Pilgrimage of the Word
A journey out of the heart of darkness, into the heart of God
The Pilgrimage of the Word is a way of engaging with, and responding to, the Scriptures through the metaphor of pilgrimage. It consists of this website and a WhatsApp group - contact Dave Smith on davidborrowdale54@hotmail.com to join the WhatsApp group.
The Pilgrimage of the Word seeks to investigate age-old questions such as Why are we here? and Where are we going?
Our most recent virtual pilgrimage was along the Pilgrim’s Way from London to Canterbury. Click on the button for more information.
An account of a domestic pilgrimage around Christ Church, Crookham in the UK can be found here.
Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage - Psalm 84.5
The Pilgrimage of the Word consists of four steps and four options
[1] - Holy Longing
”Examine yourselves”, 2 Corinthians 13.5
The pilgrim journey begins with new thoughts or experiences that are in some way challenging, or a desire to examine previous thoughts or experiences.
Steps
[2] - Pilgrim Journey
”Set your heart on pilgrimage”, Psalm 84.5
During the journey review and reflect on these thoughts and experiences, looking for anything new or perhaps inconsistent with previous experience and understanding.
[3] - Prayerful Arrival
”Be transformed by the renewing of your mind”, Romans 12.2
Draw conclusions from your experiences and reflections, forming new ideas or modifying existing concepts.
[4] - Servant Response
”Love one another”, John 13.34
Prompted by what you have learnt on your journey, commit to appropriate areas of service in God’s Kingdom.
Options
Virtual Pilgrimage - In which you don’t necessarily get up and about to make a journey
Domestic Pilgrimage - In which you move around a home or garden
Neighbourhood Pilgrimage - In which you use your immediate locality
Wayfaring Pilgrimage - In which you explore much further afield
Camino de Santiago by Peter Currie, watercolour, 2024
Pilgrimage of the Word may be practiced in one settled position as there is no need to travel to a specific location to meet with God; the Virtual Pilgrimage option gives guidance on how to do this. Alternatively, it may be helpful to go on a spiritual journey in the form of an actual, physical, pilgrimage which is covered by the other options. Click here to see all four options.
Click here to see the suggested steps for going on a pilgrimage, whether virtual or physical. You may also find it helpful to look at the following personal examples of pilgrimages:
This page discusses what the Bible says about pilgrimage.