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
I just want to share this poem about Ash Wednesday that I found from a friend of a friend on Facebook. It makes the ashes glow with life and hope for me.
ReplyDeleteBlessing the Dust
A Blessing for Ash Wednesday
by Jan Richardson
All those days
you felt like dust,
like dirt,
as if all you had to do
was turn your face
toward the wind
and be scattered
to the four corners
or swept away
by the smallest breath
as insubstantial-
Did you not know
what the Holy One
can do with dust?
This is the day
we freely say
we are scorched.
This is the hour
we are marked
by what has made it
through the burning.
This is the moment
we ask for the blessing
that lives within
the ancient ashes,
that makes its home
inside the soil of
this sacred earth.
So let us be marked
not for sorrow.
And let us be marked
not for shame.
Let us be marked
not for false humility
or for thinking we are less
than we are
but for claiming
what God can do
within the dust,
within the dirt,
within the stuff
of which the world
is made,
and the stars that blaze
in our bones,
and the galaxies that spiral
inside the smudge
we bear.
such simple elegance.
Deleteronaldo
I am passing this along to email buddies. Clarene Aitken
DeleteCross of Ashes
ReplyDelete[Herzlich Tut Mich Verlangen]
In somber recognition we gather on this night.
Our Lenten journey starts here, we submit in full sight,
Palm ashes on the forehead reach deep within my soul.
Sin claims my wandering life-style dear Shepherd make me whole.
In quiet contemplation our pathway Lord make clear,
The shadow of death’s omen fills up my heart with fear.
Each day throughout this season teach me to walk with You.
Your comforting touch I long for, Your voice and glance so true.
Cross mark-ed we Your people dare face the world forlorn,
Our servant occupations the reason we were born.
Into each household faithful Your Spirit comes to bless,
We seek to be true grace folk and meet all life’s distress.
Call us to You dear Savior we travel night and day,
Your love and mercy keep us more than words can say.
So hear our song of pining, receive our humble boon,
This time of heartfelt yearning alas will end too soon.
Creator of all living sustain us down this path,
Word holy, most triumphant, protect us from sin’s wrath.
Spirit of joy and wonder each day teach us Your dance.
That all may see Your presence and know Your loving glance;
The Rev. Ronald Allen Melver, M.Div.
6 March 2014
So truly meeting the needs and longings words sometimes can't express. Clarene Aitken
DeleteAshes
ReplyDeleteJoyful? Terrifying? Comforting?
Yes, no, and yes.
Joyful because we walk confidently with God with glad hearts.
Terror and fear are not invited on this journey and have no place here.
Comforted because our bodies will return to ashes and dust as they should. They are of this world and will remain here. Our spirits blend beautifully with them for awhile but at the appropriate time comes the parting of the ways and both entities will return home.
Pat Mason
Comforting, healing
DeleteThursday, March 6, 2014
ReplyDeleteASHES
From the facing choir loft
I sit, looking down
upon pews
row upon row
of fellow saints
foreheads growing black, ashen crosses
until the entire sanctuary
is filled with a different kind of
Communion of Saints
once again
Reminding us
"From Dust you came
and to Dust you shall return"
Stardust
for His sake
Sara
Ashes
ReplyDeleteThe ashes inscribed on the forehead don't stop there. They go deep, to the mind the heart, the soul.
They open doors that need to opened - things still to be forgiven, wounds unhealed, broken hearts to
be mended, and things to be thankful for.
Lent is begun.
In the subdued moments of the season, examine deeply. Open your heart to God. Time to give Him your request for forgiveness, look deeply for the forgiving of others that still needs to be done, turn it all over to God to be the judge. Time to tell Him of your grieving; Time to work on the unresolved problems, and ask for the wisdom and strength to work them out, time to be reacquainted with the Lord and with His great love. He has been waiting to hear. He knows all about these things anyway. He will help you carry them, even carry them for you. All you have to do is ask. Blessed are the ashes. Thank you for the Holy Season of Lent.
Clarene Aitken