Writing as a Worship form; A Reflection  

Joziah Castillo ‘26 

January 31^st‘s Chapel introduced a different style of worship called “Writing as Worship.” As a writer myself, I believe this to be nothing more than true; when pointed to the Lord, writing is a form of worship. 

Recently, I have committed to journaling my prayers. However, it isn’t through the traditional form of journal and pen writing but instead, I have started typing out the prayers. I think what’s so valuable about written prayers is two things: First, writing is an expression of the heart. When reading the Psalms, it is quite clear that any kind of expression — whether that’s joy, praise, conviction, or grief — is accepted by God who wants to hear from us. 

Secondly, written prayers are a way to recount God’s goodness and our walk with Christ. This is what the Psalmists did as people who served various roles in the Old Testament such as Worship Leaders, Poets & Songwriters, Scribes, and intercessors. A part of their worship was to record and write their prayers which were expressions of their lament, praise, joy, and God’s goodness in their lives. Even today, we can do the same.  

In my prayer journal I like to add a section below the prayer of when my prayer was answered and how it was answered. This helps me keep track of what God has been doing in my walk with Him and look back at the ways he has answered my prayers. 

This reminds me of the words of Psalm 9:1 which reads, “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.” Psalm 105:1-2 similarly says, “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.” 

I really appreciated Gordon’s Chapel service giving the time to show how writing is a form of worship. If there’s something to be learned, it’s that we can write to God in any form or style. We can pray to Him aloud or in a written form. We can write a letter to Him or honor Him through a poem. 

I encourage you to practice a new style of worship. Writing is a practice that is quiet, yet an expression. It’s a form of worship that is still and brings glory to God.