Category Archives: Daily Bread Devotional

Daily Bread Dec. 8

Influential Gatherings
By Jill Smith of Forster, New South Wales, Australia


Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. —Colossians 3:14–16 NRSV

I read the Daily Bread reflection for that day: a childhood memory of a remarkable experience at a regional conference. The story and the prayer touched me and caused me to be thankful. I remembered a gathering that was remarkable to me, and it caused me to be thankful once again.

I attended the family camp at Tiona and went to a class led by Dione Jacka who spoke of her experiences working with indigenous people in and around Broome, Western Australia. She has been able to influence many lives.

Her goal for that year was to work mainly with young mothers and their babies, helping them learn better nutrition and adopt wholesome eating habits so their babies would be healthy and strong.

I also learned that twin sisters, Sharon and Michelle, responded to God’s call. They are teachers who realized the children coming through school could not read by second class (grade). They asked if they could tutor kindergarten children to give them a head start in reading and math.

I thank God for these three generous women who understand the principle of early childhood care and education. I know that God is leading them all the way. When these women were young girls, I felt each one would be a shining light in whatever they chose to do on their journey of life as a disciple.

Prayer for Peace

Master Teacher, thank you for the teachers in our lives—in school, in congregations, and in our everyday work places. Thank you for those who teach Christ’s peace.

Spiritual Practice: Develop Disciples to Serve

Read and reflect on Psalm 42:1–2. As disciples of Jesus Christ, our call is to respond to people and their needs. The call to journey inward can restore us in times of physical or spiritual depletion. Imagine you can feel a vessel at the center of your being (a clay jar, a crystal vase, a metal bucket, or other container). Imagine drawing something from the vessel to share with another person, but as you reach inside you find only a tiny pool of stagnant liquid. You are thirsty and dry—empty. Listen prayerfully again to the psalm, “As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” As you feel restored, thank God for the opportunity to be a responding, serving disciple while you move into the outward journey. Remember this exercise as you drink water throughout the day.

Peace Covenant

Today, God, I will honor those whose shoulders I stand on.

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Daily Bread Dec. 7

Youth Hunger Challenge Finds Peace, Salaam, Shalom
By Sarah Steinberg of Dundalk, MD, USA


For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. —1 Corinthians 12:12–13 NRSV

As a youth minister, a church filled with people from many denominations gratified me. We were in Washington, DC, for a Youth Hunger Challenge. Emma’s Revolution happened to be playing a concert nearby, so 20 of our youth and staff joined the nearly 200 other people gathered that night. We came to hear the music, but we gained so much more.

Pat and Sandy introduced their song, “Peace, Salaam, Shalom,” with the story of Community of Christ. At the back of the room, a television played our music video (Prayer for Peace

God, Allah, Yahweh—we sing to you of peace, salaam, and shalom. We sing our gratitude for the diversity of the body of Christ. We are inspired to sing for the courage to unite and act for peace.

Spiritual Practice: Many Names of God

In many languages, God’s name contains the sound “Ahhh,” a sound we make when we are breathing out or sighing. Our prayer will use the Ahh names for God with a gentle arm movement that opens us to God’s presence. Begin with hands in front of you at chest level and move them up and in a large arc or circle as you breathe out each name for God. You may either speak the name of God or find a single musical note to hold or chant as you sing God’s name. Pray or sing each name several times as you call on the God of many names: Yahweh, Adonai, Jehovah, Yeshua, Sophia, Allah, Alpha, Omega, Abba. Say or sing “Amen” to close.

Peace Colloquy

Today, God, “We will work for peace.” (“Peace, Salaam, Shalom” CCS 310)

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Daily Bread Dec. 6

Prepare for the Way of Peace
By Lu Mountenay of Independence, MO, USA


“…to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” —Luke 1:77¬–79 NRSV

“It’s that time of year, when the world falls in love…” so the song goes. It’s that time of year when we even name the weeks: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. We are full of expectation for the coming Christ child. We sing, celebrate, and share gifts. This would be a poor time of year, as the scripture passage says, to have to “sit in darkness and in the shadow of death…” Some must. They have no choice.

