Struggling with Star Words

January 6th was Epiphany, or the Feast of the Epiphany. The word itself means “to make manifest,” “illuminate,” or “shine forth.” Epiphany celebrates the story from chapter two in Matthew’s gospel where magi from the East follow a star to the Christ child; and, instead of returning to King Herod to report the baby’s location, those wise magi defiantly choose to return to their own country by another road, thus thwarting the tyrant Herod’s plan to destroy the child.

Over the last decade, the prayer practice of using star words in observance of Epiphany has gained popularity in Protestant churches. A star word is an intention word or a guiding word written on a piece of paper, sometimes in the shape of star. People receive a star word at random and place that word somewhere they will see it regularly throughout the year. It is meant to provide consistent reflection on our faith journey, and to help us discern how God is moving in our lives in connection with that word. Some examples of star words are ‘confidence,’ ‘empower,’ ‘awareness,’ and, ‘connection.’

We received star words in the worship service last Sunday at Friends Congregational Church. For many of us, this was a first. So, I wanted to provide some additional guidance here for how to use your star word in your daily prayer practice. Here are a few prompts from the creative team of ministers at Sanctified Art: To use your star word in daily prayer, you might start by looking up the definition of your word, even if it is a word you know well. You may even look into the etymology of the word and how its meaning has changed throughout history. Then, ask, “What does this word remind me of? Does it recall any memories or experiences for me? How might God be speaking to me through this word?” Next, see if you can find your word—or a synonym—in the Bible. What scripture passages can you find? How is the word used in these passages? Are there other scripture passages that remind you of your word? Finally, write or speak aloud a prayer using your word.

I have had a few conversations with church members since last Sunday who are struggling with what their star word might mean for them—words like ‘grow,’ ‘source,’ ‘choice,’ and ‘stability.’ The star word I drew is ‘home.’ When I first read that word, it immediately resonated with the fact that our daughter will be graduating from high school in a few months and leaving home for college—wherever that may be—making us empty nesters. Certainly, ‘home’ will have deep meaning for me in 2026 as I prayerfully discern God’s movement in my life in connection with that word.

But now I am struggling with an interpretation of that word in relation to my discipleship with Christ: Jesus did not have a home. In Matthew 8:20, Jesus says, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.” So, what does it mean for me, and what implications will it have on my life, to follow a Savior in this New Year who is homeless when my star word is ‘home’? Maybe God’s Spirit that Jesus says makes a home in each of us is inviting me to reexamine my understanding of what my star word means, and to lean into that illuminated perspective without fear.

What is the indwelling of the Divine inviting you to do in these days of New Year and new beginnings? Where might your star word be leading you in 2026? Do not be afraid to struggle with those questions. You are not alone. The grace of Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit are with you.

To keep us moving ahead—shining forth—here is a prayer written by The Rev. Vida Jaugelis, Pastor of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in North Vancouver, British Columbia, that she wrote for her congregation about their star words for Epiphany. Would you pray with me?

“God, we acknowledge that we are not always ready to receive your best gifts for us. You have given us an epiphany star word in order that our searching will bring us to you. It is often our habit to turn aside, stumble over, or even reject experiences and encounters that we later understand to have been precious gifts. Help us to be open to the gift that you offer us now through our star words. We acknowledge that we do not fully understand what this word might mean for our faith, but we receive it from you with gratitude and pray that your Spirit will enable us to live into our word with intention and faithfulness. Amen.”