Unpacking My One Word for 2022

@bethvogt

 

I’m five days into focusing on my One Word for 2022. A quick reminder, because you’re not responsible to remember my One Word: I’m focusing on the word pray.

Pray, not prayer.

I’m specific about the difference between the two words. Prayer is a noun, a word referring to a person, place, or thing. Pray is a verb, a word referring to an action or occurrence. This year, I want to be actively praying.

While I didn’t set aside my 2021 One Word listen before the end of the year, I did find myself concentrating on “pray” before I’d turned my calendar to 2022. I even started wearing my “pray” necklace in mid-December. When I pray for someone during the day, I clasp the medallion with the word “pray” stamped on it.

My friend Jeanne gifted me my visual for my One Word: a sign with the words “Pray, Trust, Wait,” printed against a gray background. A good reminder that not all answers to prayer are immediate.

An unexpected addition to my year of prayer is a soft gray blanket from my friend Fran. It’s become a prayer shawl, something I wrap around my shoulders as I pray each morning. And yes, there are versions of prayer shawls, to include the one referred to in Old Testament that includes fringe that reminds the wearer of God’s commandments, as well as another type of prayer shawl that is prayed over while it is knitted or crocheted, and then given as a gift.

For me, wrapping this blanket/shawl around my shoulders signifies it’s time to pray. I like to think this shawl will be saturated with my prayers. It may be just my imagination … but I’m going with it.

I also plan to read various books on prayer this year. I’ve started with 100 Prayers Every Christian Should Know: Build Your Faith with the Prayers That Shaped History by Bethany House Publishers. Categories include Prayers for Peace and Comfort; Prayers for Light and Guidance in the Darkest Hours; Prayers of Thanksgiving and Gratitude; and Prayers for Humility.

I’m just beginning my 2022 prayer pilgrimage. I’m not certain where this path will lead me, but I certainly hope – pray – it will draw me closer to God.

So that’s me and my One Word for 2022. How about you?

 

Unpacking My One Word for 2022 #OneWord2022 #thepowerofoneword
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'There's power in words. Beauty in words. Grace in words... They stimulate our creativity. And they script our possibilities.' #quote from My One Word Challenge by @mikeashcraft and @RachelOlsen #words #OneWord
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