Do we turn away from those whose cries we don’t want to hear? Do we turn from those who shiver in the cold? Do we deny that these cold, crying people are not so far away—perhaps under the freeway we just drove over? Are we complicit in our silence, raising our eyebrows when we could raise our voices and risk ourselves to protest injustices? Do we sprinkle glitter on empty boxes and call them beautiful gifts? Some of us have a choice.

Grab the reindeer by the horns and say, “Let’s look closer. Let’s find the cause of this poverty, this loneliness, this homelessness.” Ask how we can help and not assume we already know what’s best—listen deeply. Let’s brush away the judgment and reveal the hidden injustice. Let us open the door and let light replace shadow. Choose peace.

Prayer for Peace

Compassionate God, guide our feet into the way of peace—not into the way of convenience. Help us to not wander into the shallow stream of culture. Lead us toward the person whose cold hand grasps at ours and asks to share our warmth and light.

Spiritual Practice: Advent—Peace

Pause amid this busy season and become mindful of the source of your life-giving breath. Reflect on where that breath blows you. Pray it leads you to Pursue Peace on Earth. In this reflection, close your eyes, close out the noise of the holiday crowds, and prepare yourself for the coming of the Messiah. If your mind wanders to the commercial clamor, allow God to pull you back to focus on Christ, the center of Christmas. Expose your soul to God’s signature and the writing of Christ’s peace covenant on your heart.

Peace Covenant

Today, God, I will brush away the shiny, distracting glitter…to find the peace of Christmas.

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Daily Bread Dec. 5

The Goose Is Getting Fat
By John Bonney of Springfield, OR, USA


All shall give as they are able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that he has given you. —Deuteronomy 16:17 NRSV

“Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat. Please to put a penny in an old man’s hat. If you haven’t got a penny, a ha’penny will do. If you haven’t got a ha’penny, then God bless you!”

So goes an old Christmas song from England. In societies where consumerism and Christmas sales garner a huge portion of people’s attention, the words of the song suggest another way to spend money. To me it says, “Give attention to those who have less as you plan your celebrations.” Giving to those in need is central to the message of the life of Jesus of Nazareth.

The story of Jesus tells us that if we are attending to the needs of the world’s vulnerable people, then God’s blessing will follow. Salvation is not a goal, but a result. Salvation is a gift—a Christmas gift. As we serve others, we become aware of our blessings. Service is the response to the salvation offered. “Just as you did it to one of the least of these…you did it to me” (Matthew 25:40).

If you haven’t even got a half penny, then God bless you. I have no rancor because I think someone has not given me my due. If you have no half penny for my hat, if you haven’t any way to meet the needs of the disenfranchised, I still say, “God bless you.” Once we have done whatever we can to meet a need, it becomes futile to beat oneself or tilt at the windmill further. Let’s leave something to the wisdom of Creation in the way that Creation takes care of all matters—Creation’s way, in Creation’s time.

Prayer for Peace

Generous Creator, how wise and understanding you are to accept our humble gifts. May we always choose to be as generous as we can, and know our offerings are acceptable and welcome. May the world accept our offerings of peace.

Spiritual Practice: Growing a Gracious, Generous Heart

Open your heart to God’s grace and generosity with a “breath prayer.” Let your breathing slow and deepen. Be aware of God’s breath moving in and out of your heart. Spend several minutes focusing on breathing in God’s generosity. With each breath, silently name one gift for which you are thankful. Let your heart expand to contain God’s gracious outpouring of love. With each breath out, name one gift you want to share.

Peace Covenant

Today, God, if I have no overflowing bank account, I will give from my overflowing heart.

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Daily Bread Dec. 4

Advent Reading, Advent Prayer
By Dorene Kilburn, Stratford, Ontario, Canada


Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. —Philippians 4:9 NRSV

A highlight of my spiritual experiences during the year is the opportunity to share in an online book discussion offered by the Henri Nouwen Society affiliated with the University of Toronto. This takes place during the four weeks of Advent and again during the six weeks of Lent and focuses on one of Nouwen’s books. The comments come from people of faith around the globe. They speak from their hearts, sharing insights from personal inner pain.

