By Tracie Heskett
Occasionally, we discover something soul-nutritious. An insight that strengthens us to take a next step on our writing journey. One summer evening, the “feed” delivered Joel Halldorf’s article, “Writing As Spiritual Practice: Inside the World of Medieval Scribes.”1 I clicked to read, since my fantasy work-in-progress has a (medieval) scribe character. Quotes from this introduction to a specific culture hold relevance for us today as we write for and with God.
“In the monastery, every activity was oriented toward a single purpose: communion with God. . . . Books and education were no exception.” He stated, “Writing was seen as a spiritual exercise.” To live this out invites consistent practice as we seek relationship with God through communion with Him. Exercise implies discipline in our spiritual (writing) life, in the same way physical exercise benefits us most when we make it a habit.
Monks copied Scripture, which helped preserve God’s Word for subsequent generations. More importantly, a ninth century abbot declared personal benefits from biblical copy work: “The fingers rejoice in writing, the eyes in seeing, and the mind at examining the meaning of God’s mystical words.” When we practice copying one or more Bible verses, we encounter this mind-body connection, assimilating truth from God’s Word into our hearts. We might share in the same experience as some monks, who “[relished their] work, delighting in the wisdom [they gained] through it. Nearer to God through the pen.”
According to Cassiodorus, a monk and scholar, through such “noble work,” we “preach to men with the hand, . . . set free tongues with one’s fingers and in silence . . . give mankind salvation. . . .” We who might never preach a word in public, who do not have the gift of evangelism, proclaim the good news through our written words. Scribes skilled in calligraphy and drawing illustrated (biblical) manuscripts,2 honoring God’s Word through beauty and artistic reflection.
In many ways, we learn from those who have gone before us. Today’s classical education provides an example, as it incorporates copy work as a practice. “Absorbing classical texts was the cornerstone of Greek education, where the literate were expected to carry these texts within them as a resource for life. . . .” How much more should we strive to become literate in God’s Word and carry it within us! For instance, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:105, NIV).
Halldorf summarized a valuable takeaway in his closing lines, “Writing . . . was a spiritual discipline . . . the act of writing was believed to bring [the monks and nuns] closer to God. As the scribes’ pens scraped the parchment, the words became inscribed upon their soul.”
In the teacher’s words, inspired by God, we read: “My [child], do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, . . . Let love and faithfulness never leave you; [hold them close to you], write them on the tablet of your heart” (Proverbs 3:1, 3, NIV).
- Joel Halldorf. “Writing As Spiritual Practice: Inside the World of Medieval Scribes.” Literary Hub. July 6, 2026. Accessed July 11, 2026. https://lithub.com/writing-as-spiritual-practice-inside-the-world-of-medieval-scribes/ From Reading Matters: A History for the Digital Age by Joel Halldorf. Copyright © 2026. Available from NYU Press.
- For an example, visit author/artist Lisa Bogart’s website, https://www.lisabogart.com/questbook, to view her Celtic-inspired illustrated Scripture verses and quotations.
Tracie Heskett is a best-selling author of teacher resource books, fiction, and nonfiction children’s books. She has written for educational publishers for more than 20 years and has a novel under contract. Tracie will teach two workshops, “How to Present a Dynamic Workshop” and “Writing in Place,” at the CCW Fall One-Day Conference on October 10 in Lebanon, Oregon. Visit our conference page for the day’s schedule and list of workshops.
