Lenten Writing Project Reboot 2020! Writers' Reflections in the Wilderness of Lent
Words of Faith
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 see that you d o. This one is so lovely.
ReplyDeletePsalm 29
ReplyDeleteThe Voice of the Lord
The voice of the Lord thunders over the mighty waters. It flashes forth flames of fire, and
strips the oaks of their leaves. It breaks the Cedars of Lebanon.
I love the power of this Psalm.
Once you have read it you can hear the voice of the Lord everywhere.
The voice of the Lord is soft in the breathing of a baby,
It is peaceful in the lullaby of the mother.
You can hear it in the dying breath of a beloved,
In the quiet of this holy moment;
It holds back in the moment of departure,
It is present in the ear of the waiting,
And clear in the happiness of reunion.
The voice of the Lord is low in sorrow.
And whispers in the ear of the faithful,
It shouts warning in the presence of danger.
And sings in the moment of redemption;
You have but to open your ears and listen.
The voice of the Lord is everywhere.
Clarene Aitken
12 April 2014
"Those who have ears to hear..." Thanks Clarene! there are so many phrases in that the capture me "It is present in the ear of the waiting" moving! Pastor Larry
ReplyDeletePsalm 103 (1-16 and 22)
ReplyDeletecommented by Marlene Obie
Bless the Lord, Oh My Soul,
Let all that is within me bless his holy name. .
Bless the Lord, Oh My Soul,
And forget not all his benefits.
Who forgives all your inquities;
Who cures all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit;
Who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy
Who satisfies you with good all the days of your life
So that your youth is renewed like an eagle.
(This reminds me to be thankful and tone down my whining, to open my eyes and see that there is life and value everywhere even though it may take some patience to spot it at first in the desert and to not lose sight of the God that is always with me. As the Israelites traveled in the desert, all their needs were met during their 40-year trek, but they grumbled every daily over something or other. I expect that I would too, taken out of the city to trudge through the barren landscape without any knowledge where they were going for sure, tiring of the diet of manna and quail, wondering how far it would be to the next oasis would be, or if there would be one. How often do I do that now? Looking into a full Fibber McGee cupboard from which a jar of spaghetti might decide to take a death defying leap onto the floor, or a refrigerator of neglected leftovers and decaying produce, as well as other food that appealed to my interest in the store, but the attraction wanes. While I’m complaining about the rain and gray skies, do I stop to consider the green beauty and beautiful blossoms of Spring that would not appear without the rain and how those in drought areas are praying for it? And who else can totally forgive all our iniquities without remembering and reminding us now and then? We can’t even forgive ourselves after all. I look around and the important good is abundant in my life: health, family, friends, purpose, laughter, beauty all around. To be young like an eagle? Pushed over the edge and encouraged to fly on my own, but rescued before I hit the ground? Okay, I guess that does happen.)
The lord works vindication and justice for all who are oppressed.
He made known his ways to Moses, His acts to the people of Israel.
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
He will not always accuse, nor will he keep his anger forever.
He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as the heavens are high above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so so far he removes our transgressionsfrom us.
As a father has compassion for his children,
So the Lord has compassion for those who fear him.
For he knows how we were made; he remembers that we are dust.
(And so may we remember the good in each other, not overlook the bad, but have compassion,
remembering that we are all headed for the same destination and all fall would short somewhere along the way without God’s mercy cart to carry us.)
As for mortals, their days are like grass; they flourish like a flower of the field;
For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.
(All the more reason to push out of the bud, bloom with the nourishment and power
God bestows upon us, share grace with the bees to be spread to the next and drop as many seeds of God’s love as we can to sprout and continue the process and cover the world.)
……….
v. 22 Bless the lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion.
Bless the Lord, O my soul.
Thanks Marlene Pastor Larry
ReplyDelete