In the recent discussion, the comments of “Janine” drew me in. Doctors had just diagnosed her husband with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). She wrote of her concern for the uncertain journey ahead. Without hesitation, I added my comment that I had experienced this AD journey with my husband. I assured her God would be with her, and I would be praying for her.

As I thought about what I had committed to, I realized this was a classic example of intercessory prayer. I’ve always thought my prayer life was inadequate, not up to par, but here I was offering to pray for someone I would never meet, someone who might live half a world away.

I turned to Richard J. Foster’s book Prayer (Harper Collins, 2002) and found assurance in his writing. “Our ministry of intercession is possible only because of Christ’s continuing ministry of intercession.” What a blessing! It doesn’t matter that I don’t know Janine. All that matters is the assurance that Christ shares my concern and will be with her as she slides into the challenging role of caregiver. I consider it a privilege to continue to talk to the Lord on Janine’s behalf.

I know that God was with my husband and me every minute of every day as we faced the constant changes that are a part of the journey. I know also that Janine will experience the Lord’s companionship in her AD journey, and I will continue to pray for that. Whether you are on a journey through Advent, Lent, or ordinary time…journey with Christ.

Prayer for Peace

Compassionate God, we have the sanction to pray for others because Christ prays beside us. Thank you for the blessing of prayer we can share with others. Thank you for the peace of Christ that we can also share.

Spiritual Practice: Intercessory Reflection

Sit quietly with your eyes closed as you enter intercessory reflection and prayer. Ask God to bring people who need prayer to your mind and heart. Be open to images of the people or spiritual insight into their needs. Listen for signals from their lives and let the depth of God’s love for them become powerful and real to you. Write, speak, or think a prayer of blessing and healing for these much-loved disciples and friends. Ask God to help you see ways to affirm and support them when you meet them in daily life.

Peace Covenant

Today, God, I will take comfort knowing I do not pray alone.

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Daily Bread for Dec. 3

Answer the Phone…Speak for the Lord
By Karen Moreland of Independence, MO, USA


Open your hearts and feel the yearnings of your brothers and sisters who are lonely, despised, fearful, neglected, unloved. Reach out in understanding, clasp their hands, and invite all to share in the blessings of community created in the name of the One who suffered on behalf of all. —Doctrine and Covenants 161:3a

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. —Psalm 118:24 NRSV

A few months ago, I was taking calls at the main switchboard at Community of Christ International Headquarters. A man called with deep desperation in his voice. He asked me, “Do you know why I am alive? I woke up today wondering why am I alive? Can you tell me why?”

After a moment of stunned reflection and silent prayer, I answered, “This is the day the Lord has made; rejoice and be glad. The Lord has created a new day, and has recreated you. Rejoice and be glad in the Lord.” The man jubilantly replied, “Oh, thank you! I needed to hear that today,” and hung up.

Advent is a time meant for happy preparation for the coming of the Lord. For some it is often an unhappy time of desperation and depression. If family is far away, people feel lonely—there could have been many reasons for this man’s need to hear joyful words.

As I replaced the phone, my thoughts quickly turned to God with praise for giving me the right words to say. I’m not always equipped to spontaneously bring encouragement to a troubled child of God. Our Lord, in infinite and divine mercy, reaches out with loving arms to draw troubled souls close. I marvel each day that God creates and recreates newness in life all around us. God fills each new day with unconditional love. Praise God! Our Lord is always willing to embrace each child with loving kindness and goodness. I can do no less.

Prayer for Peace

Thank you, God, for the gift of your Son. Help us keep his peace in our hearts as we prepare to celebrate the joy of Christmas. Help us reach out to those that may not know that joy. Help us always be ready to share words of peace.

Spiritual Practice: Advent—Hope

Close your mind to troubling thoughts from the past by placing them in God’s generous hands and letting them go. Let God speak to your fearful heart. Think of your hope for the future—open windows in your mind through which you can see compassionate actions. Reflect on the approaching hope of the Christ child. What is your part in the reason for that hope? Rejoice in the Hope of the world.

Peace Covenant

Today, God, I will be ready with inspiring words for anyone who may call on me.

