January 8, 2025 Weekly Update
On Sunday I invited you to pick up a star word during communion. The use of star words, also called “star gifts,” is a prayer practice connected to Epiphany and the new year that has been growing in popularity in Protestant churches for nearly a decade now. The idea is that a list of intention words, or guiding words, are written or printed. At some point during an Epiphany service, individuals are invited to draw a word from the basket and to use that word as a guiding word throughout the year. Typically, participants are encouraged to trust the word they have drawn, and not to replace the word. Individuals are often encouraged to place their star word somewhere they will see it regularly throughout the year to allow consistent reflection on how God has moved through, around, or in connection to that word.
I picked a word, and it connected with me and will be a healthy focus for the next few months. Many of you commented that you also appreciated the word you selected. If you didn’t pick one, or weren’t able to be in worship on Sunday, we will leave the star word basket in the front entry for a couple weeks. Or you can use an online “Star Word” generator here created by a pastor utilizing the worship series at another church. https://wheelrandom.com/view/z4d-xrs/
Here are a few reasons I think star words can be helpful for our faith and spiritual development:
- The Magi followed a star, which ultimately led them to Jesus. Therefore, we too use all the resources we have available to us—including creative prayer practices and intention words for the new year—to move closer to Jesus.
- We trust that God uses multiple ways to guide us and speak to us. Star words offer a tool to actively seek and reflect on God’s presence among us, both in the moment and in hindsight.
- We recognize that it is often easy to miss God throughout our daily lives. Having an intention word to consider both in present days, as well as to reflect on at the end of the year, allows for us to see God in ways we may not have seen God before. This is the greatest gift.
- We know that the most common prayer practice for many involves speaking to God as opposed to silence or contemplation. We believe that star words invite a new prayer rhythm of reflection and review that can be a powerful new way to connect with God.
- By not looking at or sorting through the star words at their selection, we practice the spiritual task of receiving. It is not we who are in control in this moment. Instead, we trust that God is present, and we let go of our desire to cultivate or control.
New Year Blessings,
Pastor Jared