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What are Star Words?

The use of star words, also called “star gifts,” is a prayer practice connected to Epiphany and the new year that has been growing in popularity in Protestant churches for nearly a decade. The idea is that a list of intention words, or guiding words, are written or printed on paper stars. At St. Andrew, we are using the lovely prepared cards from A Sanctified Art.

Like the star that guided the magi to the Christ child, a star word offers us the opportunity to explore where God might be guiding and inviting us--whether to pay attention, to follow, to wonder--for the next year.

Many of us selected a card in worship earlier this month (Jan. 2026). The idea isn’t to keep trying to get a word you “like” or are comfortable with, but to make space for the word even if it's challenging. 

This word is meant to be a guiding word for you for the year—to incorporate it into your prayers and devotions, to look for it—or its synonyms—in scripture, to see where else it might show up in your life (music, news stories, conversations). And as you encounter it and incorporate it, to wonder and notice “how God is moving through, around, and in connection with your word”.

If you missed it, they are still available at church! If you will not be in worship but would like a word, please contact Pr Jenna and she'll help you get one. Your word does not have to be a secret, but you also don't have to share it unless you want to.

There are several theological statements being made in this tradition

1. The magi followed a star, which ultimately led them to Jesus. Therefore, we too use all the resources we have available to us—including creative prayer practices and intention words for the new year—to move closer to Jesus.

2. We trust that God uses multiple ways to guide us and speak to us. Star words offer a tool to actively seek and reflect on God’s presence among us, both in the moment and in hindsight.

3. We recognize that it is often easy to miss God throughout our daily lives. Having an intention word to consider both in present days, as well as to reflect on at the end of the year, allows us to see God in ways we may not have seen God before. This is the greatest gift.

4. We know that the most common prayer practice for many involves speaking to God as opposed to silence or contemplation. We believe that star words invite a prayer rhythm of reflection and review that can be a powerful new way to connect with God.

5. By not looking at or sorting through the star words at their selection, we practice the spiritual task of receiving. It is not we who are in control in this moment. Instead, we trust that God is present, and we let go of our desire to cultivate or control.

Content and images used in this point are from A Sanctified Art, and are used with permission.