Words of Faith

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

Saturday, February 29, 2020

What is your wilderness?

One metaphor that is used for Lent is entering a wilderness.  Jesus was in the wilderness for 40 days before he began his ministry.  Noah was in a wilderness of water for 40 days buffered on all sides by all the animals of the world (try not to think too deeply of those logistics) before he was blessed with a rainbow and a promise.  The Israelites walked through a wilderness for 40 years before they were able to enter their their land of Milk and Honey.  What is your wilderness?  What do you think is on the other side?  A promise?  A better life?  A ministry?  Or something else?

Friday, February 28, 2020

Faith Story - stranger or good Samaritan?

Today, write about an example of a stranger (or someone who you did not know very well), who affected your faith.  Was it a community helper?  A stranger on a trip?  Someone who helped you in a time of need?  What happened and what are your thoughts about the experience?

Thursday, February 27, 2020

Buckle up - Its going to be a very somber ride...or is it?

As we embark on this writing journey together in the 40 days of Lent (plus some Sunday prompts - more on that later...), what is the feel of this liturgical season for you?  Is it filled with penitence and self-denial? A return to roots or expectations of obedience?  Rebellion against old ways or broken systems in order to reclaim this time with God in a different way?  Or does it leave a bitter taste - sort of meh, and you're not sure how - or if- you want to jump in.  God is big enough to encompass all of our feelings and gather us together here in the written word. 

Ash Wednesday Rolls Around Again...What Does This Mean?

We kick off our Lenten Writing Project with a late (technically it's now Thursday, but God's grace is magnanimous) Ash Wednesday post.  Read the sidebar for directions on how to participate, and I hope that you do!

If this blog inspires you to post thoughts you have on faith, welcome!
If you want to post things you have written in the past that are relevant to the day's topic, welcome!
If you only post a few times, welcome!

One of the great things about this project is that, in setting aside time to write about your thoughts about God, your relationship with God, and God's creation (including yourself) and God's world, you are deepening your connection with the divine.  As writers, we are always looking for ways to have more discipline in our writing.  What better season to do this than Lent?

So start right now.  Commit to *try* to write each of the 40 days of Lent.  If you fall short, guess what?  God is still there, cheering you on for your next piece - and so is a whole community of Spirit 2 Spirit writers.

Today's writing prompt is about what you think Ash Wednesday is all about.  Does it give you the creeeps with the ashes on the forehead and reminder of mortality?  Is it a time of denial or of theological curiosity?  Is it a time that you look forward to or that you have deep wounds or bad feelings about?  What is your understanding of ashes on foreheads? Do you envision any link to stardust?  Tell us everything you want to share!

Sunday, March 27, 2016

Alleluia! He is Risen!


Source: www.streetartnews.net/2013/06/cosmo-sarson-new-mural-in-bristol-uk.html

Saturday, March 26, 2016

#39 Holy Saturday

Lenten Writing Prompt #39
This is that strange in-between day: the day after the horrific crucifixion of Jesus, where everything and everyone seemed turned on it's head and abandoned Jesus, and before the promise of Easter has been realized, where everything was turned around again and death has no power.  What do you think you would have done or been like in this in-between day, if you had been there? 

Friday, March 25, 2016

#38 Good Friday

Good Friday Lenten Writing Prompt #38
Source: http://www.rethinkingyouthministry.com/2009/02/yes-more-creative-prayer-stations.html