Lenten Writing Project Reboot 2020! Writers' Reflections in the Wilderness of Lent
Words of Faith
Spirit to Spirit Writing Project
The word Lentcomes 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
Friday, March 21, 2014
Walking on...Hindsight
If you were Peter, how would things have been
different when walking to Jesus on the sea? Write about a scenario of you in this story, either in the boat or walking to Jesus or somewhere else...How do you interpret this story for your life?
Helen had second thoughts about being a teacher. After ten years and mastering much of the work, she felt unappreciated and overworked. But when class started and it was just her and the kids she remembered why she had become a teacher in the first place.
Joe owned his own auto repair shop and he was having second thoughts about it. He had done it for years and it was hard work. Some years had been better than others but they were all becoming the same. Occasionally someone would thank him for keeping them on the road and safe and he would go back to his work with new energy.
Peter had second thoughts. He had followed Jesus call in the storm to - walk on water. He had done it. Then after a step or two he had second thoughts (what a crazy idea) and began to sink until he saw Jesus again.
We all do things that give us second thoughts. We all do things that a prudent person might not. Being prudent may keep us safe and second thoughts may be a gift … but they may keep us from walking on water.
Fishing in the Galilee, Peter did the Savior see; Jesus came inviting him, on a mission now quite dim; Fish for humans all around, let the others tend the sound.
Pals with James, his brother John, to God’s wonders he was drawn; Leading out was his great way; heart for action, sometimes play, Shyness not a trait he knew, he’d respond with ne’er a clue.
In the boat ‘midst mighty gale, rowing hard, could not use sail, Saw his Lord a walking fine, hailed Him by, saw Spirit’s sign, “Might I come to join you Lord?” “Surely, Peter, trust My word.”
Conversations many had, struggled long, saw outcome sad. “Lord you must not surely die! We’ll resist, all powers defy.” “Lest I die no good can come, Satan leave, you are struck dumb.”
“Peter you have faith’s sure rock, in my path you clearly walk.” Learn to work without a guide, hope and love will long abide. Be yourself don’t fret or stew, use your gifts or each day rue.
Up the mountain with the Lord, ‘cross a brook the group did ford, At the top a vision clear; Moses and Elijah near, Mission talk did fill the day; clear ahead was the last way.
At the trial Pete did fail, denied his Lord, later did wail. From a distance walked along, sawdust mouth’d, sang sorrow’s song. Heard the nails and felt the pain, hid away to rise again.
Word Made Flesh smiled on his face, did his every sin erase, Lifted up his spirit low, hugged him close, kissed his brow, This fine man, a real gem, got God’s love and diadem;
Second Thoughts
ReplyDeleteHelen had second thoughts about being a teacher.
After ten years and mastering much of the work,
she felt unappreciated
and overworked.
But when class started
and it was just her and the kids
she remembered why she had become a teacher
in the first place.
Joe owned his own auto repair shop
and he was having second thoughts about it.
He had done it for years
and it was hard work.
Some years had been better than others
but they were all becoming the same.
Occasionally someone would thank him
for keeping them on the road and safe
and he would go back to his work
with new energy.
Peter had second thoughts.
He had followed Jesus call in the storm to - walk on water.
He had done it.
Then after a step or two
he had second thoughts (what a crazy idea) and began to sink
until he saw Jesus again.
We all do things that give us second thoughts.
We all do things that a prudent person might not.
Being prudent may keep us safe
and second thoughts may be a gift …
but they may keep us from walking on water.
By Pastor Larry P Morris
Really nice flow and conclusion. Colorful and meaningful. Thanks for a really nice said idea. Doug Millar
ReplyDeleteRock of Faith
ReplyDelete[Toplady]
Fishing in the Galilee, Peter did the Savior see;
Jesus came inviting him, on a mission now quite dim;
Fish for humans all around, let the others tend the sound.
Pals with James, his brother John, to God’s wonders he was drawn;
Leading out was his great way; heart for action, sometimes play,
Shyness not a trait he knew, he’d respond with ne’er a clue.
In the boat ‘midst mighty gale, rowing hard, could not use sail,
Saw his Lord a walking fine, hailed Him by, saw Spirit’s sign,
“Might I come to join you Lord?” “Surely, Peter, trust My word.”
Conversations many had, struggled long, saw outcome sad.
“Lord you must not surely die! We’ll resist, all powers defy.”
“Lest I die no good can come, Satan leave, you are struck dumb.”
“Peter you have faith’s sure rock, in my path you clearly walk.”
Learn to work without a guide, hope and love will long abide.
Be yourself don’t fret or stew, use your gifts or each day rue.
Up the mountain with the Lord, ‘cross a brook the group did ford,
At the top a vision clear; Moses and Elijah near,
Mission talk did fill the day; clear ahead was the last way.
At the trial Pete did fail, denied his Lord, later did wail.
From a distance walked along, sawdust mouth’d, sang sorrow’s song.
Heard the nails and felt the pain, hid away to rise again.
Word Made Flesh smiled on his face, did his every sin erase,
Lifted up his spirit low, hugged him close, kissed his brow,
This fine man, a real gem, got God’s love and diadem;
The Rev. Ronald Allen Melver, M.Div.
1 April 2014