Thanks for this post! For decades I’ve used my writing to connect with something larger than myself as well as the deeper parts of myself. Now I’m midway through a memoir with themes of believing/not believing/prayer and life as a scientist. You’ve given me some great things to think about. Love your essays! Many thanks.
Yes! That's it! Writing is a form of prayer - all this and, mostly, "a way to bridge the chasm between my loneliness and a greater belonging." I always say that writing keeps me company, especially during all my traveling. Thank you for clarifying this for me.
Writing is one of my core spiritual practices and definitely a form of prayer for me. The act of writing calls me to pay attention to life. When I first read Simone Weil’s words about “unmixed attention,” new paths opened before me. Thanks for this piece, Grant, and for lifting up the words of some of my favorite thinkers and teachers.
I think many writers, or I guess non-writers too . . . anyone, engages in prayer throughout their days, and they don't even realize it! For a writer, turning a prayer into a piece of writing could be golden.
This resonates today since I've just started reading Pam Grossman's "Magic Maker: The Enchanted Path to Creativity." And as you might expect, she talks about the mysterious. In any case, this further resonates because I wrote a novel set in a world with a religion similar to Christianity but different, and I had to create prayers for the characters. Understanding how and when the characters would experience the divine made me think more deeply about my own thoughts about such things.
Side note: that photo prompt is giving me serious Frankenstein vibes.
I love the exercise of creating prayers for a novel's characters, whether they are part of the story or just a character exploration. I hope you write that Frankenstein story to the photo!
I am submitting my 100 Word Story for the photo prompt of October 19.
Thanks. Janne Graham
Clint decided. The highway. Soon.
Margot was home fixing dinner: boxed mac and cheese, canned green beans, plenty of beer, and "pink ladies"--two Vanilla Wafers stuck together with raspberry jam.
They met at this exact spot. He stood looking out at the water; she ran by. Looked like she was running from something. She stumbled into him. Caught him off guard. Not so much the fall, but his reaction to her. Made him take a breath, bend toward the ground, reach out his hand.
Not enough time together, not by a long shot. Damn, if only Charlie hadn't died.
Thanks for this post! For decades I’ve used my writing to connect with something larger than myself as well as the deeper parts of myself. Now I’m midway through a memoir with themes of believing/not believing/prayer and life as a scientist. You’ve given me some great things to think about. Love your essays! Many thanks.
Thanks for the kind words, Elizabeth! I'm glad this essay resonated.
Amen, Grant. Just beautiful, heart and soul.
Thanks so much, Deborah!
Yes! That's it! Writing is a form of prayer - all this and, mostly, "a way to bridge the chasm between my loneliness and a greater belonging." I always say that writing keeps me company, especially during all my traveling. Thank you for clarifying this for me.
What a great metaphor for writing: a companion. One's art is a companion.
Loved the line: Writing and prayer are essentially conversations with the uncertainty in our lives.
Thanks, Susan!
Writing is one of my core spiritual practices and definitely a form of prayer for me. The act of writing calls me to pay attention to life. When I first read Simone Weil’s words about “unmixed attention,” new paths opened before me. Thanks for this piece, Grant, and for lifting up the words of some of my favorite thinkers and teachers.
Thanks for your kind words, Jan! I'm glad this piece resonated.
This piece of writing has touched the depths of my spirit. It is a gorgeous ministry. Thank you. 🙏
Big thanks, Vennie! I'm so glad the piece resonated.
you’re welcome!
I think many writers, or I guess non-writers too . . . anyone, engages in prayer throughout their days, and they don't even realize it! For a writer, turning a prayer into a piece of writing could be golden.
This resonates today since I've just started reading Pam Grossman's "Magic Maker: The Enchanted Path to Creativity." And as you might expect, she talks about the mysterious. In any case, this further resonates because I wrote a novel set in a world with a religion similar to Christianity but different, and I had to create prayers for the characters. Understanding how and when the characters would experience the divine made me think more deeply about my own thoughts about such things.
Side note: that photo prompt is giving me serious Frankenstein vibes.
Thanks for writing, as always.
I love the exercise of creating prayers for a novel's characters, whether they are part of the story or just a character exploration. I hope you write that Frankenstein story to the photo!
Hello,
I am submitting my 100 Word Story for the photo prompt of October 19.
Thanks. Janne Graham
Clint decided. The highway. Soon.
Margot was home fixing dinner: boxed mac and cheese, canned green beans, plenty of beer, and "pink ladies"--two Vanilla Wafers stuck together with raspberry jam.
They met at this exact spot. He stood looking out at the water; she ran by. Looked like she was running from something. She stumbled into him. Caught him off guard. Not so much the fall, but his reaction to her. Made him take a breath, bend toward the ground, reach out his hand.
Not enough time together, not by a long shot. Damn, if only Charlie hadn't died.
Beautiful
I have a similar practice of unprayed prays not for want, for revealing …