 |
| Source: modernekklesia.com |
For those of you who can't join us in person, we offer the next best thing -- a blog version of our lesson, so that you can do it at home. This series is called: Scripture & Writing.
Week Two: Letter Writing -- prepared by Pam Williams
Prayer: Dear Lord, may all who read this lesson feel compelled to write a letter to someone this week. Please put people on our hearts who need encouragement and let us step out in love, giving the gift of a letter. Amen.
Devotional: “A
Letter to God” by Sue Monk Kidd from www.guideposts.org
Scripture: Jude 1:3
"Dear friends, I had intended to write to you about the salvation we share. But something has come up. It demands that I write to you and encourage you to continue your fight for the Christian faith that was entrusted to God's holy people once for all time."
Questions about the Scripture:
1. Letters are a great way to relate specific incidents of God’s hand on our lives or to encourage someone whose faith is being challenged. How have you used letters to share your faith?
2. Jude mentions circumstances that came up “demanding” that he
write. What circumstances have demanded or driven you to write?
3. Letter writing differs from other types of writing. Letters are often written to one person or perhaps a family or other small group who hold a special place in the heart of the writer.
When we can’t talk to someone in person we write--it's a great way to stay connected. Letters reveal our innermost thoughts and feelings, allowing the receiver to catch a glimpse into our souls.
4. Letter writing is a recognized writing genre. It takes writing skill to gather and organize our thoughts and feelings to share with those we care about. The Biblical authors, Paul, Peter, John and a host of others, are considered writers. Many of their “manuscripts” that we study are in the form of letters. Can you think of other author's whose genre was letters?
When we can’t talk to someone in person we write--it's a great way to stay connected. Letters reveal our innermost thoughts and feelings, allowing the receiver to catch a glimpse into our souls.
4. Letter writing is a recognized writing genre. It takes writing skill to gather and organize our thoughts and feelings to share with those we care about. The Biblical authors, Paul, Peter, John and a host of others, are considered writers. Many of their “manuscripts” that we study are in the form of letters. Can you think of other author's whose genre was letters?
5. Jude’s desire was to encourage his friends. Share about a
time you wrote to someone to encourage them.
(Please leave a comment regarding the questions. We'd love to discuss it with you!)
Tips for Letter Writing: Letter writing is
becoming a lost art. And yet, those who receive them consider letters a gift,
saving them for decades. You will find some heart-warming letter writing tips at Sarah Branch’s blog post, "Letter
Writing as an Art".
Homework Assignment: Write a letter encouraging a friend on
his/her spiritual journey.
Thank you, Pam, for your lesson. Letter writing is a great way to show someone you love them. I love the writing tip idea that a letter is a gift. I also like the idea of putting a gift in the letter (like a bookmark or a favorite recipe).
ReplyDeleteI agree,Dawn. I thought that approaching a letter as a gift really gave me a new perspective on the value of letter writing.
DeleteThis is so encouraging, bless you.
ReplyDeleteDenise, Thank you so much!
DeleteThanks, Denise. Your posts always give your readers a boost of faith.
DeleteI love writing letters and cards and feeling a special connection with that person! When I receive one from someone else I feel blessed in return knowing they took time from busy lives to think of me! I try to include scripture or the little prayer cards too. The practice brings joy to both parties!
ReplyDeleteCheryl, I agree. I used to write letters back and forth with my best friend. We did it for years. I have all of them in a box and I cherish them.
DeleteCheryl, I have been on the receiving end of some of your letters and notes and they truly are a gift. Thanks so much!
Delete