Part I: Give me a word
New Year’s Resolutions seem to be a thing of the past. It seems we have all given up on trying harder as our failed efforts never seem to produce the lasting changes that we desire. But what if it wasn’t up to you, your efforts, your goals? What if someone who knows you better than you know yourself could give you a word for the year to come? What if you looked back on the year that was to see that it wasn’t all just random and futile, but that there were themes and whispers of hope and transformation over this last year of your life? That God was present.
In ancient times, wise men and women fled out into the desert to find a place where they could be fully present to God and to their own inner struggles at work within them. The desert became a place to enter into the refiner's fire and be stripped down to one's holy essence. The desert was a threshold place where you emerged different than when you entered.
Many people followed these ammas and abbas, seeking their wisdom and guidance for a meaningful life. One tradition was to ask for a word – this word or phrase would be something on which to ponder for many days, weeks, months, sometimes a whole lifetime. This practice is connected to lectio divina, where we approach the sacred texts with the same request – "give me a word" we ask – something to nourish me, challenge me, a word I can wrestle with and grow into. (From Christine Valtners Paintner)At En Route this Wednesday, January 8th, we are going to hear stories from several women about their experiences in receiving a word for the year. We will also bring in the new year with music and worship. We hope you will join us. Doors open at 6:30, event begins at 7:00. Childcare available upon request; email women@warehouse242.org to inquire.
Before asking God about 2014, we invite you to reflect on 2013.
Take some time to jot down the highs & lows of your year.
What desires or hopes were met?
What visions or dreams were derailed?
When did you experience great rest?
What did you try to fix, change, handle or hide?
Where are you stuck?
Where do you ache for rescue?
As you look back over the entire year...Do you see God reaching into your story? Where?
Following En Route Wednesday night, we invite you to ask God for a word for your year. Prepare for the reality that this may not happen quickly. "It takes some time to listen, to question, to confirm, to let it take on flesh. Journal things you are hearing as you read scripture and listen to talks. Observe what gives you life, and what drains you. Take walks and really notice the world around you. Listen well in conversations with friends and family. Write down dreams. Wait expectantly and alertly." (Roxanne Morgan)
This practice is not just about the act of "receiving a word." It calls us to walk with Jesus throughout 2014, inviting him to speak purpose into our days. The same God who created the universe is moving in the details of your daily life and pursuing you in so many ways. He has new growth, new freedom for you in the new year. This is just one way to experience God more intentionally, one way to keep your eyes open to his presence and pursuit.
Word or no word, the point isn't the word. The word is just a means. A means to connecting with God, to experiencing the reality that He cares deeply about you. He takes your life far more seriously than you do. Your life has meaning and purpose to Him and in Him. He actually has thoughts and vision and hope for your life this year, for who you are and are becoming in 2014.
Part II: Letting a word choose you
For some of you the word may come right away. Others of you may desire a word to ripen within your soul these coming weeks and months, but one doesn't seem to be coming. So here are some suggestions for allowing a word to choose you: (From Christine Valters Paintner)
- Release your thinking mind in this process, this isn't about figuring out just the right word to improve yourself this coming year. The word comes as gift, often your sense of it being "right" is more intuitive, a more embodied sense of yes. The word (or phrase) is one that will work in you (rather than you working on it). Remember that a word that creates a sense of inner resistance is as important to pay attention to as one that has a great deal of resonance.
- Lectio divina is one of the primary practices we have in Christian monastic tradition for listening for a word or phrase that shimmers or calls to our hearts. Lectio is traditionally applied to scripture, but can also be engaged to pray with life experience. Allow some time for prayer and in your imagination review this last year, honoring it as a sacred text. As you walk through your experiences notice which ones stand out, call to you for more attention, or shimmer forth. There may be more than one, but for this time of prayer select one of them (and you can return to others in future times of prayer). Enter into it with all of your senses. Remember it in all of its detail. Experience it from this place you are in now. Notice if there is a word or phrase which rises up. Then allow that word to unfold in your imagination and welcome in images, feelings, and memories which stir in you. After a time of making space for these, begin to ask what is the invitation or call rising up from these noticings? Where is God calling you to a new awareness or action in your life? Close with some time of silence.
- Approach a soul friend, a spiritual director, or a wise elder for your word, as in the desert tradition. They might need some time to ponder this with you. It is always wise to consult with a soul companion or community when testing the fruits of prayer.
- Create a time of retreat for this holy time of year. A couple of hours is enough. Make space to sink into silence, journal, reflect on your experiences of the year past. Write about your dreams and deep desires for the year ahead. In the space of contemplation and stillness, notice if there is a word, image, or phrase which rises up.
- Go for a contemplative walk where you aren't trying to get anywhere. Your sole purpose is to be as present as possible to each footfall. Listen for how your inner life is calling you forward with each step. Be present to the gifts of creation around you (even if it is the city pigeons and trees planted down the sidewalk). Listen if they might have a word to offer to you.
- Listen to your dreams in these coming days. As you go to sleep, lay a piece of paper and pen by your bed as a sign of your willingness to receive the wisdom that comes in dreams. Consider strong dream images as possible words calling to you. Pay attention to synchronicities through the day. Are there images or words which seem to repeat themselves? If so, take note.
- Allow time for the word to ripen. This may be a slow process. If you hear a word calling, sit with it for a couple of days. Listen attentively to the stirrings of your heart in response. Eventually there will be a tugging inside of you, where you feel yourself drawn again and again to this word. Allow yourself to be in a space of unknowing with this and practice being present to your anticipation knowing that things of the soul unfold in their own time. This is a journey of transformation and the word may not make immediate sense to you, but trust that over time more of its meaning will be revealed.
We'd also like to offer two ways to continue this listening process:
Commit four days to the YouVersion plan called "One Word That Will Change Your Life." The ONE WORD plan helps you simplify your life by focusing on just ONE WORD for the entire year. The simplicity of discovering a word that God has for you makes it a catalyst for life-change. Clutter and complexity lead to procrastination and paralysis, while simplicity and focus lead to success and clarity. This 4-day devotional shows you how to cut through to the core of your intention for a one word vision for the year.
Join a 6-week Warehouse 242 Contemplative Practices study this Winter or Spring, led by Roxanne Morgan or Libba Armenta. This group explores the centuries-old traditions of slowing down, listening to God, resting in God, and experiencing God through prayer and a variety of contemplative practices. The group intentionally meets for six weeks to provide sufficient time to build some new habits. You'll explore a variety of ways to listen for God's voice, incorporating scripture, music, art, labyrinth walking, simple poetry writing, nature & imagination. Email women@warehouse242.org to sign up.
We look forward to being together Wednesday!
