108 | Collecting Words

I love words; but I don’t always have the right words. Sometimes I’m at a loss for what to say to myself or someone else. Sometimes I’m hungering for a word that helps me connect with the truth of what I’m feeling or to the situation at hand.

So I’ve become a bit of a collector. When I hear something or come across something that speaks to me, I capture it by writing it down or taking a photo. Then, when I’m feeling at a loss, I can return to it.

A few months ago, a friend from an online cohort ended our conversation time with this prayer that comes from the Book of Common Prayer:

Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: We humbly pray you so to guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you, but we may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Now this prayer may be too flowery or formal for you, which is okay. It is important to collect what speaks to you. That day, I heard her pray these words and my heart gave a resounding yes to “in you we live and move and have our being” and in all the cares and occupations of our life we may not forget you.” You see, in the cares and occupations of life, I too often double down on my independence, forgetting that it’s not all on me. The phrase “we humbly pray” draws me into a posture of releasing control and opening to God’s guidance.

You too can be a collector of encouraging, nourishing words. They can be prayers or lines from scripture, quotes, mantras, even images that evoke a feeling of peace, comfort, or belonging. When you are attentive and notice what speaks to you, the simple practice of gathering and collecting can provide balm for your soul on days when you feel weary or out of sorts.

Reflection Question

What quote, phrase, prayer, or mantra do you use to lift your spirits?