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?

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?

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!

Alleluia! He is Risen!

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

#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? 

#38 Good Friday

Good Friday Lenten Writing Prompt #38

Source: http://www.rethinkingyouthministry.com/2009/02/yes-more-creative-prayer-stations.html

#37 Modern Day Foot-washing

Lenten Writing Prompt #37
What have you witnessed or what can you imagine as a foot-washing moment?  Something that you have witnessed done for "the least of these" - someone who has been overlooked - serving someone in an extremely personal way. 

#36 Prodigal Son

Lente Writing Prompt #36
Read or listen to Nadia Bolz-Weber's sermon on the prodigal son and write what it inspires in you or makes you think about.

#35 makingfishersofhumanity.com

Lenten Writing Prompt #35
Where would Jesus, the man, be in the world today.  Would he be online, tracking those that need help and exorcising trolls?  Teaching at a college?  A religious leader?  How would he get together with his disciples?  Who would they be?  Imagine the story of Jesus in today's context - either translating across from the original, or imagining a new, continuing story of Jesus in the world today. 

#34 All Are Welcome In God's House

Lenten Writing Prompt #34
What is the most important way that the church can be more inclusive right now?  What is a good way to find out?

Sunday Picture Prompt #5

Sunday Picture Prompt #5
When you go to Hawaii, it's often said you're on Hawaii time: that time is slower and somehow more savored.  The same is true with Godly Play.  Click on this link to watch a (9+ min) video on what Godly Play has to say about the mystery of the process of Lent to Easter and write about your wonderings.  (on my computer, the audio was low, so adjust accordingly)
Godly Play Story: The Mystery of Easter

#33 Versions of The Prayer Our Lord Taught Us to Pray....

Lenten Writing Prompt #33
The following link is to a pdf of several different translations and versions of The Lord's Prayer.  Choose a favorite one and write about it, or write your own, staying true to the core of what this sacred prayer means to Christians.  (If the original is still your favorite, go with it ; )  Go ahead and read them all!  You'll love them!
Alternative Versions of The Lord's Prayer

#32 WWJD With Toxic People?

Lenten Writing Prompt #32
Write about a toxic relationship and how you both resolved (or are still resolving) it as children of God.   Imagine what Jesus would do if he came back and had to deal with toxic people today.  Would he just cast out a demon or would he do what he did with Zacchaeus?

#31 #Good News

Lenten Writing Prompt #31
Write a letter to a young person at your church who is feeling that church and religion no longer resonate with them.  What would you say to that person? What does the church have that this young person would respond and that you can help them find or reclaim?  (you can use a real scenario, or you can make one up)

#30 We Are Family

Lenten Writing Prompt #30
Write about a family in the Bible that you can identify with because there is some parallel in your stories.  Or, you can write about a Biblical family that fascinates you.

#29 Pray for Your Enemies

Lenten Writing Prompt #29
Write a prayer for your "enemy".  Find an incident that is bothering or upsetting you in current events (politics, human rights, environmental issues, etc).  Gently and respectfully find a way to pray for them and to heal the brokenness that puts you and your enemy on opposite sides.

#28 Finding God Between the Notes

Lenten Writing Prompt #28
Write about a pop-culture (any decade), non-religious song that feeds your faith. 

Sunday Picture Prompt #4

Source: http://kareyscontemplations.blogspot.com/2008/03/loosing-myself.html

#27 Woof/Meow/Tweet - Amen.

Lenten Writing Prompt #27
Write about the connection of spirituality and animals.  Do they know there is a God?  Do they go to Heaven?  What can animals teach us about God, grace, and Spirit?