In ancient books, scrolls and papyrus, in sand and clay, carved in stone and wood and cliffsides - ancient people wrote everywhere. Some wrote on animal skins, leaves, turtle shells, and bamboo stalks. Some tattooed their skin, making their bodies into holy books.
Many religions believe that God's writing is also to be found in nature itself. The leaves blowing in the wind is the writing of God. The shape of water rushing through a creek is the writing of God. The stripes of the tiger is the writing of God.
Western religions teach that God created everything through language, "Let there be light!" And so hidden within every physical thing are the holy words. In Eastern religions the universe is ripple of vibrations from one great divine word - "Om".
You will find your own ripple of sacred language - a verse from a holy scripture. Your verse should not be too short nor too long (one or two paragraphs is best). Your verse should be beautiful and meaningful to you.
I have many of the holy books in my classroom, others are in the library. I have also picked out a number of important verses. You may use these if you like, but be aware that you may be using the same verse as another student.
You can also find your own verse. Read a chapter of a holy book and search for a meaningful verse. Go to church and listen to the Bible verses being read. Ask one of the Dominican Sisters on campus for her favorite verse. Ask your Jewish relatives what Torah portion they learned for their Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. Ask your Muslim friend to recommend a verse from the Quran. Or go to a Kung Fu class and see if the calligraphy hanging on the wall might just be a verse of Buddhist scripture.
Search until you find a verse that speaks to you with words that are powerful and beautiful.
"Early holy writing was recorded on palm leaves, camel shoulder bones, and upon the hearts of the believers."