The spiritual practice of choosing a word of the year has been lifegiving for me. One word, a theme for the year, guides me when I get lost in the fog of to do’s and calendar demands and overwhelmed by the news. One word to remind me who I am, whose I am, and what I am called to do. One word that acts as a trellis, supporting me, stretching me, and sustaining me.
Each year this word finds me; I don’t really discover it. Funny, isn’t it? Sometimes a word arrives loudly like last year’s word – courage – did for me. This year was quieter.
About mid-November I began making a list of possible words I would read or hear that seemed to attract me. As the weeks went on, I would circle ones on that list that continued to shimmer in my soul. Sometimes in December I narrowed the list down to a few candidates including one that whisper to me in a dream one night – unusual for me as I rarely remember dreams. The one finally rose to the top, often consolidating some of the themes found in the other words on the list. One word jumped alive to me, large enough to encompass layers of meanings for me to explore during the year and one that just felt right.
I have learned over the years of practicing this discipline to keep it simple and go with my intuition once I have narrowed the list down.
2026 Word of the Year – WAY
Way is mentioned is many inspirational Bible verses. This one is where I will start:
This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ Jeremiah 6: 16
The invitation to walk with Jesus on his way, the way, the Way is strong. I will listen and follow with intention to yield myself to the Creator to shape me as He wills. I will honor this word and wait as it unfolds throughout the year revealing its lessons.
What about you? Do you choose a word of the year? If so, share your word and let’s encourage one another in this practice.
Without fail, I love your word choices, Jean! This year is no exception. We have a ministry in my town called His Way. It’s a live-in recovery center for former addicts. Several years ago I was helping with something for it, and spent a lot of time working with the word “way.” I remember how rich the word was, providing so many avenues to go down. I’m excited to see the path, the “way,” that you’ll go this year with this word!
This is so encouraging. thanks for sharing your enthusiasm for my word.
Way is such an interesting word choice for 2026. I look forward to the methods God uses your word to teach you to follow His ways in all areas of life.
When I first read your words, I thought you had chosen “yay”. Can you imagine what a journey that would be?
wow I love the word YAY and made me think of all the possibilities of what rhymes with way. I think I will ponder this and maybe write another post about it. Thanks for sharing !!!
Hi Jean,
Your WOTY is an interesting one. Jesus called Himself ‘the Way, the Truth & the Light’ in John 14:6. It will be an exciting journey to see what He reveals to you this year.
Visiting from Lisa’s WOTY linky today.
Blessings, Jennifer
I know the Bible verse you mention and yes yes it will be part of this year’s journey with this word. Thank you for commenting and yes I did visit and comment on. your blog too. Glad we connected!
I’ve participated in word-of-the-year studies in the past, but most of the time it’s Bible studies that find me! For the next eight weeks I’ll be steeping in Hosea, along with 125 or so other women at our church. I’m delighted to delve back into this book–it’s been a number of years since I last studied this prophet’s message. No doubt when the Womens’ Bible Study winds down the end of March, I’ll read or hear about another study that piques my interest, to keep me worthily occupied until the fall semester at church. And so it goes!
Hosea would be a great Bible study. I too did that a number of years ago and maybe it is time for another visit. Thanks for sharing this!!
Dear Jean, I am always inspired when others carefully choose a Word and then live it out through the year. Thank you for showing us how to do that well . . . it’s something I’ve never been able to accomplish! A very belated happy new year to you, friend.
Hi Linda. What helps me live a word throughout the year is Lisa Burgess monthly inspirations about this practice. It helps me to keep the word alive and then I look for its lessons. Happy New year to you too my friend