There are two types of writers. Which one are you?
by E.A. Bear (Dan)
INTRODUCTION
This article is the first in a series about writing with the Holy Spirit. Today, we will explore faith and scripture, what it means, and how to do it, before closing out with a prayer.
The Holy Spirit is not just any spirit—He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He goes by many names: The Paraclete, The Holy Ghost, The Sanctifier, and the Unknown Friend. He is God, and believers are baptized in His Name (Matthew 28:19-20). He has the power to protect believers so that nothing can steal their salvation (Ephesians 4:30). He dwells within believers and transforms them into the temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Therefore since you and I are temples of God, we can write with our Sanctifier whom indwells as a friend. Be consoled knowing God gives his servants the words to say, for Jesus said:
“When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” (Luke 12:11-12).
Do you think this was written by man? Who gave man the words to say. God!
God is the author!
This is affirmed by Catholic Christian doctrine:
(CCC 136) God is the author of Sacred Scripture because he inspired its human authors; he acts in them and by means of them. He thus gives assurance that their writings teach without error his saving truth (cf. DV 11).
God is the author of sacred scripture, affirmed by scripture and tradition. However, this is scripture and not the writings of the ordinate.
(CCC 1776) “Deep within his conscience man discovers a law which he has not laid upon himself but which he must obey. Its voice, ever calling him to love and to do what is good and to avoid evil, sounds in his heart at the right moment. … For man has in his heart a law inscribed by God. … His conscience is man’s most secret core and his sanctuary. There he is alone with God whose voice echoes in his depths.”
What about the Bible?
(Romans 2:15) “They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.”
So there we have it: God speaks to man in his heart.
THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF WRITERS
Just as a plant needs water, so do men need scripture.
If you have eyes to see and ears to hear, check out Matthew 13:
He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” (Matthew 13:31–32)
Jesus answered, “If you knew the gift of God and who is asking you for a drink, you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” (John 4:10).
So drink up if you want to become like a mighty tree!
THREE REASONS TO WRITE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT
Why write with God? John 14:12.
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.” (John 14:12)
Another reason is God’s wisdom. Corinthians 1:25.
The foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. (1 Corinthians 1:25).
A third reason is that he calls men by name. Exodus 35:30-35.
For God called artists Bezalel and Oholiab by name and gave them the wisdom and craftsmanship to become the chief artisans of the tabernacle. (Exodus 35:30-35).
So worry not, do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4:6)
LECTIO DIVINA—PRAYERFUL WRITING
Now there is a type of spiritual prayer, called Lectio Divina, where one contemplates sacred scripture and writes with God. Lectio Divina is a monastic practice that was first established in the 6th century by Benedict of Nursia. There are four components: four components of Lectio Divina—lectio (reading), meditatio (meditation), oratio(prayer), contemplatio (contemplation)
I use the Universalis app which features prayers, the daily reading, and detailed instructions on how to do it by yourself or with a group, including the daily reading.
I start my morning with the daily reading and keep God in my heart throughout the day. I use this same methodology and principles for personal writing and other activities. The key is being in constant prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18), which means having an intimate relationship with God in all things (John 17:3).
Being with God is simple: make an act of contrition for your sins, invoke the Holy Spirit, and be present to God.
God says: Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10).
The reality of these things presupposes the spiritual warfare, which includes demons (Ephesians 6:12-13). For Satan can come as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:3) and can deceive even the elect with signs and wonders (Matthew 24:24).
Regular reading of scripture is important as the fruits of this daily watering will bear fruit in your personal endeavors and other writing projects.
Lectio should be brief and personal. There is no need to write elaborate theological treatises. Write about your life, take note of the emergent patterns, and then discuss it with your spiritual director.
Now let’s get into some prayers.
I’m going to list out a few prayers for you to recite, but keep in mind that God reads hearts (1 Chronicles 28:9) so even if all you want to do is say The Our Father (Matthew 6:9-13), God will still know what you need before you ask it (Matthew 6:8):
Here are the prayers!
NOW FOR TWO EXAMPLES — PERSONAL AND HOMILY
Now that we’ve completed the prayers, let’s show what it looks like. I’ll use a personal example and a homily so you can compare each.
Here’s my entry from September 8 for the reading of Mark 7 where Jesus healed a dumb and mute man with the word ephphatha—be opened. Compare this with the following Homily provided by Fr. Gabriel.
Homily on “Ephpheta: Be Opened! (Sunday September 8)
Today’s Gospel reading from Mark 7:31-37 presents a unique and powerful story of Jesus’ healing ministry. It tells of a man who is both deaf and mute, a man whose world is silent and isolated.
Jesus, moved by compassion, heals this man by touching his ears and tongue, and uttering the Aramaic word “Ephpheta,” which means “Be opened.”
This healing is more than just a physical restoration. It is a spiritual and symbolic act, a re-creation of the man’s being. Jesus’ words, “Ephpheta,” are a call to new life, a invitation to step out of darkness and into the light.
The Gospel’s reference to the man’s hearing and speaking being “opened” echoes the creation story in Genesis. When God created the world, He saw that everything was good, and very good. This was a moment of divine satisfaction, a moment when the world was brought into being in its fullness.
In healing the deaf and mute man, Jesus is performing a similar act of creation. He is bringing this man into fullness, restoring his ability to hear and speak, to connect with the world around him. It is a powerful reminder of God’s creative power and His desire to restore us to wholeness.
Our baptism is a similar act of re-creation. In the waters of baptism, we are cleansed from sin and given new life. We are symbolically reborn, just as the deaf and mute man was healed.
But baptism is not just a one-time event. It is a continual process of renewal, a lifelong journey of becoming more fully who we are meant to be. It is a call to “be opened,” to allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and minds.
Today, I invite you to consider your own spiritual journey. Are you open to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit? Are you willing to let go of the things that hold you back, the fears and doubts that keep you from experiencing the fullness of life?
The word “Ephpheta” is a challenge, a call to action. It is a reminder that we must be willing to open ourselves up to God’s love and grace. When we do, we will experience a profound transformation, a healing of our souls.
Let us pray that we may be open to the healing touch of Jesus, that we may be filled with the Holy Spirit, and that we may experience the fullness of life. Let us pray that we may be true disciples of Christ, following His example and sharing His love with the world.
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen!
CLOSING REMARKS AND PRAYER
Writing with the Holy Spirit is relational.
I invite you to seek a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit by contemplating sacred scripture, journaling about it, and then comparing it to the daily homily.
Let’s close out with a prayer:
Dear Lord God, you are the only Way to the Father through Christ Jesus whom we are joined by the person of the Holy Spirit. You are always faithful to your servants, calling them to perfect your power in their own weakness. Thank you for the gifts you have given us, which are given freely for the purpose of building up your body with Christ as its head. Please increase our faith, hope, and charity so that we can love you more. Give us the strength, power, and wisdom to rebuke evil and all things that offend you. Teach us your ways, Lord. Help us to always remember you when we wake up, throughout the day and evening, and before we sleep. I ask for the protection of all my brothers and sisters. I forgive all of my enemies, especially those that wish evil upon me. May the Lord have mercy on them and convert their hearts. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.
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