Pilgrimage of the Word
A journey out of the heart of darkness, into the heart of God
The Pilgrimage of the Word is for those looking to encounter God by making pilgrim journeys through the Bible, the Word of God. It looks to help not only those already familiar with the Bible, but also those who are simply curious. It consists of three elements:
The website provides practical steps for fulfilling the longing to encounter God by explaining how to undertake a pilgrimage "for making a journey out of the heart of darkness and into the heart of God".
The WhatsApp group is used for some of these pilgrimages, enabling participants to share thoughts, observations and prayers.
The community is made up of people who visit the website and subscribe for email updates, and the members of the WhatsApp group.
The most recent pilgrimage focused on “shimmering”. Click on the button for more information.
The set of five virtual pilgrimages called “The Windows of the Soul” can be found here. An account of a domestic pilgrimage around Christ Church, Crookham in the UK can be found here.
Everyone is welcome to join the community - no payment or membership is required - and make a personal journey, in the company of the community. Email Dave Smith for further information: davidborrowdale54@hotmail.com
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
Your pilgrim journey begins with new thoughts or experiences that are in some way challenging, or a desire to examine a specific Scripture.
Steps
2. Pilgrim Journey
”Set your heart on pilgrimage”, Psalm 84.5
During your journey, mediate on the Bible verses you are reading as you review and reflect on your thoughts and experiences.
3. Prayerful Arrival
”Be transformed by the renewing of your mind”, Romans 12.2
Your reflections during the journey become formulated into definite thoughts and prayers, 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 further afield
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; this page on the virtual pilgrimage option provides more guidance. 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.
Camino de Santiago by Peter Currie, watercolour, 2024
You may also find it helpful to look at the following step-by-step illustrations of each option:
There is more on the steps for a pilgrimage on this page, whether virtual or physical, and this page discusses what the Bible says about pilgrimage.