The weight of responsibility settles on me every time I sit down to write. My goal is to share about a life lived for Christ; a life I strive for, but continually fall short of obtaining.
My imperfection makes me feel like a hypocrite because I need my own words more than anyone else. “Who am I to teach anyone about Christian living?” I wonder.
I think of James’ warning; “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgement.” (James 3:1) My gift of teaching requires careful attention to my words.
Crafting sentences becomes a great balancing act. I must remain genuine, while also representing God well, and avoiding the trap of mediocre Christianity.
Yet, if I think too much about my writing—if I worry about being misinterpreted, or about what people will think of me, then I crumble under the weight of anxiety. So instead I pray; humbly handing over my work to God.
A Christian Writer’s Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for blessing me with the gift of teaching. I am honored you chose me for such an important role in your kingdom. Give me discernment as I read scripture. May your Word train me and equip me for the good work you planned for me (1 Timothy 3:16-17).
As I sit down to write, I ask for your guidance and wisdom Lord; for I am merely your vessel. I desire your words and your message to flow through me.
Clear my mind and remove any thoughts that are not from you. Give me the right words to say; words which will glorify you and not confuse my reader.
Remove all anxiety about what people will think of me; for I am not to be concerned with pleasing people, but pleasing you. (Galatians 1:10)
Please anoint my writing with the power of the Holy Spirit. Bring my message to those who need to hear it. You are sovereign over all, and can arrange such encounters.
Open the hearts and minds of my readers to see you. May my words encourage them in their faith and help fuel their desire for more of you.
And while I desire for many lives to be changed and hearts to return to you, even if no one reads my writing, I am still grateful for the opportunity to write. For the greatest gift of writing is growing closer to you.
Thank you for never leaving me nor forsaking me (Deuteronomy 31:8); for I cannot do this without you. Thank you for going ahead of me and making the way.
Only because of your mercy and grace am I able to write. And only by the power of the Holy Spirit will my words ever make a difference in people’s lives.
May my writing honor you, and glorify your holy name.
Amen.
When I humbly hand over my work and my desires to God, Jesus helps carry the load. He steps up next to me and gently guides me in His ways as we move forward together (Matthew 11:29).
The responsibility still weighs on me, but the burden is light with Jesus at my side.
Linking up with Susan B Mead and Grace & Truth
Amen! Thanks for this.
You are welcome Heather. Being a writer is hard work, I hope you felt encouraged.
Beautiful prayer, I’ve often thought about that admonishment about teachers too, but you certainly have a great gift, and bring out real gems in Scripture.
Thanks for your kind words Lizzy.
Amen! The best gift about writing truly is drawing closer to Him 🙂
Thank you, Kira, for developing this prayer and sharing it with us. I’ve printed it out and hope to say it each morning as I begin to write. I hope all of my words not only help others but honor the Lord. Like you say, this is both a great responsibility and a great privilege.
Your welcome Melissa. I hope this prayer blesses your writing.
Thank you for this beautiful and powerful prayer! May God continue using you for His glory.
Thank you for this I have been feeling this same way its like you came from heaven to speak to me through the holy spirit I have been writing for the lord myself and I must say I enjoy it more than anything. However, I do need to schedule when I write my blogs so that I will not neglect my husband he is the only right know that needs my attention kids are away for summer. I really thank you for this inspirational post and email I most definitely will be taking this in to consideration.
This is just the prayer I needed today. Lord, I am overwhelmed at how much there is to do and how much I want to do. But more than that I am scared that I won’t do you justice with my writing or that I am not mature enough in You. Lord, guide my steps and use me in the way you want to use me. In Jesus name I pray! Thank you for sharing.
What a nice prayer! Our attitude in prayer will set the tone and determine the quality of our conversation with our Master. Our prayers will have the most sway with God, and we will be most swayed by God when our prayers flow from a humble heart. This will come when we realize our deep dependence on God in every area and circumstances. Thank you!
Thank you for this! God led me to your blog and to this prayer today. God bless you