The Writer's Prayer

by Sandy Tritt

Open my mind, Lord. Grant me the talent to write with clarity and style, so my words go down rich and smooth, like fine wine, and leave my reader thirsty for more.

Open my heart, Lord. Grant me the sensitivity to understand my characters—their hopes, their wants, their dreams—and help me to confer that empathy to my reader.

Open my soul, Lord, so I may be a channel to wisdom and creativity from beyond my Self. Stoke my imagination with vivid imagery and vibrant perception.

But most of all, Lord, help me to know the Truth, so my fiction is more honest than actuality and reaches the depth of my reader’s soul.

Wrap these gifts with opportunity, perserverance, and the strength to resist those who insist it can’t be done.

Amen.

on and off the page

by Bill Halpin

Dear God,

I pray that my words and my stories honor you. In my career, help me to never compromise my integrity as a Christian nor reject your fullness as God.

Bless me the wisdom to identify my characters' weaknesses when they are in me and the strength to apply their mistakes as lessons in my own life.

Grant me the discipline to reject distractions so that I may be satisfied with my accomplishments each day.

Above all else, help me remember that any success, fame, or money, comes not from my abilities, but through your grace.

Amen.