Do You Pray about Your Writing?

by Lori Hatcher @LoriHatcher2

“It seems easier to go to a consistent extreme than to live at the center of biblical tension.”

These wise words from Robertson McQuilkin, president emeritus of Columbia International University voice the struggle we face every day as writers—finding the balance between working and praying. Last month I challenged you that prayer (for opportunities, inspiration, book contracts) is no substitute for not working hard (Write Hard, Pray Harder). Today, I’d like to challenge you that working hard is no excuse for not praying.

I’m a Type A firstborn whose love language is acts of service. I love checking off boxes, crossing items off my To Do list, and filling my day with meaningful tasks. Action is my middle name and “Sit still,” is the most cruel request you can make of me. Many days you’ll find me standing at my computer in an effort to make writing less sedentary.

Because I’m a DO-er, I used to have difficulty sitting still long enough to pray. Then I discovered I can pray while walking, folding laundry, washing dishes . . . well, you get the picture. I also discovered that unless the Lord builds the house (and this includes my writing “house”), they labor in vain that build it (Psa. 127:1).

I noticed that the more I prayed about my writing and speaking, the more exciting things began to happen. I’d find inspiration in unexpected places. I’d connect with someone through a seemingly random set of circumstances that would bring about a writing or speaking opportunity. I’d be invited to guest blog or contribute to a website. A publication would ask to reprint one of my articles.

Instead of wasting time by praying every morning, I began to invest time in my writing and speaking ministry by bringing my needs and requests before the Lord and asking him to meet them.

Here are four ways you can pray about your writing career:

• Before you read your Bible each morning, ask God to give you insight and understanding to apply what you’re reading to your current work in progress.

• Keep a list of agents, editors, and publishing houses to which you or your agent has submitted your manuscript. Pray for them by name. Ask God to direct your project to the right publisher. Ask him to give the editors and agents supernatural wisdom and discernment to make the best decision about your submission. Tell God you’ll trust his direction and be willing to accept both open and closed doors as his will for your work.

• Write a list of dreams/goals for your writing life. Don’t be afraid to dream big. James 4:2 reminds us, “You have not because you ask not.” Like a loving father, God will wisely answer each request and lend his power to your efforts.

• Pray specifically. Two years ago, I asked the Lord to open the door for me to teach at Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference. In May of 2015, God answered my prayer. Now I have a list of writers’ conferences I’m praying about. Each day I pray through the list and ask God to bless the conference directors and give them wisdom to know who can minister best to their conferees.

If you feel like your writing career is going nowhere, I challenge you to give prayer a chance. I can confidently say you’ll be amazed at what happens. If you pray about your writing career, tell us about it in a comment below.

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4 ways you can #pray for your #writing career - @LoriHatcher2 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Do You #Pray About Your #Writing? Thoughts from author @LoriHatcher2 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)