Writing Is a Libation

 November 13, 2025

When Paul says he is being poured out like a libation, we writers know what he is talking about. For me, writing is a libation

What is a Libation?

Paul in 2 Timothy 4:6 says, “For I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand.” (NAB) Paul has poured his life out onto the ground in service to God. Some may consider that a waste of talent, others the ultimate gift to God and the world.

According to one of my daily reflections, “a libation is the act of pouring a liquid offering onto the ground, usually in a religious ceremony.” Most often this is an alcoholic beverage such as wine. It may seem like a waste of good wine, pouring it out on the ground. But it is an offering to God. Sounds a lot like writing.

As I reflect on these words, I think about all of the ways in which writing is a libation. Writing is the finest wine; it makes your head spin and your heart race. It’s a hearty quaff. It’s fun as you pour yourself on the page. Afterwards it leaves you feeling empty.

You pour out your heart and soul on paper, or nowadays on a computer. You put words out into the world, not knowing if anyone will ever read them. It can feel like pouring it out onto the ground. But it is a gift to God.

Often it can feel like a waste of time, all of the time I spend writing. I feel drained from all of the effort, leaving me with little energy for other good deeds I could be doing. Things like acts of charity and service. And yet I believe this is what God has called me to do, so I continue.

Writing is a Libation

In the end we pour the chalice till it empties, with nothing remaining. We hold nothing back from God. Our God, who poured out himself for us, requires nothing less from us. God pours himself into the world. Far too often it falls on barren ground where it appears to be wasted. Yet nothing that goes out of God’s mouth fails to come back to him, accomplishing what it is meant to do.

“As the rain and the snow come down from heaven,
and do not return to it without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 10-11 NIV)

And so, I am comforted, even when it feels like my writing is a libation, wasted, poured out on the ground. I find reason to rejoice.

“But, even if I am poured out as a libation upon the sacrificial service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with all of you.” (Phil 2:17)

So drink up! Enjoy the headiness of writing. And when nothing remains, rest, enjoying the fruits of your labor.

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