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Daily Bread Dec. 2

And Then the Change Occurred
By Carol Norris Vincent of Independence, MO, USA


Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. —Luke 6:36 NRSV

It was the second Sunday of Advent, and the theme was “Prepare the Way.” The guest minister spoke with a booming voice as he asked us what happens to us when we prepare to receive the greatest gift God has given us—the life of God’s Son. He challenged us by saying that when we prepare, our hearts will change—not just a one-time change, but moment-by-moment changes that occur within us as we allow transformation in our life as a disciple.

His sermon reminded me of a day that did not start out well, but soon changed. It is my practice to visit the elderly, sick, and dying in the community where I live. I normally set aside parts of three days a week for these visits. They have been such a blessing to me; I am strengthened and nourished by the fortitude and love these people give me and others around them.

This particular morning I woke tired from a restless night’s sleep; I was in a crabby mood.  My first thought was that I would not go visiting, but then I realized that some of my new-found friends were depending on me to share the day with them. So I grudgingly (God, forgive me!) started my rounds. After the first visit, I was feeling better. I was in a lighter mood and went willingly to the next room.

Then the change occurred. I realized I was not the one taking friendship and caring to others. Their love was reviving me. As I left the room, I had a big grin on my face and said (I’m sure I must have said it aloud!), “Oh, Lord, you lift me up!” That day turned out to be a joyful day for me.

Perhaps I had been preparing my heart to receive God’s gift for the day.

Prayer for Peace

God of Wisdom, help us prepare for the changes in store for us. May we welcome them as blessings on our journey. May we use what we learn to pursue peace in the Advent season.

Spiritual Practice: Advent—Hope

Close your mind to troubling thoughts from the past by placing them in God’s generous hands and letting them go. Let God speak to your fearful heart. Think of your hope for the future—open windows in your mind through which you can see compassionate actions. Reflect on the approaching hope of the Christ child. What is your part in the reason for that hope? Rejoice in the Hope of the world.

Peace Covenant

Today, God, even if I have to start out grudgingly, I WILL start. I have hope in my heart for change.

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Daily Bread Dec. 1

Leaning on a Mother’s Heart
By Rodney Colmus of Coleman, MI, USA


But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. —Luke 2:19 NRSV

Carried on the wings of thought
my strength will come to you
whisp’ring all that you’ve been taught.
My wisdom guides you through
      for a parent’s love is not confined.
      Though miles keep us apart
the soul finds rest within the mind
that leans on a mother’s heart.

We were not meant to walk alone
throughout our span of choices
Nor stand completely on our own
but hear our inner voices
      that ask the anxious question,
      “Who helps me with my part?”
The answer echoes Divine intent,
“Lean on a mother’s heart.”

The present journey is sure to end
with trials and with pain
and you the wiser can depend
on the knowledge you will gain.
      But while you’re climbing up that hill
      to finish what you start,
remember, it is your Maker’s will
to lean on your mother’s heart.

Prayer for Peace

Divine Parent, you know the burdens of our hearts, the struggles yet to come. Help us know your will for us—what you call us to sacrifice—while we rest assured of your love and peace.

Spiritual Practice: Advent—Hope

Close your mind to troubling thoughts from the past by placing them in God’s generous hands and letting them go. Let God speak to your fearful heart. Think of your hope for the future—open windows in your mind through which you can see compassionate actions. Reflect on the approaching hope of the Christ child. What is your part in the reason for that hope? Rejoice in the Hope of the world.

Peace Covenant

Today, God, I will finish what I start, working on any ministry I have left undone.

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Daily Bread Nov. 30

Back Row Ministry
By Grace Andrews of Independence, MO, USA


Be mindful of the changing of life’s seasons, of the passage from the springtime of childhood and youth to the winter years of life. Embrace the blessing of your many differences. Be tender and caring. Be reminded once again that the gifts of all are necessary in order that divine purposes may be accomplished. —Doctrine and Covenants 161:4b

As a child, on Sunday mornings I enthusiastically made a beeline for the front of the church where my friend and I liked to sit. We didn’t always pay close attention, but we were there, listening most of the time, and singing the familiar and beloved hymns. We especially loved going to church during Advent when we could sing Christmas carols.

