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
Pray On
ReplyDeleteShe knits
as she prays
for her friends and family and neighbors.
And perhaps because of her prayers
their lives come together a little.
one loop at a time
He walks
as he prays
for people he knows who are struggling.
And perhaps
the ground under their feet is a bit more firm
and their journey more clear.
She lights a candle
as she prays
for the conflicts in the world.
And perhaps the light of grace
finds its way here and there among the violence.
He cooks
as he prays
for those in need.
And perhaps the bread of life
fills one more soul.
She watches the sunset
as she prays
for those who alone.
And perhaps their eyes are surprised
by the beauty that has been there all along.
And the prayers of God’s people
find their ways into and through our lives and our passions.
And perhaps
that is how it was supposed to be.
Pray on.
The Clothes of Christ
ReplyDeleteDoug Millar
I think of the vestments I used t wear during Sunday morning services. I suspect few people understand how special they are from the occupant’s point of view. As you get dressed with each layer, you become one with a history of pastoral service that stretches back 2,000 years. As you take on symbols of cross and stole, you are not yourself. You are a living presence of what is spoken about. In the final transition to the chancel you are no longer yourself but a vehicle, yet uniquely yourself. You get to take all that you know about the past and make it appear in the present.
In these present times, my vestments are stored away and many of my crosses are currently being worn by others who pursue their own types of ministry. I guess I can’t get away from it, though. As I teach and interact in an ostensibly secular environment, there always seems to be some aspect in what I do that brings some of my old presence back. I know that it isn’t just me that is helping another person or group. I know and feel that i represent more than myself. It is true in multiple ways. I was helping a group of kids understand aspects of radio communications. I realized that at one time I was in their place and others, now gone, helped me in the same way. We all stand on the shoulders of those who showed us the way. There are also the others in the present who support our efforts. They are a cloud of witnesses who whisper in our ears. They can be parents, friends, and associates in the same interest group, or family. We rarely do anything truly alone. We are surrounded by those who accompany us unseen, but felt.
As I find my way in the present time, I feel well clothed by the past and my present cloud of supporters. All of this is an internal presence, and fits me closely and comfortably, with little external to show.
Maybe that is what we are supposed to do.