A Liturgy for Unnamed Ache & Grief
the power of borrowed words & prayers + a Christmas giveaway!
One of my favorite writers and contemplatives, Emily P. Freeman, says,
“When uncertainty permeates the moment, whether because of a devastating national or personal tragedy or you’re in a season of waiting or doubt, a regular practice of praying familiar words could serve as a comfort and even be considered a radical act of faith.”
Over the past year, I have found that Emily’s words ring true in my own life. Borrowing prayers, blessings, and words from others have been a great comfort to me when my own words seem to fall short or when I can’t quite form them within me and get them out of me the way I desperately want and need to.
During this Advent season, one of the themes that keeps emerging for me is the theme of Light and Dark. It’s one that I’m holding close and wrestling with as I invite the Spirit of God to hold up His loving, gentle Light to my own dark parts. As I learn what it means to hold space within me and around me for both the Light and the dark. To not shy away from what feels prickly and achy, but rather invite Hope here to sit with me right in the middle of it.
Maybe this Advent season for you is one of ache and loss. Maybe you sense something stirring in your soul — a weight of sadness, sorrow, or loneliness — but you’re having trouble putting it into words, let alone bringing it to God.
If this sounds like you, my friend, I invite you to join me on the blog today as I share with you a liturgy — a prayer — that I recently wrote; A Liturgy for Unnamed Ache & Grief.
I invite you to borrow these words of mine, to make them your own prayer – your own liturgy – if you’re having trouble finding and forming your own words in this season of Advent.
May these words today open your heart to receive the Light in those dark places of your own soul.
Read or Listen to the blog post here: A Liturgy for Unnamed Ache & Grief: The Power of Borrowed Words & Prayers
peace be with you,
celia
A Christmas Giveaway
As we discussed in today’s blog post, sometimes Advent can come with its own kind of heaviness. We carry unnamed longings, hurts, wounds, and desires always within us. But even in the midst of all that feels heavy, sad, and perhaps lonely, Christ gives.
He always gives more of Himself; more love, more hope, more healing, more Light.
And in an effort to gift you with a bit of joy and laughter this week — a little Light in the dark — I’ve decided to team up with some amazing writers and creatives to offer you the opportunity to win some very fun things. You can enter today for a chance to win one of the following prizes 😊👇🏻
✨ a $250 Target Gift Card
✨ a Book Bundle valued at $200
✨ a Stocking Stuffer Bundle valued at $115
Entering the giveaway is super simple, and you can do so by clicking this link here and entering your email. You can also earn yourself multiple entries by completing some of the tasks on the giveaway list: A Christmas Giveaway
The giveaway begins today and ends on December 15th. This giveaway is a collaboration sponsored solely by The Uncommon Normal and some other writing friends. US residents shipping only.