As I grew into my teen years, my friends and I often sat together in the middle of the church. But more often we sat in the back, so no one could see us passing notes.

When I married and had children of my own, I tried to find a location where the children could have a good view of the front and could be ready for taking part in the service.

Our children have grown into adults and now have families of their own. They sit in many places in their churches, while we like to sit comfortably in our familiar spot on the second row.

Recently, we arrived a little late for church. Not wanting to disturb the service, we sat on the back row. During that hour I noticed those around us and recalled the ones who used to sit there, but were now noticeably absent. Did they start out on the front row, become actively involved through the years, then gravitate to the back row, and then—without anyone noticing—quietly slip out the door and were gone?

I’m now committed to give a special hug to those on the back rows. I try to encourage them and let them know how much they are loved and needed. No matter what age, I invite them to the front or center of our community—our beloved congregation.  Let’s not let those on the back row slip away from us, for surely they bless us by their presence.

Prayer for Peace

God who knows us each by name, help us notice when our church family is missing members or friends. Help us notice dissatisfaction before they stop coming. Help us discern needs and concerns that we can address to help them feel at home and find a way to share Christ’s peace.

Spiritual Practice: Advent—Hope

Close your mind to troubling thoughts from the past by placing them in God’s generous hands and letting them go. Let God speak to your fearful heart. Think of your hope for the future—open windows in your mind through which you can see compassionate actions. Reflect on the approaching hope of the Christ child. What is your part in the reason for that hope? Rejoice in the Hope of the world.

Peace Covenant

Today, God, I will contact someone who has been absent from church and let them know they are missed.

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Daily Bread Nov. 29

Fulfill the Promise
By Jane Gardner, High Priest Quorum president


The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.” —Jeremiah 33:14–16 NRSV

Advent—waiting expectantly.

It’s not like waiting in the reception room for an appointment. Advent waiting is not boring.

It’s not like waiting for a clerk to call your number as the next customer in line. Advent waiting is not predictable, and it doesn’t follow a formula.

It’s not like waiting while the dental hygienist cleans your teeth. Advent waiting is not mindless or routine. 

It’s more like the toddler who waits on tiptoes, arms uplifted, expecting the embrace of a loving parent. It’s not like waiting with bated breath to learn if we have gotten that new job. It’s not even like watching and waiting expectantly for the birth of a child. All of these types of waiting involve action, investment in the expectation, and believing in the promise.

We trust God’s faithfulness toward us. All the same, in our humanness, we often ask God to speak a word of hope to us. We think Jesus should come among us and fix what’s wrong with the world. We keep expecting that one day, at last, he will show himself, heal our illnesses, work justice, and make the world come out right.

But maybe he has already come, and we weren’t ready. In our watching and waiting, maybe we closed our eyes. Perhaps he already is walking beside us. Perhaps he continually is suggesting and guiding, but we just don’t hear. Maybe God already has delivered the faithful message of hope! Maybe God already has fulfilled the promise!

God’s gift during Advent is precisely hope. Advent is less about “the reason for the season” than about renewing our real, deep hope for the world. We grasp that hope and glimpse possibilities for what is ahead.

Even when Advent has come and gone, our sense of hope lives on. Sometimes all we can manage is to put one foot in front of the other, weighted by our many burdens. Yet day after day, our mission is to live as active disciples of Jesus Christ while we continue to watch and expectantly wait.

Beware! Keep alert! We do not know the day or the hour, but Christ comes!

Prayer for Peace

God of all hopefulness, as we wait for the promised Savior to “execute justice and righteousness,” help us, as disciples, take on the mission. He has shown us the way to peace.

Spiritual Practice: Advent—Hope

Close your mind to troubling thoughts from the past by placing them in God’s generous hands and letting them go. Let God speak to your fearful heart. Think of your hope for the future—open windows in your mind through which you can see compassionate actions. Reflect on the approaching hope of the Christ child. What is your part in the reason for that hope? Rejoice in the Hope of the world.

Peace Covenant

Today, God, I will be aware that what I hope for may be right in front of me.

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