It is often easy to miss God in our daily midst. Having an intention word to consider and reflect on regularly allows for us to see God in ways we may not have seen God before. Many of us are more comfortable speaking to God as opposed to silence or contemplation. I believe that star words invite a new prayer rhythm of reflection and review that can be a powerful new way to connect with God.
As we begin this new year, I invite you to join me in this prayer exercise. Since our Epiphany service will take place online, prayerfully consider this list found at this link, and select a word for yourself. Let us open up and trust the guidance of the Spirit as we look at the list. What word resonates with you as you reflect back at the past months? In what area of your life (emotional, physical, spiritual) do you recognize a yearning for more depth, discipline, clarity or renewal?
You may use the following steps as guides to your reflection and prayer:
· Look up the definition of your word, even if it is a word you know well. You may even look into the etymology of the word and how its meaning has changed throughout history. If you chose a non-English word, do as much research as you can into the meaning of the word in its original culture.
· What does this word remind you of? Does it recall any memories or experiences? How might God be speaking to you through this word?
· See if you can find your word, or a synonym, in the Bible. What scripture passages can you find? How is the word used in these passages? Are there other scripture passages that remind you of your word?
· Write or speak aloud a prayer using your word. Or draw an image that your reflection inspires. (These are also fun activities for children using Star Words).
Some of us may be used to creating wish lists for the new year. Might one of our resolutions for 2021 be that we as a community of faith called to shared ministry at Westminster commit to deepening our connection to God through prayer so that we may discern and work on God’s fierce new dreams of love and justice for the world?
As we begin our 2021 journey, may the words of this blessing from John O’Donohue inspire us to move forward boldly:
“May the Angel of Awakening stir your heart
To come alive to the eternal in you,
To the invitations that quietly surround you.
May the Angel of Healing turn your wounds
Into sources of refreshment.
May the Angel of Imagination enable you
To stand on the true thresholds,
At ease with your ambivalence
And drawn in new directions
Through the glow of your contradictions.
May the Angel of Compassion open your eyes
To the unseen suffering around you.
May the Angel of Wildness disturb the places
Where your life is domesticated and safe,
Take you to the territories of true otherness.
Where all that is awkward in you
Can fall into its own rhythm.”
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Enikő
