence of your Spirit so that with each simple breath we might proclaim you are the giver of all life.
Amen

~ 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, 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.
 

Devotional

Self-Care is a Spiritual Discipline

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A Community of Love   1 Corinthians 3: 10-23

Prayer for the Day:
O eternal God, often we have not seriously taken your promise to dwell within our hearts and be with us in every facet of our lives. God, you deliver us from our devices that hold us captive to experience healing and love. We are God’s temple even while under construction. Faithful God, you furnish the material for our growth. With your ever-present Spirit extend our ministry beyond what our eyes see and our hearts may embrace. Amen.

Question for reflection:
What implication(s) does it have for me that I am a part of God’s sacred temple and have received a gift of the Spirit?

~ 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 Lent devotional written by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford. (Available from Brethren Press) Join us as we look and listen for the coming of the Word through the reading of scripture, Cheryl’s reflections, times of prayer, and conversations on this blog.