Spirit to Spirit Writing Project
The word Lent comes from an old English word meaning lengthening of days. In Christianity, it refers to the time before Easter, traditionally observed through repentance and learning. It's a season to be intentional about changing and growing. Some people give up items to create space and time for new life and habits to grow. Instead of giving something up, I invite you to try to commit to answering these writing prompts each of the 40 days of Lent. The discipline it takes to set aside time each day to reflect and write about God and your relationship with spirituality is a journey that you will emerge from with a renewed spirit. Every writer has their own special voice to add to this project, whether poetry, prose, essay, thoughts, lists, or through comments, prayer, and encouragement.
How do I participate?
Each day, a writing prompt will be posted. A prompt is a question or statement that is meant to inspire your thoughts in whatever genre you feel moved to write. Post your reflections as a comment under each day's prompt (for further instructions, see 'How To Post' on the right side of the page). It is up to you if you write, read, or pray along with us each of the 40 days of Lent or just drop in from time to time when the spirit moves you to participate. Writing regularly is a discipline that many writers struggle with and this is a way to involve that discipline as a Lenten practice. Through writing and leaving encouraging words for others in this project, we become a supportive spiritual writing community
ReplyDeleteResilience
[Little Flock]
Forty days to endure;
Stunning doubt, meets its cure;
Each one finding faith’s answer,
Creator’s sure favor,
Word Made Flesh our hope pure.
Noah heard from the Lord,
Sin would die by God’s word,
An ark Noah must construct
A remnant of mercy,
Soon the great storm he heard.
Moses walk’d up Mt. Sinai,
To meet God by and by,
In cloud Law was given,
Satan’s power shriven,
Book People now know why.
Word Made Flesh desert test,
Evil’s power did wrest,
Holy One could be trusted,
History ever chang’d,
Forty days He did quest.
Sisters, brothers, go forth,
Our mission has great worth,
Suffering builds great mercy,
Fear not life’s true challenge,
Sing of joy, grace’s mirth.
The Rev. Ronald Allen Melver, M.Div.
20.3.14
The number 40 probably means "a lot". The story is about self actualization. It was for Jesus and it is for us. Finding ourselves is the quest of a lifetime. Just when we think we have it settled, we get older or make our lives different. We need this time of Lent to reflect on our journey. For me it is a process of finding and letting go. Taking off the psychological back pack and seeing what I am tired of carrying around and packing new things in instead. It always seems lighter. It amazes me both how much stuff I have packed up, what is rotting and what I have forgotten about. And I have to say it- paths not taken. But here is today's hill or valley and I am bound to take it, pretty sure of where I am going and why, but usually surprised in all kinds of ways as I pass through.
ReplyDeleteSharing back pack contents is a fun thing. It keeps you in awe. Good companions are a blessing.
In a way we shouldn't know about Jesus' 40 days. That was his business, ours is to use our own time wisely.
Doug Millar