Steps

There are four steps in the Pilgrimage of the Word. There are no hard and fast rules with regard to the time spent on each stage. It could be a few minutes or a much longer period, depending on your circumstances.

1. Holy Longing

“Examine yourselves” - 2 Corinthians 13.5

Before you actually set out, your journey begins with identifying new thoughts or experiences that you find in some way challenging. Or perhaps something has occurred that makes you want to examine previous thoughts or experiences.

Yearning - Ask yourself, what is the 'holy longing' or 'restless searching' that is prompting you, personally, to make a pilgrim journey? Is it:

  • To encounter God?

  • To build your faith?

  • To give worship and praise?

Identify a position, posture or destination. This will depend on which of the four options you have chosen:

  • For a Virtual pilgrimage, use pictures, memory triggers and online resources, or an artistic project, to stimulate your imagination to go on a virtual journey.

  • For a Domestic pilgrimage, decide which locations you will move between. Again, choose a posture you can maintain and that minimise stress.

  • For a Neighbourhood pilgrimage, choose a suitable local destination such as a church or scenic spot where you will be aware of the creative hand of God.

  • For a Wayfaring pilgrimage, choose a destination to travel to, perhaps a classic pilgrim destination such as Canterbury or Rome, or somewhere with particular importance for you.

Plan the practicalities of your journey.

Scripture - Identify the issue that is of significance to you, together with a relevant passage of Scripture to explore.

  • Reading - slowly read the passage into which you wish to journey.

  • Think - about what you are reading, focusing on each part of the passage.

  • Re-read - the passage several times.

  • Listen - the aim is to be attentive to God in the silence. Constantly listen for the prompting of the Holy Spirit. See if a word or phrase is particularly relevant for you.

2. Pilgrim journey

“Set your heart on pilgrimage” - Psalm 84.5

This is the step where you review and reflect on your thoughts and experiences. In particular, look for anything new or perhaps inconsistent with previous experience and understanding.

Journey - Keep yourself alive to the ideas, impressions and experiences you encounter and receive.

Companionship - Maintain an awareness of God as your companion on the journey, as well as any friends who may accompany you.

Meditate - At convenient and appropriate places during your journey, make time to meditate on your chosen Scriptures.

3. Prayerful arrival

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” - Romans 12.2

Your reflections on the journey become formulated into definite ideas and prayers. Draw conclusions from your experiences and reflections, forming new thoughts or modifying existing concepts.

Arrival - Once you have arrived at your destination, pause and take stock of your recent experiences. This is the place to which ultimately you have been journeying. It could be in your home, a church, of somewhere further afield. We know we can meet with God anywhere; the value of the place rests in the fact that the anticipation will help us dwell and rest in the presence of God. It becomes a ‘thin place’, a place where heaven and earth are close.

Pray - Speak to God about your recent journey, reflecting back what you have discovered during your meditation.

Give thanks for all that has been shown to you along the way.

Confess - Recognise the thoughts that may have led you astray.

Entreat - Ask God to give you the wisdom and courage to enter into all he has been showing you. Pray that you will receive blessing through the transformed ideas and memories that your reflection on his Word has awakened.

4. Servant response

“Love one another” - John 13.34

The practical application of what you have learnt from your pilgrimage through the Scriptures. Prompted by what you have learnt on your journey, commit to appropriate areas of service in God’s Kingdom.

The Return - You begin to reflect on this on your journey home, as well as at home itself.

Decide how you will respond to the insights received during your pilgrimage.

  • Review your resources

  • It may be useful to discuss your promptings with other people. This can be particularly helpful to test the legitimacy of what you have been hearing.

  • Decide if there is something specific to do.

  • Plan to put into practice your new understanding

  • Be prepared to hear the call to further journeys.

Remember to choose the option that best suits your aims and circumstances. Click here to see details of the four options.