Breath Prayers for Writers

by Lynn H. Blackburn @LynnHBlackburn

You’d think, as writers, that we would have all the words.

But, as writers, we know better than anyone that sometimes words are hard. 

We might struggle to find the words for any number of reasons. 

We don’t live life in a vacuum, so the impact of family dynamics, busy schedules, illness, fatigue, work challenges…even the weather can twist us into knots and make it difficult to settle our brain so we can create. 

And let’s not forget all the things that can stress us out about our writing. Deadlines, revisions, submissions, reviews…on any given day, our mind can run off the rails and into a spiral of anxiety and fear that can cripple our creative spirit. 

When everything is piling on and taking me down, breath prayers have become a spiritual lifeline for me. 

What is Breath Prayer?

Breath prayer is an ancient Christian practice that combines the natural rhythm of breathing with short scripture-based prayers. You inhale with one phrase, and exhale with another. 

I’m a huge fan of breath prayer for every aspect of life, but today I want to share a few that are specific to writers and what writers face.

Breath Prayers for Writers

For When Creativity Runs Dry

• Inhale: My help comes from you
• Exhale: Maker of heaven and earth

This breath prayer from Psalm 121:1-2 reminds us of the ultimate source of all creativity. As writers, we sometimes forget that we serve the original Creator who spoke worlds into existence. This prayer shifts the focus from our own limited resources to the infinite imagination that belongs to the One who piled high the mountains, scooped out the oceans, and painted the sunsets.

For Peace Before Deadlines

• Inhale: Not by might, not by power
• Exhale: But by Your Spirit, Lord

When deadlines loom and pressure mounts, it's easy to rely solely on our own strength and determination. This breath prayer, drawn from Zechariah 4:6, reminds us that our most meaningful work doesn't come from frantic striving or anxious effort. Instead, it flows from surrendering to God's Spirit working through us. 

For Courage to Submit Your Work

• Inhale: You do not give 
• Exhale: A spirit of fear
• Inhale: You give a spirit of
• Exhale: Power, love, and self-control

Hitting "send" on a submission can be one of the most vulnerable moments in a writer's journey. This breath prayer, based on 2 Timothy 1:7, addresses the fear that often accompanies sharing our work with editors, agents, or readers. When self-doubt whispers that our writing isn't good enough or that rejection is inevitable, this prayer reminds us that timidity doesn't come from God. 

For When We Feel Inadequate

• Inhale: Your grace is all I need
• Exhale: Your power works best in weakness
• Inhale: When I'm weak
• Exhale: Then I'm strong

As writers, we often encounter moments when we feel completely inadequate for the task before us. This prayer reminds us that our writing journey isn't about showcasing our own talents but about allowing God to work through our willing hearts—including and especially when we feel most insufficient. 

These are just a few examples of prayers I use. The next time you feel overwhelmed by the writing journey, give breath prayers a try. Inhale God's truth, exhale your trust in Him, and watch how He works through your words and your waiting.

Do you practice breath prayers? Do you have a favorite verse you pray over your writing? I’d love to hear it! 

Grace and peace, 

Lynn

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Lynn H. Blackburn is the award-winning author of Unknown Threat, Malicious Intent, and Under Fire, as well as the Dive Team Investigations series. She loves writing swoon-worthy southern suspense because her childhood fantasy was to become a spy, but her grown-up reality is that she's a huge chicken and would have been caught on her first mission. She prefers to live vicariously through her characters by putting them into terrifying situations while she's sitting at home in her pajamas! She lives in Simpsonville, South Carolina, with her true love, Brian, and their three children. Learn more at www.lynnhblackburn.com.