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Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 38

Today is Maundy Thursday (don’t ask me what that word means.) The traditional ritual associated with today is foot washing, because Jesus did that at the last supper which happened on a Thursday, apparently. Some churches–not many of my Episcopal tradition–recreate this experience on this Thursday of Holy Week. A church I belonged...

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Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 36

On this Wednesday of Holy Week, we are about to begin an incredibly human time. Yes, events end with the astonishment that is God. But first we have disappointment, betrayal, bullying, calculation, and violence. The underside of humanity. That truth will inform our Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 36, For our contemplative writing prompts...

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Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 35

Today’s Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 35 is inspired by Ordinary Time. There’s actually a liturgical period called that. Don’t ask me anything else about it. But it’s the in-between times. The period when no big thing is happening, liturgically. That we honor it with its own name and recognition satisfies my soul....

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Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 34

When we return to former places, is it with a sigh of relief? Or with deep regret? This is the question for our Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 34. Make a list of times you returned to a former hometown, a known rhythm of your days, an exercise routine you abandoned, a project you let slip away. When your list is complete, write...

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Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 32

Just a reminder about these Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 32. I’ve done my best to offer prompts to help us see anew. That includes re-seeing ourselves, the world around us, and the act of writing. You can read more about this practice at the School for Contemplative Living website. Seeing anew doesn’t require a big shift....

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Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 31

I’m holding on to Saturday, y’all. By which I mean, my fingernails are digging into the wood as I try to hang onto this cliff of offering Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 31. Easter is in sight. The end of Lent is coming. (Y’all are saying, she does so much bitching about this offering, she’s not gonna get any credit...

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Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 30

Here is our Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 30: Think of a saying you tell yourself all the time. It might be something you inherited from your parents. My dad used to say, “Things are tough all over.” It reverberates in my head. Or perhaps it’s a litany you repeat to yourself when things get difficult (“I need something...

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Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 29

For Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 29, take a common color such as blue and write down every type of that color you can think of (navy, teal, etc). Take a second common color and do the same (such as red and scarlet, persimmon). Look at your list. Which colors are also nouns? (the US Navy, the Teal duck, the persimmon fruit). Write those...

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Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 28

For Contemplative Writing Prompts for Lent: 28, go outside and sit by a running water source. Or put a water video on your computer and sit by an open window. Listen. Listen. Listen. Five minutes before your 20 minutes is up, complete this sentence: When I listen to water, the divine comes to me as….. Gold foil mini-statue with key to...

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A Failed Contemplative

I come to contemplative writing as a failed contemplative. Hell, according to my beloved friend Suzanne, I don’t even pronounce it correctly (she wanted “con-TEMP-la-tive,’ while, unless I’m referring to a person, I generally use “con-tem-PLAY-tive.”)  My failure at contemplation isn’t for want of trying. I’ve done meditation going all...

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