Poetry Encounter
A one-on-one session using Scripture-centered poetry forms to engage imagination, quiet striving, and open the heart to encounter God through the written word.
"He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God."
Psalm 40:3
More Than Writing Words —
Receiving a New Song
A Poetry Encounter is not a writing class. There are no grades, no correct answers, and no requirement that you have ever written a poem before. It is a guided creative session in which Scripture becomes the starting point, and your own voice — however quiet — is invited to respond.
Each session begins with a passage of Scripture read slowly and contemplatively. Your facilitator will guide you into a simple poetry form designed to engage imagination without overwhelming the mind — forms that work with the brain's natural rhythms, not against them.
You do not need to share what you write. The poem belongs to you. But many participants find that putting words to what has been wordless — even in a single line — brings a surprising sense of relief, clarity, and closeness to God.
"Poetry does not explain God. It makes space for Him to be felt — in the pause between lines, in the word that arrives unexpectedly, in the rhythm that steadies the breath."
Four Ways to Encounter
Through Poetry
Each poetry form is chosen for how it engages the brain and the spirit — not for literary sophistication, but for the quality of encounter it makes possible.
Lectio Poetica
A slow, contemplative reading of a Scripture passage followed by a guided poetry response. Participants listen for a word or phrase that stirs the heart, then let that word become the seed of a short poem — no experience required.
Breath & Line
A poetry form rooted in the rhythm of breath. Each line is written on a single exhale, mirroring the body's natural pace. This practice gently regulates the nervous system while anchoring participants in Scripture and present-moment awareness.
Psalm Shaping
Using the structure of the Psalms as a template, participants write their own lament, praise, or petition — giving language to what is often wordless. This form is particularly powerful for those carrying grief, confusion, or longing.
Communal Voice
A group poetry encounter in which each participant contributes a single line to a shared poem built around a Scripture passage. The result is a collective act of worship — a poem that belongs to everyone and to no one alone.
How God Designed Language
to Reach the Heart
Scripture itself is largely poetry — Psalms, Proverbs, the Song of Solomon, the prophets. God chose the language of image, rhythm, and metaphor to carry His deepest truths. There is a reason for that.
Language and imagination work together — engaging both hemispheres of the brain simultaneously
Rhythm and meter regulate the nervous system — moving the body from survival into safety
Metaphor opens what direct speech cannot reach — allowing truth to land in the heart, not just the mind
Writing externalizes the internal — giving form to feelings that have never had words
Scripture becomes personal — not just studied, but inhabited and expressed
The act of naming brings integration — connecting emotion, memory, and meaning in a single line
The Language God Chose
"He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God."
Psalm 40:3
"Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit."
Colossians 3:16
"My heart overflows with a pleasing theme; I address my verses to the king; my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe."
Psalm 45:1
You Do Not Need to Be
a Poet
A Poetry Encounter is for anyone who has ever felt that words fail them — and who longs for a different way to approach God. It is especially meaningful for those who carry things that are hard to say directly.
No prior writing experience is needed. The forms we use are gentle, structured, and designed to support — not intimidate. Many participants are surprised to discover that they have more to say than they thought.
"He put a new song in my mouth."
Psalm 40:3
Ready to Find Your New Song?
Contact us to schedule your first Poetry Encounter session. No experience necessary — only a willingness to be present.