Matthew 9:14-17 Prayer for the day: Jesus, give us the courage to try new spiritual practices and help us to offer ourselves plenty of grace along the journey. Question for reflection: Have you ever experimented with fasting? If so, what was your experience like? Would you give it another try? ~ Tim Heishman, National
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The purpose of piety
Matthew 6:16-17 Prayer for the day: O God, give us a desire for you alone. Help us to assess our worth based only on what you think of us. Question for reflection: What spiritual practices do you do most regularly? What motivates you to practice them? ~ Tim Heishman, National Youth Conference Coordinator Congregational
Why Jesus fasted
Matthew 4:1-7 Prayer for the day: Dear God, help us to take time for prayer so that we have the strength we need to follow you through whatever life brings. Question for reflection: In what area of your life are you experiencing temptation? Would you be willing to face your temptation by trying a short
Whenever you fast
Isaiah 58:1-9; Matthew 6:16-18 Prayer for the day: Be with us, Holy Wisdom, as we seek to learn the patterns of living as disciples of Jesus. Take from us the desire to boast of the ways we seek to be closer to you. Question for reflection: Are you fasting from a particular thing this Lent?
Blessed are the introverts
Mark 6:30-32, 47-52 Prayer for the day: Creator and Sustainer of Life, we are grateful to be reminded by scripture that when we are afraid, you will not pass us by. Instead, you make your presence known to us by whispering into our darkness, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” May
Alive in lonely places
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
Responding to tragedy
Matthew 14:1-13 Prayer for the day: God of comfort, let my arms be your arms as I sit with those who are grieving. Give me words to say when there are no words; may I be a listening ear to all that needs to be spoken. Question for reflection: What was the most helpful thing
Calmly present
Psalm 46 Prayer for the day: You are my refuge and my strength, O God, yet I am still fearful when things change. Forgive me my lack of faith, and remind me that I need only be still and know that you are God. Question for reflection: When, in a time of chaos and uncertainty
Hush, God is speaking
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
Praying like Jesus
Matthew 6:5-6 Prayer for the day: Hearer of all prayers, teach us to pray. Question for reflection: Matthew’s gospel text suggests that public prayer should be limited, perhaps completely avoided. What do you think? ~ Donna Kline, Director of Denominational Deacon Ministry Congregational Life Ministries of the Church of the Brethren is offering